What Goes into Flat Roof Construction?

If you need a low maintenance, affordable roofing system that’s durable enough to last you decades, then flat roof products are the obvious choice. They provide benefits for building in both the residential and commercial sector, but there are things to consider before beginning any flat roof construction. Below are some of the important questions you should ask about a flat roof solution before you begin building.

When is it needed?

For housing purposes, flat roofs can sometimes be an essential bypass if town planners won’t permit the height required for a pitched roof. From an aesthetic point of view, they’re also a highly viable option for ground-floor extensions for multi-storey buildings. Meanwhile for developers and business owners, they’re appropriate as a quick, economic solution for covering commercial buildings. Flat roofing is also useful for waterproofing warehouses or for making public building more flame-resistant among other uses.

What are the main considerations?

• What material you should choose – Flat Roofing materials range from fibreglass or bituminous felt options to rubber systems such as EPDM. They each have unique benefits for certain types of construction.
• The size of your project – This will obviously affect the amount of material your flat roof will require. In addition, the shape of your building should be considered, as this will affect the amount of trimming needed.
• Ensuring that your ‘Flat’ Roof is not ‘Level’ – Flat systems have to ensure water can flow off them, thus which way they are slightly slanted needs to be decided on.
• Deciding between a Warm or Cold Flat Roof – Essentially, a warm flat roof is packed with insulation for additional warmth, whereas a cold flat roof allows air to flow between its joists, which can be vented to ensure a continuous air flow. This choice is a factor that should be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on what you want for your project.
• Maintenance Concerns – It’s best that someone is able check the roof at least twice a year to clear any debris that, if left, could cause structural damage to your flat roof. In addition, with excessive rainfall, moss can also sometimes be an issue, making maintenance considerations even more important.

For more information on flat roofing solutions, check out our own high-quality, well-insulated material, the RubberBond Fleeceback. Alternatively, if you’d like some advice or a FREE survey and quote, then feel free to Make An Enquiry. We’re always happy to help with any issue you may have!