If your home or commercial building has a low-sloped roof showing signs of warping, tearing, or ripping due to excess water damage, it’s time to consider a low-sloped roof replacement.
When working with Artisan Quality Roofing, we strive to offer the best customer service and provide the best low-sloped roof materials and roof underlayments on the market so your home or business gets optimal protection even during North Carolina’s wettest months.
Best Materials For Low-Sloped Roof Replacement
Flat roofs have a tendency to collect pools of water more commonly than pitched roofs because of their design. Flat roofs are not entirely flat- in fact, all types of roofs have at least a slight slope in their design as a way to drain water, including flat roofs.
Flat roofs are a great choice for many homeowners and business owners because they are generally a less expensive roofing option when considering the cost of a new roof, and they offer a modern look. However, identifying leaks on a flat roof can prove to be more of a challenge than on pitched roofs.
We want our clients to get the best flat roof materials for their new roofs, so we’ve put together a list of the best roofing materials for your low-sloped roof project.
Single-ply Membrane Roofing (EPDM)
Made of synthetic rubber, single-ply membrane roofing materials are often the top choice for consumers when it comes to replacement technology. A leading choice for commercial roof systems, EPDM rubber is a quality material with a good reputation for affordability. Homeowners looking for a full roof replacement also find EPDM roofing to be a top choice for single-ply roofs.
Here are some advantages to choosing single-ply roofing materials:
- EPDM is more affordable when compared to other roof systems.
- Choosing a darker shade of EPDM roofs allows it to absorb heat, and reduce energy bills.
- Rubber roofing materials provide flexibility and elasticity, which is helpful in handling harsh weather conditions.
- At 0.03 inches, the roofing material is thin, making for easier and faster installation.
Built-up Roof (BUR)
A traditional roofing material for a flat, low-sloped roof structure. Remaining a valued material in the industry, Built-up roof materials for flat roofs combat roof challenges better than most asphalt shingles.
BUR roofing materials are made of layers of hot tar mixtures of asphalt and bitumen felt, which when combined and properly installed create monolithic and shiny roof membranes.
Here are some reasons to consider Built-up Roof for your flat roof replacement:
- BUR roof lifespans last between 15-30 years, requiring limited maintenance during that time.
- Exceptional UV protection which reflects heat.
- All weather protection features are thanks to multiple layers of materials.
- Less expensive than many other roof replacement options.
- Low energy consumption makes for lower energy bills.
Modified Bitumen
Similar in component and structure to built-up roofs, modified bitumen roofs are constructed from layers of BUR technology and cap sheets made of polymer rubber. Our qualified roof replacement professionals can apply modified bitumen roof materials in several ways, but the best techniques for your home or business will depend on the specifics of your property.
Application approaches for modified bitumen are:
- Hot applied
- Torch applied
- Cold applied
- Self-adhered
Modified bitumen roofs offer many benefits, including:
- Easy and efficient installation, resulting in reduced labor costs.
- Waterproof materials that limit water leaking through the joints and seams.
- Mechanically engineered sheathing stands up to inclement weather conditions.
- One of the more eco-friendly, sustainable roof products on the market.
PVC Membranes
PVC low-sloped roofing materials are made of polyvinyl chloride material. PVC membranes offer exceptional durability thanks to their strength- PVC roofing can endure more weight than other roofing materials commonly used for commercial roof replacements.
PVC flat roof material is heat welded at the seams. This roof installation process for the PVC roof seams allows the flat roof to expand and contract with the building.
Reasons to consider PVC membranes as a choice for your home or business are:
- Strong materials make for a roof that will last up to 20 years.
- Made of fire-resistant and chemical-resistant properties.
- A great choice for sustainability due to recyclable materials, the ability to reflect heat, and energy-efficient cooling and heating of the entire structure.
TPO Roofing Membranes
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is an industry favorite, and one of the best material choices for a new roof.
Although the name would suggest that a TPO roof would be made of plastic, it is actually made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber, a different type of rubber than you’d see on an EPDM rubber or modified bitumen rubber roof.
Some reasons to choose TPO roofing over other roofing material types for a flat roof are:
- Highly effective at resisting bacteria causing dirt, debris, algae, and other buildups.
- TPO’s flexible membrane resists punctures, tears, and damage from impacts.
- Energy efficiency reduces HVAC costs.
- The lightweight and flexible quality of TPO materials make for an easy, fast installation process.
Spray-On Low-Sloped Roofs (Silicon spray)
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs are less common than other flat roofing materials but make for a long-lasting, durable roofing material choice. Spray foam roofing materials are used for roof repairs and replacements where your experienced roofing contractor will spray a liquid mixture of chemicals onto your roof.
The flat roof material expands into the foam, allowing the roof to hold up well to the potentially damaging weather effects of mother nature. Despite not being as commonly used as other roofing materials, there are many advantages to using a silicon spray of polyurethane foam.
Advantages include:
- Increased sustainability and lower energy bill costs.
- the highest R-Value of any roofing material. R-Values refer to the capacity of the insulation materials to resist heat.
- Strong, self-sealing features that are long-lasting for up to 50 years.
- One of the easier roof materials for maintenance.
What Is The Longest-Lasting Low-Sloped Roof Material?
In recent years the materials for a flat roof have improved in craftsmanship and overall quality. Your new flat roof materials should have industry-standard waterproofing materials that will keep water from pooling which creates damages and leaks.
Modern-made flat roof materials used for residential and commercial buildings must have:
- Durability
- Cost-effectiveness
- Safety features like chemical protection and fire-resistance
- Heat insulation
- Acoustic isolation
- Solar radiation resistance
- Biostability
CertainTeed Roofing Systems
When it comes to choosing the best flat roof materials for your property, it depends on the features of each individual building. Artisan Quality Roofing stands behind the long-lasting quality, workmanship, and integrity of CertainTeed’s commercial and residential low-sloped roof systems.
Contact Artisan Quality Roofing For The Best Low-Sloped Roof Materials
If you’ve noticed a crack or leak in your roof that affects the integrity of your roofing structure and materials, it might be time for a full roof replacement. At Artisan Quality Roofing, we offer exceptional and professional roofing services. Our skilled roofing contractors provide the very best replacement services for flat roof installation.
Call us at 919-906-3791 to request a free estimate today.
