The most common types of flat roofs from Republic Roofing. Flat roofs are great for achieving a clean and minimalistic look. And despite being an affordable roofing option, they offer plenty of advantages to the homeowners, such as an ample terrace space (which can be used for extra storage) and easy maintenance. Although some people are not that fond of their aesthetics, these roofs offer some unique advantages that are not possible with other types of roofs. But to choose the best flat roof for you, you need to understand the three major types of flat roofs – Built-up roofing, Modified Bitumen Roofing, and Single Ply Membrane.

1. Built-up Roofing (BUR)

This is perhaps the oldest form of flat roofing system available anywhere. Due to the advent of other types of flat roofs, built-up roofs are becoming less common among residential flat roofs these days. But they are still a highly sought-after option when it comes to commercial buildings due to their simplistic look and affordable installation.

BUR comprises 3-5 layers of hot asphalt coated on top of each other. The more the number of layers, the better will be the lifespan of the roof. This type of flat roof can also protect your home from harmful UV radiation thereby improving insulation. So, installing a built-up roof is a good way to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.

2. Modified Bitumen Roofing (MBR)

The days of installing multiple layers of roofing like BUR are long over especially when it comes to residential roofs. Instead, single-ply or single-layer process such as MBR is used mostly these days. Modified Bitumen Roofing (MBR) is essentially made of polymer-modified asphalt along with a reinforcement of polyester and fiberglass.

This type of roofing is quite easy to install. However, unless you are a professional, it is not recommended to attempt it yourself. It comes with several adhesive options as well that use a simple peel and seal mechanism. Furthermore, you can choose from plenty of colors for your MBR roof. Almost all colors offer excellent reflectivity that can help keep your home cool and comfortable in summer.

3. Single-Ply Membrane

These roofs are made of a single layer of material that is built over a substrate. Roofs built with a single-ply membrane generally offer better performance and a longer lifespan. There are three subtypes of single-ply membrane roofing you can choose from – TPO, EPDM, and PVC.

TPO Single-Ply Membrane Roofs – Their cost can range from $5.5 to $6 per sq ft. This material is highly flexible and can be shaped to fit around obstructions. They are eco-friendly and affordable at the same time. TPO roofs are resistant to mold and algae growth as well as dust and corrosion.
PVC single-ply membrane roofs – The cost of PVC roofs can range between $8 and $12/sq ft. They have a good lifespan, and their maintenance requirements are considerably low. Moreover, there are plenty of colors and patterns to choose from. So, you can easily choose one to suit your home’s architectural style.
EPDM Single-Ply Membrane Roofs – Their price can range anywhere between $6 and $13 per sq ft. In general, they are used as a replacement for Built-up roofs. When it comes to colors, you can either choose black or white. They also come in reinforced and non-reinforced versions. Apart from this, they are highly reflective and resistant to UV radiation. One of the greatest advantages of EPDM roofs is that their installation is quite easy and affordable. Lastly, these roofs offer excellent resistance against heat, lightning, impact, and fire.

Conclusion: Most Common Types of Flat Roofs

There you have it – some of the most important things you need to know about flat roofing systems. If you want expert assistance for the installation, repair, or maintenance of your roof, get in touch with our knowledgeable and experienced roofing experts today. To learn more, give Republic Roofing a call at 901-446-3651 and schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experts right away. We service areas in Lakeland, Germantown, Bartlett, Memphis, and Collierville, TN.