| More Information | Flat - Low Slope Roofing Answers |
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Flat, or low sloped roofs CAN present unique problems for the building owner. Many material applications for flat roofs can be unreliable. Another problem is with unskilled installation of good materials which leads to the failure of the roof system.
Many insurance companies have become unwilling to insure buildings with flat roofs due to some material's inability to withstand the elements, and the problems that arise from the failure of the roof.
We at Schindler Roofing Inc. have the solution for any flat roof. One that will finally give you peace of mind, and confidence that your roof is water tight for MANY years to come.
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Let's compare some common flat roof materials that can be found on roofs around the country. |
A Built up roof, commonly known to consumers as a "tar" or "tar and gravel" roof. is a system composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal hot tar, pitch or hot asphalt. Finished with a flood coat of the pitch or asphalt. Frequently gravel is added for UV protection, or the application of a reflective coating.
As with any roof system, proper installation will determine the actual service life of the roof. We have seen built up roofs fail after 5 years, and last up to 15 years.
This system requires continued maintenance, not a roof you can install and forget about for a long period of time.
We do not install this system for several reasons.
• Short service life
• Very high heat gain, not energy efficient
• Continuous maintenance required
• Aesthetically unpleasant
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Modified Bitumen
Modified Bitumen (MB) is asphalt that has had modifiers added to it to give it plastic or rubber-like properties. The most common types of modifiers being used are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene).
Modified comes in rolls, with a variety of surfacings available, such as granules, aluminum, copper, or an aggregate (added after installation) such as gravel or slag. A modified roof system can be torched down, or hot mopped applied, consisting of a one, two or three ply system. APP is torched applied, SBS can be torched or hot mopped.
We have seen 15 year old modified installations that are still functioning relatively well, on the other hand we have replaced five year old installations. Quality installation is imperative on this system for longevity. The average one ply modified system can be expected to last 9 - 10 years.
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