What are The Various Types of Flat Roofs?

Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings, but they are steadily making their way to homes.

Flat roofs are preferable over gable roofs for many reasons, but the types of flat roofs available can be confusing.

We have made this post to help you understand the various types of flat roofs.

What are flat roofs?

Flat roofs are flat or slightly convex and may be stained smooth finish or even ribbed. They have a contemporary look and are often used on buildings to funnel rainwater into gutters, saving money and cleaning the roof easier.

They also create storage space for water tanks, HVAC systems, and other units, which is why it’s often used for commercial buildings.

Types of Flat Roofs

1. Built-Up
   The most common flat roof is a “built-up” roof, which contains multiple layers of asphalt or gravel. Built-up roofs are popular, thanks to the fact that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
   The fact that they are typically made up of three layers also provides extra protection from damage, which is especially important for commercial buildings where water damage can be exceptionally costly.
2. Modified Bitumen
   Another common type of flat roof is the modified bitumen roof, which is similar to built-up, except that it is paved with thin layers of asphalt.
   The thin layers are often sprayed on top of the ground, which provides more protection from water damage during heavy rains.
3. Ply Roofing
   Another type of flat roof is the “ply roof.” They are made of multiple layers of wood or oriented strand board (OSB ), glued together to form a plywood-like surface. Ply roofs are slightly less expensive than built-up roofs.

Flat roofs have several advantages, including:

• Their contemporary design and practicality.
• Flat roofs have few design limitations, which means they can be installed on almost any building. They can even be used creatively to bring in more natural light, such as skylights.
• Flat roofs also have easier maintenance. All you have to do is wash them from time to time and remove fallen leaves.

Get Reliable Roofing Services

Beach Cities Roofing provides you with a variety of roofing services. We have expertise in all roofing forms and years of experience serving Orange County, CA, and San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Be it re-roofing, roof repair, or roof maintenance; our experts can help.

For more information on roofing services or to schedule an appointment, call us at 949-329-9981.

You can also contact us through our Contact Us page.