Flat roofs date back to ancient Egypt.

Using mud and plants to construct houses, people would secure their homes with a well-made flat roof. Fast forward, and today homeowners are enjoying a modern twist on an ancient style.

Flat roofs are making a significant comeback for residential and commercial properties. If you’re thinking about getting a new flat roof, this article’s for you.

What are the best flat roof material types? Read on to find out.

Rubber Flat Roof Material Types

Commercial and domestic property owners can benefit from rubber flat roof material types. Using EPDM as the material, you’ll be able to enjoy a cost-effective roofing option that’s utilized worldwide. The efficient and durable material is perfect for the roofing industry.

Rubber doesn’t wear out quickly, and it has a life expectancy of up to 50 years. To reach the 50-year mark, you’ll have to make sure you’re properly maintaining your roof.

EPDM rubber is perfect for low-sloping roofs or flat roofs. It’ll be able to keep the water from penetrating the building, so you’ll never have to worry about leaks. EPDM is also a great choice if you’re looking for a roofing extension or a roof for your garage.

Installation Costs

You won’t have to pay a lot to get an EPDM roof installed. Unlike other roofing materials such as metal, it’s easy to install EPDM rubber roofs.

The material is also lightweight, so workers won’t have trouble moving it from one place to the next. To adhere the rubber material to your roof, the company will use some type of roofing adhesive. Once the system is entirely in place, they’ll glue it to the deck.

Easy to Maintain

Another benefit of EPDM materials is that they’re easy to maintain. Since the material is completely waterproof, you shouldn’t have any issues with mold or fungus.

The rubber material is also age-resistant. The roofing material is also environmentally friendly. It takes very little energy to produce the rubber, and they use eco-friendly materials.

TPO for a Flat Roof

Are you looking for flat roof material types that use a single-ply? What about a roofing material that’s also energy efficient? Then consider getting a TPO roof.

When you have a look at the pros and cons of flat roofs, one of the biggest pros is easy maintenance. With TPO as your roofing material, you’ll be guaranteeing things are easy to take care of.

Periodic cleanings, and inspections, will keep your roof in great shape. TPO even provides the same advantages as EPDM and PVC. You’ll have an affordable material that’s also UV and heat-resistant

TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. The single-ply reflective roofing material uses ethylene-propylene rubber and polypropylene. 

Installation Cost

How much will you have to pay to have your TPO roof installed? Commercial building owners and residential homeowners will be happy to know that the prices are low. It’s normal to get TPO roofing installed at $5 per square foot.

It’s normal for the TPO to be attached using a mechanical system that allows the white membrane to stay exposed. The TPO membrane consists of 3 separate parts.

First, you have the TPO polymer base. Second, you have the polyester-reinforced fabric middle or the scrim. Finally, there’s a thermoplastic polyolefin. The material will also include different fillers such as fiberglass or talc.

Energy Efficient

Since TPO has a white reflective surface, it can exceed the EPA’s energy start rating requirements. You’ll find it easier to keep the temperature cool in your home or building, no matter how hot it gets during the summer. Say hello to a lower energy bill!

Metal for a Commercial Roof

One of the most significant advantages of a metal roof is that it can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. The lifespan of your metal roof will depend on the quality of the metal materials used. In comparison, a typical asphalt roof will usually only last 12 to 20 years.

Along with having longevity, metal roofs are also incredibly durable. If you live somewhere with high wind gusts, you won’t have to worry about metal cracking. If you live somewhere with intense storms, you won’t have to worry about fires happening from lightning striking the roof.

Installation Cost

Metal roofs are considered a premium roofing material, so you can expect to pay a lot more to have one installed. For instance, it’s normal to pay 3 times more for a metal roof than you would for an asphalt roof. As long as you plan on owning the property long enough to enjoy the return on investment, metal roofs are a safe purchase.

Color Matching 

The downside to metal roofs is the potential of color matching issues during repairs. Suppose you need to repair your metal roof 30 years after it’s installed.  In that case, it might be challenging to find a metal color that matches the existing metal.

Since the existing metal will gradually wear down over time, the new metal piece will stand out. This also holds true if you’re building a home extension.

Maintaining Flat Roof Types

Whether you decide to get a rubber roof or a metal one, you’ll need to set up a regular maintenance checklist. You should regularly check your flat roof to make sure that there’s no damage or debris.

You’ll also want to keep the roof clean and trim back any nearby trees. If there’s ever a leak, deal with it immediately. The longer you let the leak progress, the more damage it’ll cause.

Finally, double-check that you have the proper drainage system in place no matter what material you choose. We suggest putting reminders in your phone for the different tasks. That way you’ll have a roof maintenance plan on autopilot.

Choose Your Flat Roof Material

Now that you know more about the different types of flat roof materials, it is time to make your decision. Whether you’re looking for a material to cover your home or commercial building, there will be a suitable option out there for you. 

For example, if you want a durable roof, then getting in touch with this specialist otsego roofing company can help to get the ball rolling on installing a metal roof. However, if you want a fast installation that’s easy to maintain, TPO roofs are a great way to go. 

Start getting quotes from different roofing companies today so you can finally get the roof you want. For more ways to get what you desire, check out the rest of our website. 

Jane