Flat Roof Deck Materials You Should Know

August 25th, 2012 Filed under: Roofing

Nowadays, many commercial buildings as well as multi-family dwellings use a flat roof deck rather than a slooping roof. If you are interested to use such roofing, then you should really know all about it and what types of flat roof deck materials you may use. A flat roof is fabricated with a wide range of materials. The flat roof deck materials range from metal roofing to vegetated roofing.

1. Metal

This is a great modern option among flat roof deck materials you can try on. Metal flat roofing consists of two basic classifications, namely structural and non-structural. Structural metal roofing does not need solid support underneath it, while non-structural one must have solid decking beneath. The solid decking is usually OSB, plywood, or a metal roof deck. Metal flat roof deck materials can last up to 50 years.

2. Asphalt Roll Roofing

This is a type of flat roof deck materials which has been used over a century ago. This roofing is generally composed of fiberglass based felts or asphalt-saturated layered on top. Asphalt roll roofing is also equipped with roof felt affixed by cold asphalt cement and usually coated with a mineral topping. This roofing material will lasts for 10 years.

3. Vegetated Roof

What is considered as the most natural and exotic idea of flat roof deck materials is vegetated green roof. This type of roofing consists of soil as well as vegetative cover that uses a membrane of thermoplastic overlaid alongwith the soil and the greenery. Vegetated roof will protect the underlying membrane from harmful UV rays. Many people opt for this roof deck material because of its capability to absorb rainfall, lower the urban storm water runoff. Moreover, it is believed that this is one of flat roof deck materials which can lower buildings energy consumption.

4. Thermoset, Thermoplastic and Modified Bitumen

Last but not least, there are other great flat roof deck materials, namely thermoplastic, thermoset, and modified bitumen. All these materials are single-ply and applied via chemical or mechanical means. These are also secured by ballast which is typically composed of gravel. Depending on the materials and conditions, these flat roof deck materials will last up to 20 years.

After knowing some great options in choosing flat roof deck materials, you can plan for your own flat roof deck. Remember to choose the best material that suit the type of your home, your needs and taste.

Photos credit:

www.hartmanbaldwin.com
www.westarchitecture.com
www.tracystonearchitect.com