What roofing material is best for a flat roof?

The 4 Best Materials for a Flat Roof (& How Much They Cost)

  1. EPDM membrane roofing. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber black membrane commonly used in commercial and medical facilities. …
  2. TPO membrane roofing. …
  3. PVC membrane roofing. …
  4. Standing seam metal roof.





What materials are used for low slope roofs?

Most low-slope roofs are now built or re-covered with one of four main material types, TPO, PVC, EPDM or Modified Bitumen, while Built-Up declines in popularity.

What is the best slope for a flat roof?

about 1:40

What Pitch is a Flat Roof? If flat roofs are to work well, they have to have a slope, known as a fall, to shed rainwater. The fall should never be less than 1:80 and preferably about 1:40.

What is a flat sloped roof called?





A roof that is nearly flat or slightly pitched is called a flat roof or low slope roof – No roof should be dead flat because it must have at least a slight slope to drain. Low-slope & steep-slope terms describe roof slope, the slant of a roof.

What sheet material is used on flat roofs?

The most commonly used polymers are atactic polypropylene (APP) and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS). SBS imparts a rubber-like characteristic to the bitumen. SBS cap sheets are usually installed using cold adhesives or hot asphalt tar.

Is EPDM good for flat roofs?

EPDM Flat Roofs



The EPDM roofing system has grown over the last few decades on the strength of its reputation as a durable, inexpensive roofing option. These traits have spurred its growth and have made it the most common commercial flat roof choice in the US today. It is also revered for its quick installation.

Can you put a metal roof on a low slope?

Metal roofing systems, such as a standing seam roof or a corrugated metal roof, are ideal for low-slope applications that aren’t “flat” roofs. These metal panels come in large sheets that cover the length of your roof from your ridge to your gutter.

What is the lowest pitch roof for shingles?



As well, a slope of 4:12 is most commonly considered the lowest slope for “standard shingle installations”. Most manufacturer and industry recommendations require, or at the very least recommend, special underlayment or other considerations on roofs between 2:12 and 4:12.

What can I put on a 1/12 pitch roof?

Very Low Roof Pitches: .



This pitch might be as low as 1/12. The flat roofing materials most appropriate to these shallow-sloped roofs include: Built-Up Roofing: Sometimes called tar-and-gravel, or BUR, the modern form of this kind of roof consists of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics.

What types of roof decking are used for low slope roofs?

Types of Roof Membranes for Flat or Low-Slope Roofs

  • EPDM Roofs.
  • PVC Roofs.
  • TPO Roofs.
  • KEE Roofs.



Can you put a metal roof on a 3/12 pitch?

For roofs of 2:12 or greater pitch, products like our ClickLock standing seam work very well. Then, when you get into roofs of 3:12 or greater pitch, most other metal roofs can be used and that generally is the pitch requirement for asphalt shingles as well.

Can you shingle a low slope roof?

But why can’t you put shingles on a low slope or flat roof? Shingles aren’t meant to hold or have sitting water on them. Because of this, the shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions and building codes state you can’t install asphalt shingles on a roof with a pitch below 2:12.

How do you build a sloped roof on a flat roof?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I started with the 12 inch base sheet. We're gonna go to a 24 inch sticky ply and then we'll go to a full 36 inch cap sheet the way you stagger all your rows.

Can you shingle a 1.5 pitch roof?



The asphalt shingle manufactures recommend that you install asphalt shingles on a recommended minimum of 4 in 12 or greater however most manufactures will warrant their shingles down to a 2 in 12 pitch if the recommended installation method is used.

What stones do you put on a flat roof?

A layer of gravel, or small stones, is applied on top of the final coating of asphalt to protect the roof from the elements, including ultraviolet (UV) rays and hail. The gravel is embedded into the top coat of asphalt (known as a flood coat), which helps the gravel stay in place.

What do you cover a flat roof with?

Ethylene Polypropylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is one of the most versatile rubber roofing options on the market. Considered to be one of the best materials for flat roofs, rubber is a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications thanks to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Why do people put rocks on flat roofs?

Rocks or gravel on a flat roof are a necessary component for built up roofs and ballast roof systems. The gravel or stone offers roof protection and balances the overall weight of the roof.

Why do they put pea gravel on flat roofs?



Gravel Helps Protect Underlying Roof Layers



This type of roof is made of a mix of tar and gravel. Adding gravel over the final layer of roofing mix will protect it against ultraviolet rays, hail and other weather elements.

How many years does a tar and gravel roof last?

30 years

With regular maintenance and repair, a tar and gravel roof can last as long as 30 years. You can strengthen your tar and gravel roof by adding additional roofing layers made out of fiberglass or foam to increase insulation.

Should you put stone chippings on a flat roof?

Granite chippings are generally used on a Flat Roof Application. Generally with traditional roofing felts. It is advisable to bond all the perimeter areas either with hot bitumen or cold gritting adhesive.