Did you know that flat roofs aren’t actually flat, or that a roof leak could originate 20 feet away from where it’s dripping in your living room? Most of us consider ourselves experts in our own hobbies, but unless you are one of our dedicated roofing professionals, chances are your expertise isn’t in roofing systems.
Whether you are a homeowner or managing a commercial property, understanding your roof is crucial for protecting your investment. If you are just looking for the quick facts, here is what you need to know:
- Flat roofs need a slope: They require a minimal pitch (¼ to ½ inch per foot) for water runoff.
- There are 3 main flat roof types: Built-Up (BUR), Membrane (Single-Ply), and Modified Bitumen.
- Leaks travel: Water can travel up to 20 feet from the source of the leak before you ever see it inside.
- Roofs sell homes: A faulty roof can ruin a home sale, while a new one boosts your property value.
At BTB Roofing, roofs are our passion, and this month we are going to dive deeper into some things about roofs that you probably didn’t know. Next time you search for “commercial roofers near me” or need the top-rated residential and commercial roofers near me, think of us.
Let’s get started.
Why Most “Flat” Roofs Aren’t Actually Flat
Surprised? It’s a common misconception that flat roofs are actually flat, at least most of the time. They actually have a very minimal slope ranging from roughly ¼ and ½ inch per foot in order to accommodate water runoff. Without this small slope, the roof would take a lot more wear and tear and fall apart fast. Now with this minimal slope being established as necessary, choosing the right materials is the most important part.
There are three different categories of flat roofs. This includes:
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Before modern membrane roofing innovations and bitumen, BUR roofing systems were the preference. They were very common. There are multiple different layers involved, including alternating layers of tar and asphalt with roofing felt, rocks or gravel, and insulation board layers.
Membrane or Single-Ply
Membrane or single-ply involves just one layer of a waterproof membrane. Usually, it’s an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber layer that is adhered and laid on top of the insulation board. It can be held down with masonry pavers, a ballast, or river rocks.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
It’s easy to recognize that built-up roofs require additional structural support and are very heavy. So with modified bitumen roofing systems came a solution which is to use a flexible asphalt-based coating with a mineral coat on the top of it. This accomplishes the waterproofing of BUR without all the smell, weight, heat, and mess. The modified bitumen roofing sheets are rolled out in sheets that are three feet wide and are adhered to the back using a method called “torch-down”.
At BTB Roofing, we have a pitch finder to check the slope of any roof. If the roof is completely flat, it can be sloped with tapered insulation. Also, adding ISO insulation boards while working on a flat roof will also improve the insulation factor of the building. We inspect and determine what is the best material to use for the roofs of our customers. The most important factor when addressing this situation is to have an experienced and licensed contractor involved that has worked in the field for decades, like us at BTB.
Surprising & Fun Roofing Facts
Okay, the word “fun” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are thinking of roofing. But since roofing is our passion, it’s fun for us! Here are a few interesting facts about the industry:
- Ancient Origins: The oldest roofing materials in the world are clay, stone, and thatch. Clay tiles in particular are traced back to 10,000 B.C. It’s so cool seeing how everything has evolved over the years.
- Traveling Leaks: Water often travels a while before you can see it visibly dripping down from the roof. With that in mind, leaks can come from distances of twenty feet away from the original leak in a roof. Most people don’t think much about their roofs when they really should be, considering roofs are one of the most important parts of your home.
- The Rise of Asphalt: 75% of homes in North America have asphalt shingles even though they are a newer product invented just over 30 years ago. Considering all the old homes out there, that’s a pretty impressive feat for asphalt shingles.
- Weight Differences: Wood shingles are actually heavier than metal roofing materials most of the time.
- Lightning Myths: Metal roofs are not more prone to lightning strikes than other roofs. In fact, they are safer because they are noncombustible.
- Real Estate Value: Having a faulty roof can potentially ruin the sale of your home. It’s very important to have a professional inspect your roof before your home is put on the market. A new roof can actually increase your profits when you sell your home because buyers will recognize that they don’t have to spend the time and money involved in replacing it in the near future.
Get a New Roof From BTB Roofing
BTB Roofing has the most experience in the surrounding Lynchburg area when it comes to the inspection of roofs and installing them. We have over 26 years of roofing experience. And remember next time you search for “commercial roofers near me” or “gutters in Lynchburg”, think of us. You can request a free estimate here or call us at (434) 525-3100.