Flat Roofing Services

South Florida Flat Roofs

In South Florida, flat roofs have grown in popularity as the retro-Miami style has made a comeback. Generally, residential homes tend to have sloped roofs above the household, and the carports or garages may have a flat roof. Most commercial and industrial properties have flat roofs to support their A/C equipment, vents, and other interior support equipment.

 

Flat Roofs -
Flat Roofs -

Flat Roofs Specifics

Flat roofs tend to have less longevity than sloped roofs, as the runoff from all of our tropical storms can sometimes be trapped if the drainage and pitch of the roof were not crafted to eliminate standing water. Even if the flat roofs drain correctly, dirt and debris are more easily trapped on a flat roof than a sloped roof; meaning, flat roofs need more regular maintenance than sloped roofs. When debris is trapped on a roof, the debris can collect or trap moisture. Sometimes the debris or any tree foliage can even eat through the roof itself.

Flat Roof Insulation and Sloping

Insulation board or a tapered insulation (for positive slope or drainage) can be installed in conjunction with any flat roof systems mentioned on our website. To resolve temporary ponding or standing water issues, Perkins Roofing Corp. offers roof sloping services to self-correct slope issues on an existing roof. Note: Insulation may be necessary per code on specific roofs, this is at the discretion of the particular township and/or inspector.

Flat Roofs -
Flat Roofs -

Types of Flat Roofs

  • Tar and Gravel – An older, traditional style of roof. Tar and gravel roofs are not as common as they once were and are not as attractive as the other types of flat roofs, but they are durable.
  • Built-Up Roof (BUR) – BUR’s are made upof multiple protective layers ofroofing and have three install methods.
    • Self-Adhered – Build a roof without a tar kettle or flame, this is the preferred method on high rise buildings with limited access.
    • Torch-on – The layers of adherent is heat activated by using a torch or open flame to build the roof.
    • Hot Mop – Install method using the old-fashioned tar kettle.
  • Fluid-Applied Roofing Systems
  • These types of roofs are generally seen on large warehouses or commercial buildings due to ease of install on EPDM (Rubber) football field-sized orlarger roof decks.
  • TPO (Thermoplastic Polypropylene) – Similar toan EPDM roof, TPO roofs are more common with larger buildings due to the install specifications.

Flat Roofs Maintenance Tips

Clean and check the roof for any leaks at least twice per year (before hurricane season and after hurricane season).
Cut trees and vegetation back from the roof regularly.
Install walk pads for maintenance workers around A/C or equipment on roofs to protect the roof from accidental punctures.
If installing new equipment on the roof, contact us to send a trusted Perkins Roofing technician out during install to properly reseal the roof.
Keep up new roof or roof restoration warranties by following their maintenance plans.

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