Best Materials for Flat Roof: The Essentials

Choosing durable flat roof materials for your house can be a tricky process. You may need to review various factors, including the roofing contractor, roof type, material, and durability. Most households choose the best materials for flat roofs, including EPDM roofing, TPO roofing, PVC roofing, and metal roofing. Opting for one of these can save you from short-term pitch problems. We will review the pros and cons of each type to help you choose the best roof. 

4 Best Flat Roof Materials for Long-Term Durability 

If you want to build your retirement home in the suburbs or renovate your current place, you may not want to compromise on the roof quality of your house. We have covered the 4 best flat roof materials to help you understand their primary differences. The information about flat roofing material options comes in handy while discussing your project with a contractor. 

The roofing for flat roofs may vary due to many factors. Let’s dive into the details to review each. 

EPDM Roofing 

Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, or EPDM, is a black membrane roofing material popular in commercial settings. The durable synthetic structure provides strength to the pitch in changing weather. Despite its popularity in commercial zones, EPDM roofing materials for flat roof have gained much attention from residential builders. 

The durable structure of EPDM makes it the best roof material for flat roof in commercial settings. It can last up to 30 years without losing its thickness. It is an ideal roofing solution for outdoor shades, including garage tops. The only drawback of EPDM roofing structures is their heat absorption nature. The black membrane top becomes too hot in summer, making it unfit for indoor spaces. 

TPO Roofing 

When wondering what is the best material for flat roof, TPO will not disappoint you. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a white membrane roofing structure common in residential and commercial buildings. TPO roofs are widely famous for their heat-resistant properties. Whether you install them above your room or outdoors, the white surface will resist the incoming heat in summer, giving it an obvious advantage over EPDM roofs. 

Being single-ply, TPO roofing materials may not be as durable as EPDM. While true, they can last up to 25 years if installed correctly. Moreover, your house’s TPO roof may catch dirt due to its white membrane. You may have to clean the top periodically to maintain its appearance. 

PVC Roofing 

Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC roofing, is a single-ply structure suitable for flat roofs in commercial and residential sectors. It is the best flat roofing material for construction in residential settings. Due to their white membrane, most households opt for PVC roofs to cover bedroom tops. The heat-resistant properties can save you from the penetrating heat in summer, saving you energy consumption. 

PVC flat roofs share most properties with TPO roofs. They offer nearly the same durability in most cases. You may install a PVC flat roofing material and let go of your worries for the next 25 years. However, it is crucial to install PVC tops carefully to avoid early problems. The primary difference between PVC and TPO roofs is flexibility. The chemical structure of TPO makes it slightly more rigid than PVC. Moreover, the installation process for the two types is the same. 

Metal Roofing 

Metal roofing is one of the best types of roofing materials for flat roofs in different construction setups. It has several advantages over the above-listed flat roofs. These roofing structures use separate panels locked together to allow thermal expansion and contraction in changing temperatures. Roof contractors install metal tops by carefully aligning the panels to achieve a durable structure. 

What makes it unique is its customization options. You can choose from color and design types to fit your house’s needs. More importantly, metal roofs are more durable than membrane structures. The installation process may be tricky, but metal structures can last up to 30 years if aligned correctly on a flat roof. The customization options allow you to enhance the strength of your house’s metal roof. You may have to bear additional costs to extend its life for up to 50 years. 

What is the Best Roofing Material for a Flat Roof? 

If you wonder what is the best roofing material for a flat roof in your house, you may need to review a few important factors while choosing flat roofing products. 

Many homeowners opt for membrane structures to save costs. Membrane structures can last for up to 25 years if installed properly. Choosing EPDM, PVC, or TPO roofing for flat roofs may save you significant costs depending on your roofing area. 

On the other hand, metal roofs may cost you more. Installing metal panels is tricky and requires careful alignment of sheets on the flat roof. A single mistake may lead to bigger problems than expected. At the same time, the hard work pays off in the form of extended durability, customization perks, and ventilation. If you are willing to spend some extra to get the best flat roof for your home, metal roofing structures may be your ideal fit. 

Guidelines to Choose Roofing for Flat Roofs 

What is the best flat roof system? All the listed types can serve the purpose efficiently. However, when buying a specific flat roof structure, you may want to consider a few factors. The first thing you may need is a professional contractor in your area. Finding the right roofers can save you from roofing problems in the long run. Here are a few pointers you may remember while looking for contractors: 

• Always opt for local contractors 
• Only trust licensed contractors 
• Review the contractor’s portfolio 
• Review the contractor’s certifications from top-tier shingle manufacturers
• Do not hesitate to ask for references 

Choose the Best Roof with Otis Roofing 

Selecting the best flat roof for your house is not an easy decision. A slight error may affect your property’s value and raise problems for your family. If you need more information on what materials are used for flat roofs, we can help. 

Otis Roofing has established a positive footprint in the competitive market by offering high-end flat roofing solutions to commercial and residential sectors.

Call us or fill out our contact form to request an accurate and fair quote.