While flat roofs are not the most glamorous option, they have advantages. Knowing the pros and cons such as the price of flat roof repair, the roofing material required, potential ponding water and roof leaks help make a decision that is best suited for your building. Flat roofs construction consists of a top coat and underlayer.

Flat roofs are among the most controversial roofs of all the types of roofs for buildings and homes. They are most commonly used on outbuildings and large structures. Flat roofs have a unique set of challenges and needs. If you plan to have a flat roof on a residence or building, it is essential to know flat roof advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

The biggest advantage of a flat roof is the expense. From building and installing to the materials commonly used for flat roofs, they are relatively cheap. The flat roof insulation board is approximately 80 cents per foot.

It makes a flat roof very affordable for both installation and upkeep and maintenance. Labor is cheaper due to less risk while installing a flat roof. Installation of flat roofs is quicker and easier. There are fewer damage and repair costs over the lifespan of the roof. Installing things like solar panels, which save on electricity, and satellites—making repairs and cleaning gutters less expensive and easier to accomplish on flat roofs.

The second advantage is space can be used for other purposes. Air conditioning units can be put on the roof instead of the ground. Flat roof solar racking installed on a flat roof is less evident from the ground than a sloped roof.

You can design a living roof that becomes an outdoor lounge area to relax or barbecue, or plant a garden on the rooftop. The list of possibilities for utilizing a flat roof is nearly endless.

A flat roof also makes interior space more versatile. Top floor apartments and finished attics are possibilities without the sloped walls produced by traditional pitched roofs. In homes that need maximum interior space, flat roofs are a significant advantage.

Flat roofs are typically more accessible than roofs that are sloped. They are easier to climb upon to inspect. Care and caution should be taken any time a person climbs on a roof. Flat roofs are easier to check and much safer. Flat roofs are substantially more stable than slanted roofs when the building is small.

They have an architectural appeal. In the right setting, they are economical as long as they are adequately maintained. Because flat roofs are quicker to install, the wait to move in is shorter. If repairs or replacement are needed down the road, re-roofing is relatively painless and quick.

Disadvantages

As the areas of a flat roof increases, the stability decreases. Industrial buildings and businesses that have flat roofs have to compensate for the weight on the interior. Flat roofs have limited options.

Material for flat roofs is a bit scarce. There are not many options from which to choose. Rolled roofing is used on the majority of flat roofs. The material is bitumen, TPO, Thermoplastic Polyolefin, EPOM or rubber. Each of these is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

They have a limited lifespan. The life expectancy is between ten and 15 years. There are rubber shingles that can be installed along with rolled rubber roofing. Some new materials such as PVC and polycarbonate roofing are becoming available. They are more expensive. Because they are recently developed products, there is no information about how long they will last.

Draining, or rather lack of it is the biggest disadvantage. Flat roofs do not drain as efficiently as roofs with a pitch. Water tends to puddle and stay on the roof. The standing water can lead to the breakdown of roofing material or future leaks, especially along the seams. A flat roof contractor will likely install added mechanisms to address proper drainage. Water removal options are time-consuming and can be expensive.

Proper sealing of both the top coat and underlayer is critical to the roof’s integrity. The coating is subject to regular flat roof leak testing to ensure there are no leaks. Flat roofs are typically installed in warm climates.

Buildings with flat roofs are more affected by extreme changes in temperature because there is less space for installation. Most cannot withstand the weight of built-up snow in the winter.

There are flat roof companies that feel that insulation and snow weight problems are misconceptions. They suggest flat roofs can be installed in cold climates when the roofs have a substantial thickness that leaves room for sufficient insulation. A thick roof can also support snow accumulation as long as it is not due to an avalanche. The snow adds to the insulation.

TPO Roofing Systems

TPO is an excellent roofing system for warm climates. TPO roofing systems are an example of the improvements to flat roofs that are being explored. The seams of TPO roofs are welded instead of glued. They are less likely to separate when heated.

Manufacturers certify flat roof contractors to install the membrane and honor the warranty. TPOs gave a white surface that reflects ultraviolet light and keeps the structure cooler than other options.

Because the system is relatively new, revisions and improvements are ongoing. The maintenance requires flat roof repair contractors addressing shrinkage caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays.

They cause stress on flashing and seams. The warranty on TPO roof systems is only 15 to 20 years. The welds of both hand-held and walk-behind welding must be checked. Welding that does not take, must be patched.

Long and short seams require different welders. The lack of uniformity causes seams to fail and leaks on the roof. Commercial skylights for flat roofs cannot be welded with walk-behind welders used for long seams.

Short seams are needed for A/C units, drains, vents, and skylights. These areas are welded with a hand-held heat gun. The heat difference between the long and short seams becomes an issue.

Heat-welded seams must be correctly calibrated throughout the day of flat roof installation. The quality of a welded seam is affected by wind, cold, and humid weather conditions. A tool is used to check the seam quality to ensure the welds take.

Have you ever imagined a roof that could last for years and years and is low maintenance? Imagine a roof that could keep you sheltered, keep you safe, comes with a lifetime warranty, and will not cost you a fortune. This is surely a dream come true for any homeowner!

GAF is an innovative and ageless company that has a lifetime roofing system that goes above and beyond other roofing products. Professional roofing contractors and homeowners in North America and beyond have been turning to General Aniline and Film (GAF) for their roofing products for 130 years to produce high quality and reliable roofs.

Let’s check out their top roofing shingles, accessories, and their strong warranty plans to give you peace of mind.

Top GAF Residential Shingles

Timberline Cool Series Shingles

GAF’s Timberline Cool Series Shingles use reflective shingles. These shingles reflect the sun from your roof and drop the temperature in your attic, which in turn drops the temperature in the rest of your home. This is fantastic for the summer heat or if you live in a warmer state with high humidity. It also has StainGuard to prevent roof stains for rain and moisture.

Timberline Ultra HD Shingles

GAF’s top architectural design is the Timberline Ultra HD. They are ultra-dimensional and much thicker than your average architectural designed shingles. It has a Class A fire rating to ensure your safety and control over fires as well as StainGuard protection to prevent roof stains.

Grand Sequoia Armorshield Shingles

Grand Sequoia Armorshield shingles are one of GAF’s favorite designer shingles. They are known for their strong impact resistance since they are a special UL Class 4 shingle. This makes them extremely durable and sturdy so they can withstand impacts such as hailstorms. They also have the highest wind class rating since they use Dura Grip adhesive seals that can withstand up to 130 miles per hour of wind. They are designed with Advanced Protection Technology so it is not overzealous on using natural resources to build the shingles.

Top GAF Accessories

DecoTech System Solar Panels

GAF offers fantastic DecoTech System solar panels so your home can run off solar energy and save you a buck load of money on your electric bill. These solar panels are high performance and low profile giving your home a beautiful and modern look. They have perimeter protection to protect your home from leaks and debris. They are simple to install without the hassle of racks and they interlock to stay in place.

WeatherWatch Mineral Surfaced Leak Barrier

WeatherWatch creates an extra barrier to protect your home from snow storms and heavy rains causing leaks. If you are from the Northern states, it can also prevent ice dams from damaging your roof. This is included in the GAF Lifetime Roofing System.

StormGuard Film Surfaced Leak Barrier for Metal and Asphalt Shingle Roofs

StormGuard works much like WeatherWatch by creating an added barrier to protect your home from leaks. It self-seals around nails that are common weak spots for leaks. The best part is it is easy to apply since the split back peels off in layers. This is also included in the GAF Lifetime Roofing System.

Deck-Armor Premium Breathable Roof Deck Protection

Deck-Armor is a UV stabilized polypropylene underlayment that builds a barrier against high winds and heavy rain. It uses a breathable technology so that moisture does not get trapped. This helps protect your roof against mold and mildew. Deck-Armor Roof Deck Protection is built to be much tougher than your average asphalt felt.

GAF Warranties

GAF’s biggest advantage over their competitors is their intricate warranty plans to ensure the homeowner that if there is any product defect, you will be covered.

Basic Shingle and Accessories Warranty

This is the most basic of warranty plans that GAF offers for their shingles and other roof accessories. This is a 10-year warranty unless you choose to use 3 tab shingles which cut the warranty down to 5 years.

System Plus Limited Warranty

This warranty can only be offered by a GAF Master Elite contractor. This warranty plan will cover all material defects on your roof construction for 50 years. It also covers labor costs for the roof’s lifespan. If you choose 3 tab shingles, this plan will cover them for 20 years.

GAF Golden Pledge Limited Warranty

This is GAF’s top warranty that they offer and must also be offered by a GAF Master Elite contractor. This warranty plan, like the System Plus, will cover all material defects on your roof construction as well as labor costs for 50 years and labor costs for the roof’s lifespan. It also covers workmanship coverage for 25 years and provides a problem prevention inspection after installation.

GAF’s Master Elite Certification

The GAF Company is particular about who installs their roofing system so the quality of their system is not compromised by shoddy workmanship.

Contractors who are licensed under the Master Elite Certification from GAF must be licensed in their state, must be insured, and they must have a track record of quality work. These contractors also have to partake in ongoing training so they are kept to update with policies and how to properly install GAF products.

If you hire a contractor with the Master Elite Certification you also get the added bonus of better deals and warranties on GAF products.

Conclusion

There are several roofing products to pick and choose from for your roof. It is hard enough to decide what shingles need to be replaced if you need a new roof entirely, or what contractor to hire to do the perfect workmanship. Choosing what company you should go through should be the least of your worries during this stressful time.

You want a company that has dedicated more than a century to create the right roofing materials and a company that can back up their warranty promises. That company is, hands down, GAF.

For a long time, people have had asphalt shingles or other types of asphalt roofing, tiles, slate or other roofing systems. However, residential metal roofing is among the fastest growing home improvement segments. The benefits of using a galvanized steel roof, such as metal shingles or metal panels, allow homeowners to use products of lasting value to upgrade their homes.

A metal roof is an investment that beautifies your home, increases its value, reduces the environmental footprint, and provides protection for a lifetime. Unlike other roofs that diminish in value as time passes, metal roofs have the following benefits that last:

• Performance expectation is 50 or more years
• Metal roof styles that match any neighborhood or home
• Interlocking panels that provide maximum wind resistance
• Fire-resistant
• Energy efficiency that keeps homes cooler
• Low weight that helps preserve the life and structural integrity of the roof

Style of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are adaptable to nearly any home and roof design. There are metal roof options for steep and low pitch roofs. Available products look like tile, slate, and wood shakes.

There is metal roofing suitable for arched or rounded roofs. Difficult areas such as transitions, dead valleys, and flashing can be flashed with metal that matches rather than rely on failure-prone sealant used with many roofing materials.

The styles and colors of traditional roofing materials tend to change frequently. Matching older products is difficult if a home is modified or added unto in any way. The majority of metal roofing manufacturers are consistent with their colors and designs. Homeowners know they will be able to match materials at a later date.

The surface finish provides beauty and durability. There are some factors to consider when choosing a metal roof finish. Two types of paint chemistry are used on metal roofs.

The industry leader is called PVDF, which is short for polyvinylidene fluoride finish. The finish is known for its chalk and fade-resistance. PVDF is highly recommended in regions that have high UV ray exposure.

Strict quality controls mean all PVDF coatings will have similar performance expectations. No other coating out-performs a PVDF. Some metal roofing manufacturers offer products that exceed the industry standard. The finish consists of a primer and top coat. Enhanced finishes have additional PVDF layers such as a clear coat or a decorative print coat.

Polyester is the other chemistry commonly used. Several versions are available. They include modified, siliconized, and super. This coating is less expensive than PVDF. The performance has improved over time. There is a marked performance decline after ten or more years.

Choosing the color of metal roofing is a roofing decision that impacts the style and beauty of a home. Color also has a role in how long a roof looks like new. Despite the excellent pigmentation of PVDF and top grade polyester finishes, ‘muddy’ or light colors such as grays and browns carry a better performance expectation than bright colors.

The industry calls yellow, blue, and red ‘saturated’ colors. They are formulated with a high percentage of one pigment. If pigments change over time, there is no negative impact on the color.

Other colors, having several pigments, are less prone to color shifts that impact the appearance. Most homeowners opt for a matte or low gloss finish. Sheen and gloss diminish over time as inevitable grime and dirt collect on the surface of the roof. Matte finishes are often deemed the most attractive.

Wind Resistance

Proper metal roofing installation along with quality metal ends periodic drains on the budget for roof maintenance or repair. Most metal roofs interconnect or interlock in some way. The configuration provides superior wind resistance when compared to other roofing materials that merely overlap or rely on being held in place by gravity.

Low Weight

As buildings age, the low weight of metal roofs helps prevent structural damage and movement, especially in seismic activity areas. Houses with metal roofs have lasting beauty and distinction. A deterioration process begins from the moment other roofing materials are installed. Metal roofing keeps a fresh new look well into the future.

Fire-Resistant

Metal roofs are fire-resistant. Wildfires that have occurred in California and other locations recently have increased the awareness of how vital safety considerations are in property and home building protection.

Metal roofs provide resistance to airborne embers and sparks, which is protection from exterior fires. Homes can catch fire in various ways. Protecting the roof is just one precaution.

Protecting the roof is the highest priority to protect your home from fire. Wooden roofs are quite popular, but they do not adequately protect a home from fire. Homeowners that have wooden roofing pay higher insurance premiums than those with metal roofs.

Fire-safe roofing is not a new concept. Tile products are fire safe but carry a significant disadvantage. Heavy tile has a cave-in risk when a seismic activity or interior fire occurs. Trained firefighters do not go on tiled roofs due to the cave-in risk.

Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly

Because of integrated thermal breaks and reflective coatings, metal roofs can reduce the cost of cooling during the summer by as much as 20%.

Metal roofs are also eco-friendly. The content of quality metal roofs is 35 to 95% recycled material. When a metal roof comes to the end of useful life, 100% of the material is recyclable. Landfill disposal is not required.

Attic temperature is reduced by 34%. The ‘dead’ airspace blocks heat that is transferred by conduction. Lowering the cooling load extends the air conditioner life. Nearly all photovoltaic solar collection systems can be integrated with metal roofs.

Transportation costs are minimized due to the low weight. Aluminum products may need to be repainted but likely will never need to be replaced. Metal roofs have very low embodied energy. Embodied energy is energy required to manufacture building materials. There is virtually no outgassing.

Any disadvantages?

A disadvantage of metal roofs may be their curb appeal. The roofs tend to be highly visible. Metal roofs attract people that are interested in them and they will want to talk to you about it.

Newly interested customers want to know, ‘Can you put a metal roof over shingles?’ The answer is ‘Yes.’ Installing metal roof over shingles is possible. Doing so eliminates landfill disposal.