From Asphalt Shingles to Zinc Strips

What Materials Can You Use On Your Commercial Flat Roof

Do you have a flat roof on a commercial building that needs to be replaced, and you're wondering what materials you can use to get the job done? Here is an overview of what material you can and can't use for a flat roof. 

Acceptable Flat Roof Materials 

The best kind of material that you can use on a flat roof is a membrane material. This includes materials like modified bitumen, PVC, and TPO. These materials have been tested for long-term use on a flat roof, are affordable, and will do a great job of protecting your building from water. However, these membrane materials do not always look that great.

If you want a nice-looking flat roof material, you have the option to use metal roofing panels. Standing seam metal is going to have the seams placed in a way where water cannot seep into them because they are in the raised portion of the roofing material. It provides great protection because there is a solid piece of roofing material without a gap that water can seep through.

Unacceptable Flat Roof Materials

One type of roofing material you cannot use on a flat roof is anything that is installed with shingles. These shingle-style materials cannot withstand standing water on the surface, and what will happen if water seeps through the material or flows backward underneath the shingles? You'll get wood down to the wood deck, and eventually have an issue with wood rot. 

Even if you have an ice and water shield underneath your roofing material on a flat roof, know that it is not capable of withstanding water for a long period of time. The ice and water shield will eventually fail and allow water to get down to your roof. 

Are you still determined to install shingle-style roofing material on a flat roof? Know that it may not be allowed based on the building codes where you live. A city building inspector may notice the shingle material being used and order you to replace the material. You'll end up wasting money and just need to install the roof the right way. 

Are you ready to replace the roof on your commercial building? Reach out to a local roofing contractor for their assistance. They can help order the material, handle the installation, and even guarantee the labor. It's the best way to ensure that your flat roof is installed correctly.

For more information, contact a company like Sweers Eavestrough and Roofing Co, Inc.