BUR (Built Up Roof) – These are traditional hot tar and gravel roofs made of piles of water-resistant materials. The water resistant material is rotated with hot tar and ballasted by a coating of smooth river stone. These roofs use more sophisticated materials now days like fiberglass membranes.
Advantages-
· Gravel is a good fire resistant.
· Looks attractive on windows and decks.
· Cheapest
Disadvantages-
· Heavy weighted
· Joists need to be strengthened sometimes.
· Messy to install and smells very bad.
· For occupied homes setting up is not suggested.
· Hard to find the sources of leaks if any exist.
· Gravels can block the gutters and scuppers of roof.
Modified Bitumen
It is a single ply rolled roof that is alike to ice and water shelter. It is saturated with a mineral based wear shell. As the material of roof is unrolled, so the Torch-down systems includes heating the cement.
Advantages-
· Peel and stick substance.
· Reflects heat and saves energy.
· Price is medium.
Disadvantages-
· Torch down application is not suggested for occupied homes or buildings because of its fire vulnerability.
· It’s not tear resistant.
Rubber Membrane
EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer is the pure form of rubber. The rubber is engineered to resist the damages caused by UV rays or sunlight.
Advantage-
· Easy to install.
· Good resistant to scuffs and tears.
· Leaks are simple to patch.
Disadvantage-
· Absorbs heat.
· Light colored coatings.
· Cost more than BUR and modified bitumen.
· More open to punctures.
Before, deciding on the type of flat roof you want, consult with the best roofing contractors of your area. Certified roofing contractors with vast experience in this field can suggest you better option depending on your requirements.
Just contact them and enjoy your happy roofing!