Homeowners who have flat roofs may not know that there are three different types of materials that can be used to protect a home’s inhabitants from the outside world. These roofs include built up roofs, modified bitumen roofs and rubber membrane roofs. Each type of material has different advantages and disadvantages, though it is expected for these materials to last for at least 10 years at the very minimum. If they are properly installed, they can last up to 25 years.
Built up roofs, also known as BURs, are made from layers of a waterproof material and hot tar. The top layer may consist of gravel or smooth river stone. Some of these roofing materials may include fiberglass membranes or tar paper. The gravel makes this material fire retardant and is considered the most inexpensive type of material. The downside, however, is that this particular roof can have a noxious odor during the installation. It is also highly recommended that a Charleston roofing contractor be called in to install this material due to the mess.
Modified bitumen roofs are made of a single ply material that has a mineral based material applied to the surface that protects against the weather. This type of material usually has a light colored surface, which may reduce energy use during the summer.