Understanding the Differences Between TPO and PVC Roofing Systems

Understanding the Differences Between TPO and PVC Roofing Systems

Without the proper understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of PVC and TPO roofing systems, one may invest their money in the wrong roofing system, which could lead them to have more costly expenses in the future. Even though the two mentioned roofing systems share the same membrane, there are still differences that you should know.

This article will tackle the differences between TPO and PVC roofing systems and other information you need to know about it.

The Difference Between the Composition of TPO and PVC

If you have seen the installation of TPO or PVC roofing, most of you will think that the materials used are the same. Even though they look quite identical, the two roofing systems have a unique composition.

PVC Roofing System – PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride that features a membrane made from 2 PCV plies with a polyester sheet between them. The following materials used to create PVC plies:

  • Biocides, which works to prevent the buildup of insects, rodents, algae, bacteria, and mold
  • Plasticizers, which works to improve the plies’ flexibility and plasticity
  • Polyester or fiberglass reinforcement
  • Color pigments
  • Ultraviolet light inhibitors

PVC roofing system maintains its water-tightness because of its hot-air welded seams. This means that it can withstand a wide variety of extreme weather conditions.

TPO or Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing System. Manufacturing the TPO membrane needs to combine two materials, which are the ethylene-propylene and polypropylene rubber. The TPO plies hold a polyester sheet between them, like the former roofing system. To form TPO plies, the following materials are needed:

  • Talc
  • Fiberglass
  • Color pigments
  • Ultraviolet light inhibitors

Considering the materials used to produce the TPO membrane, plasticizers are not the essential materials to improve its flexibility or plasticity. If it’s installed by a professional, it works in high-quality and can resist even severe conditions.

Performance Comparison Between TPO and PVC Roofing Systems

When it comes to wear and tear strengths, TPO outstands PVC. But, in terms of the overall cost, fire resistance, and chemical resistance, the PVC roofing system is listed on top. PVC is a recommended roofing system for buildings or restaurants with grease traps.

Both membranes of PVC and TPO roofing systems are excellent when it comes to their durability. Their thickness also impacts their pricing as well as their lifespan. Depending on your budget, experts recommend investing in the thickest membrane to avoid costly repair.

Pro Tip: Make sure not to depend on your budget when choosing the best roofing system. If you prefer TPO roofing systems to the PVC, make sure to ask and research reliable information about it. Despite your choice, make sure to hire a contractor with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Also, work with a manufacturer that offers a clear warranty policy for their items.

Warranties Between TPO and PVC Roofing Systems

Before you check out your order, make sure that you know the product warranties. This is always true despite your choice. Whether you are choosing PVC or TPO, there are two types of warranties to keep in mind.

First, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. This type of warranty covers any defects or problems you notice on their roofing membrane in a specific period. The last one is the warranty of the roofing contractor, which includes his workmanship. When it comes to this warranty, you need to remember the items it covers as well as the actions to follow to prevent the warranty from being void.

Considering that the duration and coverage of the two warranties mentioned above will vary depending on the roofing system manufacturer as well as the contractor, this is usually a case-to-case basis.

Pro Tip: Before you agree to the warranty offered by the company and contractor, make sure to understand its coverage. Also, agree only if you’re satisfied with the warranty coverage. After completing the installation process, make sure to document all the warranty descriptions and certificates you can get from the manufacturer and contractor.

Overall Differences Between PVC and TPO Roofing Systems

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a roofing system that’s made from energy-efficient materials. Aside from that, it is also reflective of the sun’s UV rays. In terms of installation, TPO is way easier to complete compared to PVC. So, it’s recommended if you require immediate roofing. Also, this one lasts longer and is durable since it can resist mold growth.

On the other hand, in terms of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a popular roofing system among commercial business owners as it is more resistant to severe weather conditions. PVC roofing systems work better in flatter roofs and moderate climates. A plus point for it is that it does not require frequent maintenance. It is also an energy-efficient material, like a TPO roofing system.

Another notable difference between the two is their sheet flexibility. TPO has a more flexible sheet compared to PVC. You need to consider the sheet flexibility of the roofing system in terms of flash penetrations as it has something to do, especially in areas of the roof that are not watertight.

The good thing is that despite your choice, it can cut down AC bills because of the cooling effects it offers.

Conclusion

Roofing systems are popular for commercial properties, like restaurants and buildings. When it comes to roofing systems, PVC and TPO are the two popular roofing materials that need to be taken into consideration by most buyers.

To sum it up, both PVC and TPO roofing do their jobs. But, despite being similar in most cases, these two roofing systems are made from different materials. PVC is constructed from chlorine and ethylene, while TPO is constructed from polypropylene and propylene rubber. The two roofing systems look similar, but the PVC roofing system has been used since the 1960s, even until now, while the TPO roofing system started in the early 1990s.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the two materials is important. This will help you to prevent impulsive buying decisions and further expenses in the future.

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Essential Queries to Ask When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Essential Queries to Ask When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Finding the best roofing contractor that can do the job for your leaking or damaged roof is not an easy thing to do. It is not something that you can take for granted. Remember that this is not a simple, roofing job. Most of the time, we hire roofing contractors for our homes. You have to keep in mind whether they are best suited for the job and if you can afford to hire them. There are some things that you may not be sure about roofing contractors, especially if you are a new homeowner. In this article, we will be sharing with you some of the relevant questions you may have for a roofing contractor. Read on and take notes because these questions will be essential to you.

What Questions Should I Ask A Roofing Contractor?

Ask Your Roofing Contractor Whether They Are Licensed, Insured, And Bonded.

This is the first question that you should ask your roofing contractor. You can also ask for physical copies to support their claims. They must be licensed because it means that they’re registered to the board of licensing contractors. Make sure that you check if their license is up to date. This will be helpful if something wrong happened with their work; you can have legal recourse. Having a bonding company to back up your roofing contractor is a good thing. A bond company gives you the peace of mind that no matter what happens during work, you have a backup. They are the ones that will handle things if there are problems with work or when your contractor bails on you while the work is in progress. Being insured is a good sign when it comes to a roofing contractor. It means that their company vehicles and workmen are insured no matter what happens. If they are not insured, you will run the risk of being liable when an accident happens.

Is Your Roofing Business Locally Available?

Having a physical office and a local phone number is a must for roofing contractors to ensure that their clients can contact and find them whenever they encounter a problem. It is also necessary that their business is local because installation codes may vary depending on the state’s requirements.

How Long Are They In The Roofing Business?

Experience can be a measure of a roofing contractor’s expertise. Hiring an established and trusted contractor is a good way of making sure that they will do their job correctly. You can also ask around the area whether they have hired the contractors before. The results and end product of their job is the best evidence that you can ask for.

Ask Your Roofing Contractor What Kind Of Warranty They Offer.

Installing a roof is an investment. Roof warranties are important to ensure that you can protect what you have invested in. It is crucial to ask your contractor what kind of warranty they can offer to you. Depending on the company, you can expect a year, five years, 10 years, 25 years, or sometimes a roofing contractor can give you a lifetime warranty.

Who Can I Contact Supposing There Is A Problem With The Roofing Job?

No matter how well-known the contractors are in the business, there will be a time when you encounter a problem with their work. Just ask the name and the contact information of the person whom you can speak to whenever you need to ask something, or you have any concerns. It is a plus point if they give you the local person or someone with authority in the office so that when you have issues, they can easily deal with your situation. This also shows that they value their customers, and they will take care of your roofing issues when you ask for them.

Ask For Roofing Job References In The Past Months.

As a customer, you want to make sure that what you avail is good quality. You can ask the contractor for a job reference from the jobs that they have completed. They will be proud to show you the references if they are good at what they do. See for yourself if they are worth the money you are willing to pay for the roofing job.

Can You Provide A Detailed Written Estimate Of All The Expenses?

Whether you are on a budget or you want to go all out for your roof, it is important to take an expert’s opinion to see an estimated amount of what you will have to pay for. Before you sign an agreement with any contractor, you can ask for a detailed, written estimated amount of all the expenses. This way, you will not be surprised by the cost once the job is finished. It also means that the roofing contractor is transparent about everything that you will pay for.

How Will You Protect The Rest Of My Property If There Is An Instance That It Is Damaged While You Are Working?

Replacing a roof requires a lot of equipment for it to be done. There may be an instance where the equipment may cause damage to the rest of your property. Ask your contractor if they will be shouldering the repair, or will they replace it. You can also ask them what they will do to protect your lawn, landscapes, driveway, and other property from any damage. It is a must to ask them so that you will know in advance that they are taking the job seriously and they want to ensure the safety of your home.

Conclusion

Aside from knowing what questions to ask your roofing contractor, you must be a hundred percent certain with your choice. You must also be sure of your roofing needs. Do not be anxious to consult a professional whenever there is something that concerns you. These contractors are professionals who are very much willing to answer your queries. You want to be sure that the one you are hiring is properly trained and will not be deceptive about their installation practices. Nobody wants to have a roofing job repeatedly since it may cost you a valuable amount of money and time. As a homeowner, you have to be diligent and sure of investing in a roofing contractor.

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The Best Ways on How to Recover a Flat Roof

The Best Ways on How to Recover a Flat Roof

The roof comes in all types of shapes, sizes, and materials. Yet, with every notable look comes different problems and replacements. Homeowners dealing with a flat roof may find little tears or bubbles in the roofing material normal.

Flat roofs are not literally flat. They have a minor roof slant inconsistent gaps. These gaps are made from 1/4 to 1/2 inch for each foot. A small slope will provide exceptional drainage to the water, but if not sustained well, it can be a huge problem.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to recover a flat roof and have the interior of your home secure.

How to Recover a Leaking Flat Roof

Sometimes, you may want to save money till you have the funds to invest in the necessary recovery for your roof. This means you’ll have to do some renovations of your own. Here are some steps to know when recovering your roof.

Locate The Leak

Look for the cause of the leak indoors that caused water to reach the roof and merged in another place. It implies that the leak may not be in the area that has the largest water. Select a few analyses of the area where you assume a leak relevant to nearby surfaces.

Go To The Roof

Use the analyses you made from the inside and start examining for the leak on the roof. If no damage is transparent, scan for any damage to the roof layer near every flashing or drains on the house.

If you ought to use a ladder to reach the roof, examine its form on the spot. If you cannot detect the hole or if your roof is too steep, you may want to consult a professional.

Drop Any Debris

Your roof may have rubbles that can hinder your work or which can create more damage. Cut any unrelated objects from the region near the roof leak before starting the task. You’ll also be able to discover if your roof was broken by a storm or if the damage is age-related.

Wither the Area

Flat roofs usually have water, so be sure to drain the area you plan to fix before you start to operate on it. If you fixed a leak and trap rain below your patch, you could let mold grow beneath your roof. You may need professional aid If large amounts of water are now flowing within layers of your roof.

Know The Damage

Mark for any fault on your roof, like when water or air has flowed within the several layers of your roof. You’ll also have to inspect for cracks that show long-term sun damage. The kind of damage and its extent determines the most suitable repair process. In matters of critical damage, it’s best to take an expert opinion.

Cut The Broken Area

If your roof hole is due to a blister, cut into the damaged layer and exclude any moisture that may be existing. You’ll have to cut away any broken layers of your roof, yet be mindful not to break the roofing felt underneath. Make sure to drain the regions you want to fix before heading on to the next step.

Fasten It Down

Once you put down the covers of the blister, hold them to the roof to bind them in position and to seal the leak. Make sure there are no wires below or any other sensible infrastructure. Wrap the nails with an added roofing cement to seal any leaks.

Use Roofing Cement

Peel off the covers of the layer you cut. Use roofing cement to the hole and the whole part of the roof under the layers you cut off. This will close and will further give an adhesive to the folds of the layer. Hold the layer folds to the cement to reseal the opening.

Recovering A Flat Roof Permanently

Prior to fixing a leaking flat roof permanently, make sure the flat roof is free of any debris. Even though the leak has been traced, it’s still essential to ensure that there’s no more damage to be fixed. Before cleaning the space that requires repair, make sure to prepare safety procedures.

Your plan for repairing a flat roof permanently may vary based on the kind of material you have to apply to the roof.

Asphalt Flat Roof Repair

You can fix an Asphalt roof by producing a short patch of roofing felt affixed to it. You can look for a professional roof repair expert in Ontario to serve you.

Concrete Flat Roof Repair

Normal damage concerns surface wear or involve cracks to the cement roofing. Surface wear can cover breaks, so make sure to remove any random debris. Bigger and more visible holes on a flat cement roof can be fixed with a small patch of torch-on roofing felt. This needs a soft cover for the topmost layer to seal and dry the leaking region.

Rubber Flat Roof Repair- Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)

Expected damage on rubber roofs can happen from hanging debris like roof tiling. A small patch can serve as a constant EPDM roof replacement for leaks and cuts. Use an EPDM primer. When drained, attach a self-adhesive rubber tape 3 in the plastic flashing covering the leak.

The patch must place to the core above the leak, outwards with a firm, thick roller. Also, a lap sealant is as a replacement and applied around the corner as an extra waterproofing concern.

Felt Flat Roof Repair

If the used layer of felt roofing is in great full form, then a liquid custom replacement is implemented. For more former felt roofing, a patch of torched on roofing combine layer and repair the damage.

Ensure that the user of a torch flame who will lead repair work on felt roofing is set with naked flames. Also, have a free and available fire extinguisher to give.

Fiberglass Flat Roof Repair

You can fix your fiberglass flat roof with pure acetone and sandpaper. Next, the cut strand mat (600g) needs covering in place on top of and below a pitch cover, with all droplets extracted. Finally, behind renewing, the primary color of the roof needs to be used as the topcoat.

Flat Roof Coating as a Repair Option

Instead of repairing a leak, run an extra step and take a roof coating. It has a thin coat of plastic material that can give your roof long-term stability from the elements. A roof covering can be painted on in as abrupt as a day and doesn’t need occupants to leave while working. This gives much more complete coverage than some patches and costs less than a full roof replacement.

Further, to prevent leaks, a roof coating can turn down energy prices by up to 50% as it will exhibit more sunlight in your building. A roof cover likewise prolong the roof’s life from five to seven years, which therefore can provide you time to store for a replacement. You can as well ask for a national tax credit behind acquiring a roof coating, which isn’t possible with complete roof replacements.

Recovering a flat roof doesn’t make sense if the leaks you’re fixing are a result of age. Certain kinds of leaks begin to show after about 12-15 years on class flat roofs. Sometimes, unexpected situations occur when the establishment wasn’t done appropriately. You can recover small ones, but when big or various leaks appear, it worsens. Recovering a flat roof is the single lasting choice.

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Flat Roof Easy Fix

Flat Roof Easy Fix

Maintaining your most precious house can be time-consuming and costly. We truly understand you as it takes years of hard work and saving to build your own house. That is why it is important to always put into your priority list structural integrity. One of the most important parts of your house is your roof that deserves a polishing moment from time to time. In this article, you are going to learn about flat roof easy fix. A flat roof is usually common on older structures, garages, and commercial buildings.

One of the many reasons why people choose a flat roof is that it is cheaper and easy to install. Based on a considerable number of reviews, it has a fewer complications. One of the main purposes of the roof is to stand against the wind and water, but if the wind is strong and the water retention pool on for a longer period of time, it will definitely cause you a lot of trouble and deterioration. The typical problem with it is moisture and water as it has no angle that another type of roof has. If you need a repair, it is a must to seek an expert opinion from a qualified roofing company. We will elaborately share with you some tips that you can practically do so quickly if your roof needs a repair. For best results, we advised you to seek a professional inquiry for a proper recommendation. Especially if your roof is so damaged that it negates repair as your option, change it immediately. BUT if not, here are the things that you need to know.

1. Assess the Damage

Take a survey and look for a sign of holes. Determine how old the material is because this kind of roof needs to be replaced every 10-15 years. After, find that problematic spot.  You can get an idea easily of the damage customarily upon checking the status of your ceiling. Put a mark on the area where your roof system has been compromised by a storm or some other factors. It will lightly appease your mind to identify the leak. You cannot solve the problem and find a solution if, in the first place, you don’t know the location of the leak.

2. Find The Cracks, Holes, Or Any Puncture In The Roof

This task seems easy to spot on. But more often, it can be painstakingly hard to find because the puncture, cracks, and holes could be present long before any damage becomes visible.

Here are some of the signs to look for:

  • Watermarks on the ceiling
  • Stains running down the wall
  • Check for bulging part on the ceiling

3. Bring In A Licensed Contractor/Roofing Company

This is the best step that you can take if you happen to experience a leakage. Their expertise will make the identification of the leak easier, and it lowers down the possibility of omitting holes that can bring disaster in the future. If it appears that “Do it yourself” hacks will make no difference, do not gamble with chances. It is more practical rather than doing it all by yourself and adding more damage. Leave it to the professionals. It is time to call the right person for the job to execute what needs to be done. They very well know what to do with the damage and how to determine the coverage for the purposes of insurance. This process will stop further damage. Additionally, avoid messing up with the process if you want your insurance claim to move quickly.

4. Clean Up The Part That Needs A Repair

Before anything else, clean the surface and wipe the water if there’s any. Sweep it all up and make sure that the part that you are going to work on is clean and ready for patching. Small debris and water will affect the patching process and result as it will prevent the bonding of the material to the roof. You don’t want a half-done job, so be sure to do this step accordingly.

5. Dry Up The Area

This will make the repair process effective. It is highly advisable to do it in a good weather condition if the area that you will be working on is quite a bit large since that will need a longer time to completely finish the drying process of the adhesive that you will put in the roof.

6. Choose The Most Common And Effective Materials In Repairing Your Flat Roof. Check Down Below For A Great Set Of Choices.

  • Roofing Tar and Gravel roofing – the most budget-friendly and with a long lifespan that can last up until 30 years. Here are the application steps. Apply a thick layer of roofing tar to the damaged area, then add the patch of reinforcing roof level.
  • Bitumen waterproofing – a self-adhesive system that secures with well waterproof standard. Directly apply it to the surfaces without using any additional liquid. It seals like a concrete.
  • Rubber – commonly used in the United States as a roofing material. It is extremely effective in sealing leaks.
  • TPO Roofing- an energy-efficient roofing system that lowers your home’s overall construction cost.
  • PVC Roofing – great option but a bit costly.

7. Do It With Extreme Caution

Bring out the best precaution practices for roof safety. A split second is enough to deliver you to a serious accident. Even a small wrong move can lead to a serious complication. That is why we all need to know our limitations. This is to forewarn and prevent the worst from happening. Be well informed of the vulnerable surfaces and do not take chances.

Above all these, you must have a regular maintenance on your property. Hiring a professional to do it for you is highly advised to ensure safety and quality repair. Trust that a trained roofer will detect the vulnerable part once given a chance to inspect the premises using suitable equipment. This is one of the main reasons why we should leave it to them. You cannot properly work on the repairs without PROPER EQUIPMENT!

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How to Fix Ponding Water on a Flat Roof

There is a pooling of water after the continuous precipitation of rain, and because of this, clogged drainage and structural issues arise. Therefore, the flat roof must not puddle as it was not designed to retain a large amount of water after heavy rainfalls. Moreover, the solution for every ponding of the water must be based on the recommendations of the roof professionals for you to avoid more expenses.

A flat roof prone to ponding is quite a common problem that anyone could experience, especially if it rains really badly. If your flat roof is still in good condition, ponding water is probably not the problem as it will automatically drain or even evaporate, but if your flat roof suffers from uneven areas due to sagging or has an issue regarding insufficient slope and drainage, the ponding water may not dissipate.

The Solution to Ponding Water on Flat Roofs

Once you find that there is ponding water over your flat roof, repairing it is a must. According to roofers, compounds of roof filling are heavy, brittle, and useless as they consume more time.

The market offers a solution to fix the said issue. You can try to trade products which are made available to fix your problem as quickly and easily as possible.

Greenslopes is one of the traded products trended in the market. It was considered incredibly effective and easy to use all around the globe. In many countries, Greenslopes is the traded product that is considered as the only solution for every water ponding filler.

Bear in mind that if the sag of the flat roof has small uneven areas, the roofer must do everything to level it. Under the DIY flat leveling compound kit, the said leveling is easy to apply. Leveling comes with packing the dip as well as the sealing of a waterproof coating. It can help you create a slope that will navigate the water right onto the drainage. This solution is way better and easier than all the solutions provided as it only takes a few hours to apply, super easy to use, and can save your roof repair cost.

What are the Common Problems Caused by Flat Roof Ponding?

  1. The roofing material’s quality is not that good especially if it’s already modified from a used and older material that’s already been built up for roofs.
  2. Possible damage to the bearing structure when loading due to the water’s additional mass during heavy rainfall.
  3. During the winter season, the water piled-up is more likely to solidify and expand that can cause more damage.
  4. If the seams overlap, a large mass of water is prone to ponding that can cause damage to the membrane and its seal, allowing more water to pass underneath.
  5. If the stagnant water is not removed properly, it also creates moss, algae, and debris. Through these, a breeding ground for insects can produce.

Some Other Things to Check

Monitor the drains regularly. Monitor the flow of the water to the drain. If you find anything that may cause the water flow to be blocked, like debris, remove it immediately.

Check the structural issues. If your roofer is not professional about installing the frames, joists, and beams, you are advised to get a better one. Improper installation of frames can also cause water ponding.

Why do You Need to Fix the Water Ponding?

Water ponding is annoying, especially during rainfalls. It can damage your roof structure that creates dirtier breeding ground that allows algae to grow. The freezing pools also be damaging at an even quicker rate when the temperature drops.

Is Standing Water Good For The Flat Roof?

If there’s already stagnant water present on your roof, this may result in leakage that can also damage your personal belongings and furniture that is inside your home. Standing water can also lead to the durability of your roof structure. Water that has stood flat on your roof for about two days and more is already considered as standing water.

What Causes Ponding Waters On A Flat Roof?

Not all flat roofs are considered as flat. Rather, the formation of the slight slope after the rainfall allows the water to drain more to the gutters. The ponding of waters happens if the rooftop is not properly structured, or the rainwater has been stuck on the flat rooftop for more than two to three days.

How Much Ponding Of Water Is Acceptable On A Flat Roof?

As quickly as possible, it is good advice to consider the good practice in every flat roof that should be designed clearly through the surface of the water. According to the roof professionals, the recommended size of the flat roof to avoid ponding of water is at least 1:40 to assure a finished fall of 1:80. Through that, allowing any inaccuracies in the construction can be easily fixed.

If The Roof Is Concrete, How Do You Fix The Ponding Of Waters?

Well, you have given three basic options regarding that issue. First, you can grind it, next is replace it, and lastly, you can raise it instead.

How Often To Replace If The Flat Roof Is Suffering From Ponding Of Waters?

Normally, according to the roofers, the flat roof needs to be replaced within ten to fifteen years. During those years, your flat roof is susceptible to tiny damage and normal tears. It will normally start to let the water pass through. If this occurred, take advantage of the warranty on your flat roof after you purchase it.

What Other Options Should Roofers Need To Consider To Get Off The Water From The Flat Roof?

In flat roofing, if the water does not prevent from ponding, the most commonly available option is the gutter. The gutter is the most effective for drainage solutions. Falling of water can be prevented as it rolls off the edge, which allows the water to go to a down spot that dispenses it into a distance from the foundation of the gutters.

Are There Any Puddles In Flat Roofs?

There is a pooling of water after the continuous precipitation of rain, and because of this, clogged drainage and structural issues arise. Therefore, the flat roof must not puddle as it was not designed to retain a large amount of water after heavy rainfalls. Moreover, the solution for every ponding of the water must be based on the recommendations of the roof professionals for you to avoid more expenses.

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How to Properly Slope a Flat Roof for Effective Drainage?

How to Properly Slope a Flat Roof for Effective Drainage

How does a flat roof drains when they are flat? Have you ever asked this to yourself after admiring a flat-roofed house or building? Well, the answer to that is that although they are flat, they are not levelly flat. Simply put, they are slightly tilted in order for rainwater to drain. They only appear leveled to our eyes, but in actual and careful inspection, you will see that one edge is slightly higher than the other. So how do you properly slope a flat roof for drainage?

Proper Slope Height of a Flat Roof

If you are planning to have a rooftop garden, or if you simply want to maximize your space, a flat-roofed house is the best option for you. But bear in mind that roof drainage of a flat roof is more complex than a pitched roof. Experts in this field, however, find this as a challenge for them. Usually, their answer, if you ask them how to construct an effective drainage for a flat roof, is that all types of roof drainage will depend on how you slope your roof.

The correct tilt of a slope in your roof is the most necessary thing to do when constructing it. You have to remember that a failed slope on your flat roof is failed roof drainage. It should be noted that if you want a proper slop on a flat roof for drainage, you should tilt it with a correct height for the rainwater to flow naturally to the drainage system. Normally, an estimate of one centimeter (1cm) for every sixty centimeters (60cm) of width at the least should suffice for your slope to be described as correctly built. This will be successfully achieved if you use fir-rings in the construction of your flat roof drainage. Fir-rings are wood battens which have varying height in order to create a slight tilt on your flat roof. Once the slope is properly installed, your focus should now revert back to the flat roof drainage.

Common Types of Flat Roof Drainage

It is a must that flat roofs should have effective drainage in order to avoid pools of water to stock on it. Keep in mind that a pool of water stock on a roof will eventually lead to its damage and disintegration. To give you an idea of how a flat roof drainage works, here are the common types used by most.

Guttering Drainage

Guttering drainage is one of the most common types of flat roof drainage because aside from it being affordable, it is also effective. It is also called a conductor pipe. To describe it simply, it just like a trough positioned at the edge of your flat roof where water is mainly drained. Galvanized steel, vinyl, as well as aluminum are some of the materials commonly used for gutters.

Guttering drainage is also excellent in controlling the water flow from your flat roof. Because of its effective draining system, the foundations of your home will be well protected. Also, guttering drainage will not make you worry about soil erosion. The only downside in this flat roof drainage is that it easily clogs since it is an open drainage system. Thus, regular maintenance is required in order for increased longevity use.

Siphonic Roof Drainage

If you want your rainwater to flush itself from your flat roof, then your best choice is the Siphonic Roof Drainage. This flat roof drainage system will help the water pass to the drain faster than the other drainage types. This is generally constructed by allowing a minimal number of outlets, which are all connected and will drain in a single major pipe. Another note worth taking in this type of flat roof drainage is that it does not need sloped pipes. Hence, you will not have any problems when you have to install other equipment on your roof.

Inner Drainage

Inner drainage is most popular with commercial properties or buildings. In this type of flat roof drainage, pipes are placed underneath the roofs or in parapet walls in order to ensure that the pipes will not be visible and space will look good. This inner drainage system is usually positioned in the roof’s center or where the flat roof slope is directed downward.

This is one of the best choices if you are planning to construct a large roof or a rooftop garden since there are no visual hindrances present. A properly built slope plus a correctly installed inner drainage system makes a perfect combination. Another benefit of inner drainage is that even if there are leaks in the pipes, since the pipes are not in contact with the parapet walls or roof, there will be no damage to your property. The water will simply drain away. But on the downside, since the pipes are placed underneath the roof, its maintenance, as well as repair, is expensive as compared to other flat roof drainage systems. There is also a possibility of pipes being clogged. Thus, it is best to inspect them regularly.

Scuppers Drainage

In this type of flat roof drainage, opening at the sides of the walls are made where the water from the roof is carried to the gutter. Hence, when using this type of drainage, it is recommended to combine it with a guttering system. Also, in order to protect the walls from being damaged by the water, you also have to install collector heads aside from the gutters. One of the most recommended scuppers is the wide size so that it will not get easily clogged by leaves or twigs.

Another plus factor of this type of flat roof drainage is that even if there is debris, it will not block the water flow since you have the collector heads to do it for you. But of course, just like any other type of drainage, this also has its cons. One of its downsides is that if you have a limited space, you will have no choice but to use small scuppers. Unfortunately, unlike wide scuppers, small ones easily clog because of its size. Moreover, combining it with downspouts is not a good idea since it may affect the sturdiness of your home’s foundation.

These are only some of the drainage system that you may use for your flat roof. However, if you want to make sure that your home has a properly tilted slope and the best flat roof drainage, it is still recommended for you to consult and hire a professional.

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Techniques on How to Insulate a Flat Roof from the Outside and the Inside

How to Insulate a Flat Roof from the Outside and the Inside

If you are longing to buy a flat roof house or you have actually searched and picked your options, knowing how to insulate it should be one of your priorities. To be honest, insulating a flat roof, as compared to a pitched roof, is more complex. So, you will in for a difficult task. But you just have to consider it as a challenge and know that every challenge comes with a well-deserved success. Plus, you also have professionals to assist you with if you find it hard to understand and to do. To make it easier for you, here are some helpful techniques on how to insulate your flat roof from the outside and how to insulate it from the inside.

Understanding Flat Roof Insulation

Understanding Flat Roof Insulation

Before anything else, it is important for you to know the basics of flat roof insulation in order for you to understand the following helpful techniques. Flat roof insulation is basically done to increase energy efficiency and energy use in your home. Its main purpose is to minimize heat loss inside your home, which will result to energy-saving benefits. In general, there are two types of flat roof insulation, which will depend upon the climatic condition in your area, its location, and the local building regulations. These two types are highly related to how to insulate a flat roof from the outside and how to insulate it from the inside.

Two Major Types of Flat Roof Insulation

As mentioned previously, there are two major types of flat roof insulation. The first one is the cold roof insulation. This is when you insulate your flat roof from the inside. On the other hand, the second major type of flat roof is warm roof insulation, which is the exact opposite of cold roof insulation because, in this case, you will insulate your flat roof from the outside. At this point, we will now go to the specifics and the helpful techniques on how to insulate a flat roof from the outside and from the inside.

Two Major Types of Flat Roof Insulation

Cold roof insulation is more commonly used by many homeowners since it is much less expensive as compared to warm roof insulation. In this type, the insulation is snugly placed underneath the roof’s surface and in-between the joists. To be more specific, you will have to put the insulation between each of the supporting joists and leave a gap in each for about fifty (50mm) to sixty (60mm) millimeters. On the other hand, if you are going to replace the insulation in your current flat roof house, one recommended piece of advice is for you to take down your ceiling too to ensure proper installation. Also, in the case of a shallow joist above your ceiling, the best way is for you to use spray foam as your insulation.

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