Branford Roofing - Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are an economical choice when it comes to roofing your home.  In order to preserve flat roofs, and the homes beneath them, they must be covered with a good waterproof material, and be outfitted with a good drainage system. Below are some of the most popular flat roofing systems.

Built Up Roofing (BUR) 
Built up roofing is a generic term for a roof system that is literally built by adding layers. Built up roofing is most often made from alternating layers of roofing felt with different waterproofing materials, including coal tar pitch, asphalt, cold application adhesive, and modified asphalt. It is also known as "tar and gravel" roofing, because it's finished off with a final layer of gravel, crushed rock, or other mineral substance, in order to minimize sun damage.

Modified Bitumen
The other popular built up roofing style is a modified bitumen roof. MBR's are made from fiberglass-based asphalt sheeting, applied in layers with mopped-on hot bitumen between each. Built-up roofing is more commonly found on commercial buildings than on residential homes, but it's still well suited for houses with flat roofs. While built-up roofing is the most economical choice of flat roofing, sunlight will eventually break down the asphalt base and the roof will need to be replaced sooner than other options.  A single-ply rolled roof similar to ice-and-water shield, but impregnated with a mineral-based wear surface. Torch-down systems involve heating the adhesive as the material is unrolled. Newer peel-and-stick systems are safer and easier. 

Single-Ply Roofs
Single-ply roofs are the most reliable, popular, and practical, flat roof solutions on the market. It comes in two main types. Thermoset membranes are manufactured from rubber polymers, and require the use of liquid adhesive or tape to form a watertight seal at the overlaps. Thermoplastic membranes, made from plastic polymers, have seams formed with heat or chemical welding. Most thermoplastic membranes include a reinforcement layer of polyester or fiberglass for increased strength and stability, as well. Either way, these single ply roof materials, more commonly referred to as rubber, or plastic, roofing membranes, are probably the best choice if you need to replace flat roofing. They'll cost a little more than built up roofing for materials and installation, but they will last a lot longer with far fewer problems. Any extra initial costs are well worth it in the long run.

Rubber Membrane
EPDM (short for ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a true rubber. The durable material resembles an inner tube, but it's engineered to resist damage from sunlight. EPDM can be mechanically anchored with fasteners, ballasted with stone, or glued. 

Total Exteriors, LLC Provides These Detailed Services:

 

We Provide Roofing in the Following Towns in Connecticut:

Branford Roofing | East Haven Roofing | North Branford Roofing | Guilford Roofing | Madison Roofing | Westbrook Roofing | New London Roofing | Old Saybrook Roofing | Old Lyme Roofing | East Lyme Roofing | Waterford Roofing

If you are looking for a Branford roofing contractor, then please call 203-996-4265.