ResidentialFlat Roofing Portland, Oregon
In contrast to a pitched roof, which has a steep angle or slope, a flat roof is primarily just that: Flat. A flat roof has a very minimal slope, which will allow water to drain slowly from its surface area. When anyone mentions water draining slowly and Portland in the same sentence it is clearly understood that the two do not go together. A slow draining roof in Portland sounds like the makings of a disaster. Most roofs found in the Portland area have a significant pitch, which allow rain and snow to easily shed from the surface. However in some building applications a flat roof will be preferred and used in the Portland area. Flat roofs can be found in most commercial buildings, where cost efficiency and overall space limitations require a flat roof. Ideally a flat roof system would function best in a warm, dry climate. Therefore Portland would not make for an ideal climate for a flat roof with cold weather and very wet seasons.
Benefits Of A Flat Roof:
The flat roof system is the most cost efficient roof installed today. This shape allows for walk decks to be incorporated, very easy access, and easy installation of solar panels. A flat roof also requires less framing materials when building a home, however it is also lacking an attic space. The greater benefits would be found in very hot desert climates, which Portland is far from. The flat roof is very reflective and provides a very energy efficient roof system in the warm climates.
Types Of Flat Roof Systems:
• Rubber Roofs- Extremely durable surfaces, which hold up against severe weather, temperature changes, fire, and leaks. Rubber roofs have no seams when installed on a whole roof and can provide excellent water exclusion and drainage. Rubber roofs can cover an entire roof, or will come in the form of rubber shingles. Rubber roofs offer a long lasting product that is very durable. The cost of a rubber roof is higher then in an asphalt shingle product, however the rubber shingles are much more durable, lighter, and weather resistant then asphalt shingles. Rubber roofing is extremely eco-friendly as it is manufactured from recycled tires, saw-dust, and slate particles. This process makes a rubber shingle the most environmentally friendly roofing product on the market for Portland homeowners. Rubber roof tiles are very resistant to cracking, fading, and crumbling in severe weather climates. The insulation benefits of a rubber roof will balance out the higher costs of these materials. Maintenance requirements are also much lower when using a rubber roof system then of materials. When you require a Portland roof that will not leak it is recommended that you use a rubber roof system.
• Asphalt Build- The asphalt build up (BUR) roof is the most common of all flat roof systems. Multiple layers of reinforcing layers and asphalt go into building this roof type. These roof use tar and gravel, which are most common. This form of roof does not hold up very well to the weather elements and often shows weathering after a very short time. This flat roof system becomes dry and brittle in the sun and shows signs of cracks quickly. As this asphalt flat roof system begins to crack and weather it is immediately prone to leaking. These tar and asphalt systems are very inefficient and require a great deal of energy to install. These flat roofs must have heat to melt the materials then the hot material is applied in the installation process. This makes the asphalt build the most dirty and polluting of the flat roof systems. The installation process can be toxic to the workers. The lifespan of the asphalt build up roof may only be eight to ten years before a new roof surface is required
• Turbo Seal- Manufactured of forty five percent recycled rubber tires. This material is applied on the top of tar roofs as a gel, which settles, but never hardens. A protective membrane is then used to create a waterproof seal. This is not a very widely used system in the Portland area any longer. This is a very old school method of covering a flat roof using a hot tar process.
• Cold Applied Liquid Membranes- A combination of polyurethane and polyester resins are used to create a seamless, waterproof fiberglass enforced flat roof system. This is becoming a more popular technique in new and re-roof applications. It is fairly easy to use, requires no heat source, and a professional Portland commercial roofing contractor can provide all the resources to install this flat roof system.
• EPDM- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, which is an elastomeric compound. This is the latest, greatest, most effective tool in flat roofing today. This compound is highly UV resistant, weather proof, waterproof, heat resistant, and extremely adaptable to cold weather changes, ice and snow. The make up of this flat roof system provides protection from environmental chemicals such as acid rain. EPDM will even stand up to alkalis, and chemical solvents. EPDM has an appearance similar to that of grey slate and will be a smooth surface. EPDM is very durable and is being estimated to last forty years and beyond as a Portland flat roof option. EPDM will not fall apart with the changing weather; it will not be affected by a hail storm, and does not become brittle with sun exposure. EPDM does not require any special coatings to function or perform as expected. This surface requires nearly no maintenance other then removing falling debris and tree materials. EPDM can be used on any type of roof system, including roof top gardens, ponds, tunnels, terraces, and on RV roofs making this the most durable and adaptable roofing product found today. EPDM is also the most eco-friendly roofing product on the market for Portland roofing systems. EPDM will prove to be the most cost efficient roofing system for any Portland commercial roofing application, and provides the strongest warranty on the market. For further information on this amazing flat roof product contact a professional Portland area commercial roofing contractor today.