If you are using a flat roof without waterproofing, you are doing yourself more harm than good. Your flat roof is prone to more damage when it is overexposed and doesn't have any kind of protection whatsoever.
So, waterproofing is one of the protections you give your flat roof so it can protect you effectively and last for a long period. A flat roof without waterproofing tends to develop standing water and leakage problems.
That said, how then do you waterproof a flat roof?
Can you do it yourself? Yes, you can, though we strongly advise that you employ a professional roofer. But of course, you can execute the processes that will be explained here.
Here are ways you can waterproof your flat roof
This is the first step to waterproofing your flat roof. You must first inspect your roof to check its condition. When inspecting, be on the lookout for leaks, cracks, etc, so you can rectify them before waterproofing your flat roof.
The problem you might encounter in this process is that it might be hard to find the leaks since you were not trained to do so. Flat roofs can be tricky. The place where your roof is leaking might not be the place water passes through. You have to do this with due diligence, or else, your waterproofing will be put to waste.
Before climbing your roof, make sure you can walk on your flat roof. Also, make sure your ladder is secure and steady. If possible, get someone to hold the ladder for you. This is to prevent the possible risk of falling when climbing or when coming down.
In the course of the inspection, you would have spotted places that have leaks and cracks. For easy identification, you can give it a mark. After the inspection, you have to first fix the leaks before you add the waterproofing. An easy way to do this is by using a repair kit.
A repair kit is a set of equipment you use to repair and patch small areas of your flat roof that needs to be fixed and repaired. You can use this even if you are not a roofing expert. It is easy to use and apply. So far you know where to fix it, you don't have any problem.
There are various methods you can use for your flat roof but we will be talking about only this. Because it is the most common, most used, and most easy out of all.
This method is simple. It involves laying 2 to 3 membranes on your roof, bonding them with hot bitumen, combining them with polyester, and then placing them above or below the insulation, depending on the type of roof.
So, there are 4 main methods of applying this:
Self-adhesive is self-explanatory.
The torching method is a process where the membrane is laid on the roof then a propane torch Is used to adhere it to the roof.
The pour and roll method involve pouring hot bitumen on the roof and then covering it with felt that has been cut to fit the dimension and shape of your roof.
Lastly, the cold adhesive method involves using cold adhesives, whether solvent or water-based, to bond the felt.
With the methods learned here, you are now equipped with the knowledge of waterproofing your roof. You have a choice: you can do this yourself and face the risk or employ a professional roofing company like Downtown Brooklyn Roofing. Contact us for all your roofing projects at 183 Bridge St Brooklyn, NY 11201, 718-690-9442
When choosing a roofing system for your home, it is always between a pitched roof or a flat roofing system. Pitched roofs are the most popular style of roofing. However, in recent times, many homeowners and property managers are beginning to take advantage of the irresistible curb appeal offered by flat roofing.
Besides the excellent aesthetics flat roofing system offers, they are much easier to install, repair, and maintain, thanks to their ease of accessibility. They also offer extra space and serve as “cool roofs.” Nevertheless, flat roofs also come with their flaws. While it is not literally flat as the name suggests, flat roofs are highly susceptible to water damage and damming, as it does not allow water to run off easily.
If your home or commercial building has a pitched roof, and you’re considering switching over to a flat roof either because you want to boost your home value or for whatever reason, how possible is it to convert a pitched roof to a flat roof? How can it affect your existing structure?
If you want to convert your roofing system from pitched to flat roofing, there are many ways to go about it, but the major factor you should consider is your structure. Your home is built according to some specified design and detailing. Any changes to the structure, big or small, that affect the weight need to be tackled whether you’re trying to create extra space or convert your pitched roof to a flat roof.
There are many ways to go about changing from pitched to a flat roof. But to get it right, you have to completely tear off your existing pitched roof, remove the trusses, and strengthen the joists. You also have to consider the roof span, drainage, type of membrane, and snow load.
While a flat roof can improve the curb appeal of your home, you shouldn’t jeopardize the structural integrity of your home by forcefully switching from a pitched roof to a flat roof. Doing so would leave you with many problems down the road. To avoid these, always ensure that you hire the services of a professional flat roofing contractor. Hiring a pro in flat roofing will not only make a great difference in the quality of the service but will guarantee you’d be getting the best value for your money.
No doubt, there are several compelling reasons for any homeowner or property manager to decide to switch from a pitched roof to a flat roof, even if it’s because you like the look of flat roofing on your building. But there are several things to consider when converting your pitched roof to a flat roof, including the cost. Above all, you should always consult a structural engineer and a local roofer before running off with the idea of changing anything in your roofing system.
For more information or questions about your roofing system, contact Downtown Brooklyn Roofing, 183 Bridge St Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-690-9442, https://downtownbrooklynroofing.com/.
Have you ever asked yourself, 'Is a flat roof the best roofing system for my commercial building? Why should I change from pitched roof to flat roof? How will a flat roof help my business?'
A few years ago, there was a buzz about flat roofs' benefits, curb appeal, cost effect, and longevity, especially when compared to conventional pitched roofs.
But when it comes to applying it in your commercial Brooklyn building, is it really a cool idea to opt for a commercial flat roofing system?
This is probably one of the fundamental reasons you should adopt a flat roofing system. The price is lesser when compared to pitched roofs. There are two types of cost mentioned; Material cost and installation cost.
Material cost involves the amount you will buy the flat roofing material per square foot. Then installation cost consists of the amount paid to the roofing contractors and other laborers.
With a flat roofing system, expanding your building is pretty easier. It just requires removing a part of the roof and then going ahead to another block. And even with the expansion project going on, you can still carry out your daily operations.
Flat roofs have an appealing design that attracts potential customers and clients to your business. Unlike pitched roofs, the designs are not so complex, but they are exceptionally appealing to customers.
This is an important aspect that is usually underrated. Maintenance is easier to do on a flat roof than on a pitched roof. Pitched roof maintenance takes more time and will require more labor and equipment. Of course, this will ultimately make the cost of its maintenance to be so high. Its sloppy nature also discourages anyone from attempting a DIY.
A commercial flat roof has enough roof space that you can use to create a roof garden, roof pathway, break rooms, or anything you fancies.
If other reasons are not enough to sway you, the fact that flat roofs are very durable and last longer than conventional alternatives is enough. Your flat roof can last for 30 to 50 years, depending on the flat roof material used and your maintenance culture.
You can install a fiberglass swimming pool on your commercial flat roof. Having a sky garden makes your roof attractive, luxurious, and eyes appealing. It gives your business a high caliber and uplifts your status.
Flat roofs are more resistant to wind. Pitched roofs, if not properly maintained, can be removed by the pressure of the wind. But a flat roof can absorb the pressure from wind and protect your roof from harm.
That said, it is clear that having a flat roofing system on your Brooklyn commercial building is not a debate. Imagine standing on the top of your building, absorbing the Brooklyn sun or breeze while also enjoying the beautiful view of Brooklyn.
Thinking about getting started or how to select the best flat roofing material for your structure, we are here for you. We have been in the business of offering long-lasting flat roofing solutions for years. For more information or a free quote, contact us at 183 Bridge St Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-690-9442, https://downtownbrooklynroofing.com/.
