Talk:Flat roof
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Flat Roof's, more commonly refered to as low-slope roofs, come in a variety of system types. Low-slope roofs are available in 1) Metal, 2) Built-Up (BUR), 3) Modified Bitumen (MB), 4) Single Ply (PVC or Rubber) and 5) Sprayed Polyeurothane Foam. Each system type has it's place. The decision on which system to use should be based more on the use of the building, and not primarily on initial cost.
In "monumental" construction...buildings designed for long-term use of 1 owner (typically hospitals, schools, colleges), more consideration is given to the life cycle of a roof system than to the initial cost of the system. A 25 year system installed today with a $10.00/sq. ft. installation price has a lower life cycle cost than a 10 year system installed today with an $8.00/sq. ft. installation price. The 25 year system also has a lower succeptability to leaking, which often can not be tolerated in world of the "monumental" building owner.
On the other hand, a strip mall developer has no problem installing a 10 year roof with the lower additional cost. This is primarily due to the fact that this property will likely be sold before the roof reaches the end of it's life cycle.
When a building such as a large manufacturing facility has a roofing need, consideration should be given to the operation under each roof at the plant. It doesn't always make sense use one system type on all the roof sections at a given facilty. For example, let's take a tire manufacturer. A long-life system should be considered over sensitive areas such as administrative areas (where there is often expensive computers) and over production (where there is expensive equipment). However, why install a "bullet-proof" system over a warehouse full of tires....they're designed for bad weather aren't they?
If you are the person responsible for procuring roofing services at your facilty, engage the services of a roofing professional. This does not include the roofing contractor. Remember that the contractor generates revenue based on labor, and they would love nothing more than to replace your roof every few years. Talk with a Low-Slope manufacturer or Registed Roof Consultant (RRC)
Talk with a company that manufacturers each of the systems mentioned above, as they have no preference to they type. It is in their best interest to offer the best system today, in order to maintain a relatinship later.
Another point of reference would a Registered Roof Consultant (RRC). These individuals typically have extensive training specifically on roofing systems. I would caution you to ask for references. Often is the case that an RRC has established relationships with only 1 or 2 manufacturers. Ask the RRC to look at his/her last 3 local projects. If all the projects are the same type system by the same manufacturer, consider talking to another RRC.
