Why Flat Roofing is the Best Low Maintenance Roofing Solution

Flat roofing is an ideal roofing option for projects requiring a low maintenance roofing solution that stands the test of time. Flat roofs provide a low-cost alternative to pitched roofs, that are quicker to install and can be maintained easily when required.

Flat roofs are appropriate for a variety of buildings and projects. To consider if a flat roof is the right option for your current project, you should evaluate the benefits and uses of flat roofing, along with deciding which material will be your best fit.

Benefits of Flat Roofing

Flat roofs are easier to install than traditional pitched roofing, and can be built with minimal intrusion to occupied buildings. Due to the fast speed in which flat roofs can be installed, properties can be occupied sooner than with pitched roofing projects.

Flat roofs are simple to waterproof, ventilate and insulate, with a variety of traditional roofing products having been adapted to suit these projects. Despite the misconception that pitched roofing provides better drainage and insulation, specialist flat roofing drainage systems ensure flat roofs meet or exceed the standard of pitched roof drainage. Materials such as Bituminous Felt, Fibreglass and our own RubberBond Fleeceback EPDM also ensure flat roofs are effectively insulated, in addition to being excellent waterproofing solutions.

Flat roofs require less frequent maintenance than pitched roofing, with some materials remaining strong 40 years after installation. On the occasion when repairs are required, the ease of access ensures they can be repaired safely and quickly with minimal specialist equipment other than your chosen material.

The Best Uses of Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are most commonly seen on commercial properties due to their unrivalled suitability for covering large areas. However, flat roofs are an excellent choice for a variety of property types.

Flat roofing is ideal for residential projects as it can be maintained with limited impact on occupied buildings. Once the construction has been created, any membranes or waterproofing can be applied quickly and easily – this makes it a particularly good option for extending existing residential properties that remain inhabited during the project.

Not only are these roofs perfect for large commercial properties, but is also appropriate for smaller commercial and public sector buildings. The low cost of installation and maintenance, when compared to pitched roofing, ensures building project expenses stay low without any compromise on quality. Flat roof solutions are generally long-lasting, but if repairs are needed they can also be completed quickly and efficiently, minimising risk of business downtime.

Flat Roofing Materials

Flat roofs are versatile, in that a variety of materials can be used to create them. When choosing a material for your project, the ease of application, longevity of the material and ease of maintenance should all be considered.

Fibreglass Roofing

Fibreglass is a commonly used building material, that has many uses besides flat roofing and is a cost-effective product. The primary benefit of fibreglass is its ability to be easily moulded and former to unique shapes, making it ideal for any unconventionally shaped roofs.

Bituminous Felt 

Bituminous felt, otherwise known simply as roofing felt, acts as a waterproof roof covering for flat roofs. It is made from a combination of fibreglass or polyester fleece that has been combined with a bituminous material. The combination of fibreglass, or fleece and tar creates a material that both insulates and waterproofs, and can be applied in either a pour and roll or torch on method.

Rubber Roofing & EPDM

Rubber roofing is an easy to apply roofing material that requires minimal maintenance, but can also be fixed more easily and efficiently than other products. Aside from ease of installation, the primary benefit of rubber roofing and EPDM is the longevity and natural waterproof properties of the material.

We feel that flat roofing is the superior roofing option for commercial, public and residential building projects. Our own product, RubberBond Fleeceback, is a high-quality, well insulated EPDM material developed for this purpose, exclusively implemented by trained installers. To find out more about how RubberBond can fit into your flat roof project, get in touch with our team.