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Flat Roofing Materials, Installation, and Cost Guide for Los Angeles

You’ve just purchased your first home and are wondering what type of roofing to choose. You’re most likely considering the most cost-efficient option, but you don’t know if it’ll last as long as other more expensive options.

Flat roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a low-cost solution with durability that lasts 20 years on average.

Here’s everything you need to know about a flat roofing:

What Is a Flat Roof?

A flat roof is a type of roof that has no slopes or angles. It usually consists of a waterproof membrane laid over waterproof insulation boards. These boards have ballast rocks or gravel to add weight and durability to the structure.

Flat roofs can be excellent solutions for areas where there is little space available for traditional pitched roofs. This style of the roof also helps keep rainwater away from the walls.

Yet, they pose their own set of problems which include heat loss and skylight visibility.

Flat Roof Pros and Cons

Just like any other roof, commercial flat roofs have their advantages and disadvantage. Let’s look at the benefits of flat roof installation:

• Low profile and low height or eaves
• Maximum water resistance even in extreme weather conditions
• Cheaper material cost
• Fewer roofing materials needed
• A flat roof can last for decades
• Durable against leaks
• Less expensive than other types of roofs
• Longer service life compared to roofs with steep slopes
• Reduce building energy costs through airtightness and insulation during winter months

CONS

But flat roofs can also have disadvantages, for example:

• Not aesthetically pleasing because of the low slope not matching other adjacent pitched roofs on built structures
• Requires extra precaution when it comes to strong winds or significant snowfall accumulation

How Much Does a Flat Roof Cost?

The cost of a new flat roof varies depending on several factors. This includes size, type of material used, and any additional amenities you might want to install.

Insulation and waterproof membranes with advanced features are other factors that can affect costs.

Expect to pay anywhere from $2-$7 per square foot. However, that number can vary depending on your contractor choice and geographical area.

For example, if you live in an area with lower construction costs, you’ll end up paying less for a flat roof. Yet, someone who lives in a place where there are higher construction costs will pay more. Check out our Los Angeles flat roof cost guide for the best deals.

Flat Roof Installation

Installing a new flat roof is pretty straightforward. Yet, it’s important to leave this job to professionals for an excellent roof.

Professional roofers will walk you through this entire decision-making process. They’ll help you pick out materials that best suit your needs and can withstand those heavy storms or months with little precipitation.

Why Are Flat Roofing Materials Different from Pitched Roofing Materials?

Flat roofs need special waterproof materials to protect the inside of your home from water infiltration and mold growth. These elements occur due to excessive moisture.

Remember, flat roofs don’t curve down like pitched roofs which drain runoff away from the structure.

The reason there’s a difference in materials is due to what each part of the roof does. Asphalt shingles hang over the edges of roofs.

This way, they can withstand harsh weather like strong winds and rain or snow accumulations throughout the year.

In contrast, flat roofs don’t have any natural protection from wind. They’re just laid on top of the building with nothing hanging over them.

The Best Flat Roof Materials

When looking into different flat roof materials, there are many options available. Some of which are listed below with a brief explanation of each to help you better understand the benefits and drawbacks.

1) Built-Up Roofs (BUR)

A built-up roof is essentially made up of multiple layers of asphalt paper, gravel, and tar. The thickness will be determined by how many layers are being used at once.

This is the cheapest type of flat roof to have, although it doesn’t offer much protection against water damage.

2) Single-ply Membrane

A single-ply membrane is composed of rubber or plastic. They can come in sheets that are rolled out onto the roof’s surface or sprayed on. They’re lightweight, need regular maintenance, and can be expensive to install.

3) Metal Roofing

A metal roof is a type of flat roof that can offer protection against weather damage. This includes wind, rain, hail, and snow. It’s known for being energy efficient as it can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s heat during those summer months.

If you live in high-wind areas, this is the type of roof that you need.

4) Wood Shingles or Curved Tiles

These are pretty self-explanatory, but they do have their benefits over other types of materials. They are lightweight and can be made to look just like other types of roofs.

If you have a vintage style or already have a wood roof, it would make sense to stick with the same materials.

5) Slate Tiles

They’re composed of real slate or high-density concrete that is painted to look like slate. This offers a lot of protection against weather damage. It’s thick and hard, which makes installing them difficult for most homeowners who choose not to hire professionals.

Their heavy weights require expert handling only.

6) Tar and Gravel

This is not a very common type of flat roofing that you will find being used in homes. Yet, the process is like what built-up roofs are composed of.

The biggest difference is that gravel can offer more protection against leaks, while tar acts as the glue which holds down gravel more firmly.

7) EPDM Rubber or Plastic Membrane

These flat roofing materials are made of rubber or plastic materials. They are one solid sheet rather than interlocking tiles like most types of flat roofs.

It’s easy to replace individual broken tiles instead of the entire roof if needed.

Let Your Trusted Contractor Install a Flat Roof for You Today

Are you building a new home and want flat roofing? Whether you want a new roof installed, repaired, or inspected in Los Angeles, HP Roofing Pro is here for you.
Our skilled team will offer a free inspection, design your flat roof and install it at the best prices. We’ll also arrange better financing for your roof construction. Get in touch with us now to start your roof installation process.