Flat roofs are vulnerable to ponding, which can cause leaks. This is why it’s important to choose a quality roofing material for your building to ensure the safety, protection and safety of its occupants.
In this post, your trusted roofing and siding contractor compares two of the most popular flat roofing materials, single-ply membrane and built-up roofing.
Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
There are two types of single-ply membranes: thermoset and thermoplastic. Thermoset membranes are made from rubber polymers and need liquid adhesive or tape for a watertight seal at the overlaps, while thermoplastic membranes have a reinforcement layer of polyester or fiberglass for added strength and stability.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing is usually made from alternating layers of roofing felt and waterproofing materials, such as coal tar pitch, asphalt, cold application asphalt and modified asphalt. Sometimes called “tar and gravel,” built-up roofing is finished off with a layer of gravel or other mineral substance for sun damage protection.
Which Material Should You Choose?
Single-ply roofing is long-lasting and boasts a Class A fire rating, making it a great option for replacing old flat roofs. Single-ply roofing can last for around 30 years provided it’s installed by a competent roofing and siding installation contractor.
Built-up roofing is a popular choice for commercial roofing systems and can also be installed in homes with flat roofs. It’s not as vulnerable to leaks due to its continuous surface. Another benefit is that it doesn’t require much maintenance after installation.
For quality exterior services, turn to A1 Siding & Roofing. We only install quality roofing and vinyl siding products from leading manufacturers in the industry. Call us at (603) 627-7339 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate. We serve clients in Manchester.
