Flat roofing is popular in the desert southwest United States where there is significantly less precipitation than in other parts of the country. Flat roofs lend themselves well to Santa Fe and contemporary architectural styles. Although the name would imply that the roof is a true flat surface, building codes require at least a 2″ slope from center to the edges to allow for run-off.
The roofing material utilized on flat roofs is generally rolled asphalt or urethane foam. Urethane foam roofing is easy to maintain and will also act as extremely effective insulation. With proper maintenance, a professionally installed foam roof can last up to 20 years. After the first 10 years of use and every 5 to 6 years thereafter, the foam roof surface should be thoroughly cleaned by pressure washing. After cleaning, Elastomeric Coating should be applied at the rate of 2 gallons per square. This procedure will extend the life of the roof and provide UV protection.
Related topics: | Roof Designs | Hip Roof | Gable Roof | Shed Roof |