Flat Roof

A flat roof is the generic term for roofing materials installed on low-slope surfaces. Traditionally, Built Up Roofing or Tar and Gravel are usually installed. They are slowly being replaced by modern flat roofs such as Modified Bitumen Roofing and Single Ply Roofing.

The life expectancy of a flat roof is highly dependent to the roof maintenance done on it. 10 years is an average life cycle. Maintenance includes repairing and correcting issues such as alligatoring, crazing and ponding water as quickly as possible.

Flat Roof Leaks

Flat Roof Coating

Lexis has water-based and solvent-based flat roof coatings.

Types of Flat Roofs

1. Coal-Tar Built Up Roof
2. Asphalt Built Up Roof
3. CSPE
4. EPDM
5. Modified Bitumen
6. PVC
7. TPO

Flat Roof Maintenance

Annual roof maintenance involves inspecting and repairing penetrations like vents, pipes or ductwork. These penetrations can open up and may need to be re-sealed periodically. Additionally, repairs seams and flashings should be made. Blisters or delaminations should be cut off and repaired immediately since they will leak over time.

Flat Roof Repair

Infrared thermography is usually performed on flat roofs to determine the presence of moisture before any repairs are made. The pictures are taken shortly after sunset. When the roof is cooling, wet spots under the roof, continue to emit heat.

Flat roof repair and restoration usually involves pressure washing and the application of a roof coating. Roof coatings have become a very popular option for repairing flat roofs. Elastomeric coatings drastically reduce the heat build up on black flat roofs and extend the service life by 10 or more years.