What Type of Roof Is Best For A Flat Roof

May 4, 2022

What Type of Roof Is Best For A Flat Roof?

There are a number of roofing systems that are made for flat roofs, the main materials for flat roofing systems are:

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer)
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Metal

Determining which flat roofing system is best for your specific needs depends on a number of factors, including your budget, the environment the roof will be in, and more.

EPDM Roofing

One of the most common types of commercial roofing, EPDM is a synthetic rubber material that is regularly used for low slope and flat roofs. Available in both black and white, white EPDM is energy efficient by reflecting UV rays, leading to lower cooling costs. Additionally, EPDM has a long lifespan of up to 50 years or more depending on the thickness you choose, but the average life expectancy of EPDM roofing systems ranges between 25-40 years. That said, these advantages make it a great choice for a flat roof.

TPO Roofing

While similar to EPDM, TPO is a popular choice for low sloped and flat roofs but still has many differences from its similar counterpart. First, TPO is extremely durable and has a life expectancy of around 25 years. In addition, TPO is UV resistant as well, similarly to EPDM, but at a higher cost on average. Many of the same advantages of EPDM and PVC roofing systems can be seen in TPO roofing which is why it is a solid option for flat roofing.

PVC Roofing

Despite having the advantages of TPO and EPDM, PVC roofing is the most expensive of the three. However, PVC roofing can be conveniently re-welded which means it is easier to repair than the similar counterparts of TPO and EPDM. On top of that, PVC roofing systems are more sturdy than TPO and EPDM when the seams are properly installed. That’s why it’s important to contact a reputable roofing contractor like us at Watermark Exteriors.

Metal Roofing

Although metal roofing systems last the longest (50+ years), they are also the most expensive option, and have countless other benefits. With the hefty price tag, metal roofs reflect heat, don’t catch fire, stand up to 140 MPH winds, and are environmentally friendly. Furthermore, metal roofing is one of the lightest roofing materials available when compared to the other flat roofing systems. Due to all these reasons, metal roofing systems are a smart long-term investment.

The Best Flat Roofing System?

There is no universal answer to this question. In fact, the best flat roofing system for you will depend entirely on your needs, budget, and environment. Taking these factors into consideration will allow you to have better judgment on which roofing system is right for you. Don’t hesitate to call us to get you started on your new roof!

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Wesley heads a team of dedicated professionals who show up on-time, do quality work with great products and work on-budget. Super-responsive with years of experience, coupled with outstanding customer service and competitive pricing. Simply the best!!!

Showed up. Showed up on time. Didn't sugar-coat, but also didn't use doom and gloom to get me to but a whole new roof right now. Will definitely get my business when the whole roof has to come off in the future. The patch isn't noticeable at all, which was a giant worry. Thanks watermark.

Utilized Watermark for an issue on our roof. Wes and Mike immediately came out and identified the issue. In addition, they assessed my roof and gave me a TRUTHFUL evaluation and made sure we were taken care of. I am very appreciative of the Watermark and recommend them to anyone.

The roof looks great and I was very impressed by the workmanship of the roofing crew. The project manager assigned to my job, Michael Herr, is one of the best I've worked with. He was very professional in every aspect of this job from inspection, estimation, scheduling... He was a pleasure to work with.

We had a small leak pop up last night that I couldn't tell where it was from. I called Wesley in the morning and within a couple hours he was here. While it was still raining he went up to find the problem. Within 30 minutes he found a few loose nails in a small area that were the culprit. He pulled them out and sealed everything up... I highly recommend these guys to anyone!

Do you have an interior leak that is costing you time and money?

Watermark can find the source of the leak through our leak detection services, and provide a solution to prevent more damage from occurring. If damages to the interior occur, no worries, we got you covered! Our sister company would be happy to assist in the cleanup and repair process of the interior in a seamless, efficient matter.

From steep shingled roofs, to low slope roofs, or even flat roofs, Watermark Roofing offer insurance claim services, preventative roof maintenance, roof repair, and roof replacement options that meet your needs.