(Newswire.net — October 10, 2013) Vancouver, BC — All roofing systems have their pros and cons, and research and careful consideration are necessary prior to selecting one that is right for you. One of the first things you should look into is your community’s bylaws regarding roofs and, of course, height and size restrictions of homes in your neighborhood. Remodelling an older story-and-a-half house to a full two story structure adds a lot of usable space, but it might not be permitted.
Flat Roof Advantages
Assuming you do choose a flat roof, one of the biggest concerns will be water run-off, and even snow build-up if you live in a snowbelt area. So, how does water get off of a flat roof? Well, it’s not really flat, you see. Generally it needs at least an eighth of an inch of slope for every foot of horizontal area, and drainage holes at the edge to direct water into downspouts. Larger roofs may even require scuppers: openings that allow rain water to drain straight into the sewer system under the house.
The cheapest covering for flat roofs is roll asphalt, typically applied over felt and covered in a gravel-like, granular mineral layer. Don’t expect this type of roof to last more than ten years; even less in areas with more severe weather. You can get a little more longevity from single-ply plastic or rubber compounds, such as TPO, EPDM and PVC, which also reflect heat well to keep your home cooler in summer.
Quality Technical Flat Roof
For a truly long-lasting flat roof, up to 30 years, a multiple-ply covering of overlapping felt and asphalt layers is a good bet. This type of covering is sometimes covered with tiles and, if the structure has been designed for weight-bearing, can be used as a roof-top patio.
Truth be told, we have only scratched the surface here, as there are too many other flat roof systems – such as bitumen or metal – to discuss in a short article. The point is that you will need to do a lot of investigating before proceeding. Talk to the pros, look into municipal bylaws, and don’t forget your partner: some people just don’t like the boxy architecture dictated by a flat roof. For more information call reliable roof repair call for a free consultation