Experienced Flat Roofing Installer - El Paso, TX
Flat roofs, are also known as low slope roofing systems or built-up roofing (BUR). They may look flat or nearly horizontal, but they should have a slope minimum of 10 degrees to allow water to drain off.
Some of the benefits of having a flat roof in the El Paso area are that they are easier to inspect, maintain and clean. With a properly maintained flat roof, you can extend the longevity of your entire roofing system for many years. Please see our solutions for roof restoration for more details.
Flat roofs can also potentially increase the insulation properties of your home, this is critical in this Texas heat. Built-up roofing (BUR) with an elastomeric coating, for example have inherent insulating properties that can reduce your cooling costs by reflecting the heat off your roof. These coatings are a standard component of built-up roof (BUR) systems, but can also be used other roofing systems, such as those listed below.
As with anything in life, there are various choices available for your re-roof. Check with Roger Romero Roofing for information on your specific roofing system.
Built-up Roofs
Built-up roofing (aka BUR) is what many people call “hot tar roofing.” A century old, time-tested roofing method, BURs are made of three or four overlapping layers of asphalt felts fused together with hot asphalt. Built up roofs must be protected from weather, sunlight and foot traffic by some kind of surfacing material such as gravel, a mineral granule covered top layer (a cap sheet), a smooth coat of hot asphalt or a special reflective coating.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen’s, like built-up roofing, are made of reinforced asphalt impregnated felts. However, unlike BURs, the asphalt in the felts is modified with plastic or rubber polymers (hence the name) to improve its elasticity, durability and overall performance. Because of the added polymers, modified bitumen is often applied in a single layer with overlapping seams. They can be “glued” to the roof with hot asphalt or an adhesive, or by using propane torches to melt the asphalt underside. Some modified bitumen require protective surfacing materials, usually mineral granules or a liquid coating.
Single Ply
Single ply membranes are made of rubber, plastic or a hybrid of the two. As the name implies, single ply membranes are applied in a single layer. Installation is simple: the membrane is rolled out, the seams between sheets are heat welded, chemically welded or glued together, and the membrane is attached to the roof with fasteners (usually screws/flat plates), ballast (like rocks) or adhesive.
Special Considerations for Flat / Low Slope Roofing
Drainage
Proper drainage, usually in the form of scuppers, are essential for proper maintenance of your flat roof. Without proper drainage, your flat roof can pond water and debris, which accelerate the breakdown of your roofing materials. This can void your manufacturer’s warranty and significantly reduce the life of your roofing system. If during your initial estimate if we see problems arising from improper draining we will advise of the condition and options available for remediation.
Roof Decking
Your roof deck provides the foundation for your roofing materials. The decking is sheets of wood (generally OSB or plywood) that are secured to the rafters of your home.
In some cases the decking may need to be replaced if its integrity has been compromised, usually due to age and normal wear and tear. There are many reasons this can occur including; inadequate attachment of existing panels, sagging or ridging between supports, soft and wet panels, mold/mildew growth at panels, or delamination. You may be able to identify bad decking by simply walking on it or by looking at the underneath of your decking (if you can see it from your attic). Very often however, you cannot determine the condition of your decking until your existing roof covering is removed. During you re-roof someone from Roger Romero Roofing will advise of the condition of your decking and what options are available.
Roger Romero Roofing uses only quality roofing materials, installed to manufacturer’s specifications. This provides you with not only a roof that will protect your home and family, but quality workmanship protecting one of your most valuable assets.
Parapet Walls
Parapet walls are the protective walls typically surrounding your flat roof. They can extend up just inches or can be 10 feet tall. Parapet walls can be quite problematic for a home owner as these structures are as susceptible to the elements are the rest of your roof but often not protected as such. Often times these areas will be the sources of roof leaks due to cracking of the stucco or loose caps. If during your initial inspection we see a problem with the parapet walls we will advise of the condition and go over some options for remediation.
