Residential Flat Roof Specs

Roofing nails long note.

Residential flat roof specs.

A classic flat roof is either almost completely level or has a very slight pitch of 3 in 12 inches or less. However over the last few decades new and advanced materials have been developed. Verify color with owner. Most often used in commercial and industrial applications this flat roof system contains layers of waterproof membrane such as a treated fiberglass basemat tar and gravel to seal the flat roof surface.

Photo by russell kaye. Never 100 percent flat these roofs have a slope of less than 10 degrees. Underneath the basics flat roofs are usually constructed with a ceiling nailed to joists which support a deck usually wood in residential construction a vapor barrier insulation and a roof board. Used as an architectural device for residential homes flat roofs are more commonly seen in large industrial manufacturing or commercial buildings.

Of course flat roofs are not flat but have a very slight roof pitch of between 1 4 to 1 2 per foot. These are all relatively inexpensive materials and easy to install but most of them have a limited lifespan of 10 to 15 years. We love the flexibility of a flat roof for certain design limitations but they have a bit of reputation for leaks and repairs. Technology has improved to install non penetrating ballast systems to prevent leakage.

All shingles shall be installed by galv. Furnish and install new aluminum coil stock to cover all fascia and roof trim. Flat roofs that are truly horizontal can have a ballast or attached system put in place to create a pitch of at least 10 degrees. The vast majority of flat roofs use a type of rolled roofing.

This flat roof system is still used in some residential applications because of its affordability and fire resistance. Advantages of a flat low slope roof system. Pros and cons for flat roof materials all three types of flat roofing cost 250 to 350 per square 100 square feet but prices vary according to region and size of the roof. Flat roofs usually come with a 10 to 20 year warranty but can last 25 years if you build the roofs right and maintain them using commonsense rules.

Some degree of tilt 3 to 4 degrees is best able to help keep solar panels clean when it rains. 4 per shingle minimum 6 per shingle in high wind areas and the coast line. Rubber epdm tpo or bitumen. Or stapled with crown width length per manuf.