Determining which materials you should use for a new roof of your home or business can be tricky, and in the end it will come down to a range of factors. For example, you are going to need to consider the style of your property, the overall aesthetic of the property and the longevity of the material options. Upgrading your roof is not something that you should undertake without a thorough consideration of all of the options, and that’s what we’re here to help you with!
It’s true to say that flat roofs are not visible in the same way that other types of roofing is, but the material that you choose for this project is still going to be essential. But it’s not all about how it looks at the end of the day, it’s also about how well the material is going to hold. Let’s take a look at some of the options we recommend you consider using.
TPO
Do you want something that is affordable but will also stand the test of time? If so, then TPO might be the right roofing material for you. It’s an affordable option that will be able to hold for years to come, and will only need replacing if it takes some super heavy hits. It’s one of the most inexpensive options on the market currently, and should be able to last you up to 20 years if it is well taken care of and maintained. It is pretty resistant to most things, so there isn’t much that could cause the kind of damage that would require you needing to replace it before it’s time.
The great thing about TPO is not only that it’s an affordable option, but also that it’s super easy to install. Of course, we recommend having a professional do this for you, and TPO will be cheaper than other options for labor also. But, you should also be able to have a good crack at it yourself if you know what you are doing.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has long been one of the most popular options when it comes to flat roofs, and this is for good reason. People understand that the benefits of metal roofing are massive, and are worth the little bit extra that you will have to pay for it.
For example, metal roofing is some of the most durable roofing on the market, with you being able to just leave it and not need to do anything. As soon as you have had a professional roofer install your roof, you can just leave it alone, not needing to do any kind of maintenance with it, and it will still last you for years to come, decades even. Due to its durability, you can also trust metal not to break, crack, splinter, or anything like this unlike some of the other options available for roofing.
If you are looking for a roof that has green benefits as well as the regular benefits, then metal is a fantastic option. Not only can it be recycled once it is no longer able to do its job anymore, but it is also environmentally friendly, helping you to save on your energy bills. Metal is a fantastic insulator, making it fantastic for this.
Modified Bitumen
We’re all on a budget, and if yours is on the lower end of things then it might be worth looking into modified bitumen for your roofing project. This comes out as one of the cheapest flat roof options available to purchase at the movement as it will use an asphalt membrane as a core component of the roof.
The main problem that people have with this material is that it doesn’t last as long as some of the other roofing options that we are exploring. It’s more common for this type of roofing to crack, and that puts the expected lifespan somewhere between 10 and 15 years. The issue here is that you may end up spending more money by having to replace your roof more regularly than you would like. If you’re not too worried about how long it’s going to last though, then perhaps you should put this material at the front of the list.
PVC Roofing
A versatile and high quality choice, PVC roofing has certainly made a name for itself over the last few years. Many people choose PVC these days due to the fantastic reputation that it has garnered, and it was definitely well earned. It is true to say that it’s one of the more expensive options, there is a reason for this. The lifespan of a PVC roof is around 20-30 years, putting it right up there with some of the other long lasting options, if falling a little shy.
It’s also important to note that PVC roofing is resistant to lots of things that would compromise the quality of other materials such as chemicals, water, and fire. Your roof is less likely to be damaged or collapse when faced with adversity when it’s made out of PVC.
The only issue with this type of roofing though is that once you pass the ten year mark, it gets a little bit tricky to repair. So, if you do find yourself needing a repair on the roof, you are going to end up paying more for it than you would a different type of flat roof material.
Rubber Roofing
Have you heard of synthetic rubber for roofing? It has got quite a few fans out there thanks to the fact that it can last up to 50 years if it has been installed correctly and to the highest standard. While it might not be easy to achieve this high quality installation yourself, a professional should have absolutely no problem doing this. As such, you’re pretty much guaranteed a roof that will last a good few decades.
You may have heard of this type of roof being referred to as EPDM roofs, and if you have, then know that they are the same thing. It’s an uncomplicated option that will last you a while and you don’t have to give an arm and a leg to be able to afford it.
Rubber roofing is one of the most celebrated types of roofing, and is often referred to as one of the most advanced and modern of the materials available for flat roofs. It all comes down to the fact that it’s one of the most flexible, and long lasting materials available.
Fiberglass Roofing
Also known as GRP roofing, fiberglass roofing is another fantastic option for your flat roof. This material can handle pretty much anything that is thrown at it, either by the elements and the ever changing season, or by people. It’s a lightweight, easy, and convenient option that will be able to stand the test of time thanks to its durability.
When correctly installed, you can expect this kind of roof to last between 20-30 years which is similar to how long PVC roofing will last. Of course, this depends on whether or not the roof was installed correctly!
The only downside with this is that it is one of the most expensive materials for flat roofs, so it can be quite costly to make this happen. However, it looks amazing and is going to keep your home safe against the elements, so it’s definitely something worth considering.
There are kits available for this if you want to try your hand at it yourself, and it is perfectly okay for you to do so. It’s not too difficult to get it up, but you have to make sure that it’s done properly and to the highest quality if you want to get the most out of it. If you don’t know what you are doing here, then it’s especially important to get a professional in to assist you. You don’t want to ruin an expensive roofing material simply because you don’t want to ask for help.