For their design, flat roofs are more prone to suffer issues like ponding, leaks and material degradation than sloped roofs and, eventually, it will be time for a flat roof replacement. When this happens, it is essential to choose the right materials in order to ensure long-term performance, especially if the weather conditions of the area where you live are extreme, like in Greenville’s case.
Next, we’ll explore the best flat roof replacement options available in Greenville, highlighting the pros and cons as well as the factors to consider before choosing the proper materials for your flat roof
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
This is a synthetic roofing membrane that has become a very popular choice for flat roofs . It is pretty flexible and has a long lifespan, which makes it ideal for Greenville’s extreme seasonal climate.
It is UV radiation and extreme temperatures resistant so, with the proper and timely maintenance, it can last for 20 or even 30 years; it is also a very affordable and cost-effective option and easy to install, which reduces labor costs and, above all, is energy efficient since it came in black and white, being white the best option for hot climates while black option is the best for cold climate.
However, this type of membrane is prone to have punctures for debris caused by leaves, branches or dirt. It also requires extra maintenance for the seams that are installed between sheets
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
This is a single-ply roofing membrane that has also become very popular in the last few years because it is highly efficient and also very cost-effective. It is the ideal option for flat roof replacement for Greenville’s residents given its potential to reduce energy costs.
They are white so they reflect the heat and the sunlight which is very helpful during Greenville’s extremely hot summers. It is also UV radiation, chemical and even puncture resistant, which is why they are ideal for both homes and commercial buildings. Furthermore, it is a very affordable option compared with other materials.
Although it has many advantages, it is better to carefully choose your brand because it is not so easy to get high- quality TPO since this is a relatively new product in the market.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
This single-ply roofing membrane stands out for its incredibly long lifespan of up to 30 years, which makes it ideal for extreme weathers like the hot summers and cold winters in the Greenville area. It is used mostly for commercial flat roofing but it can also be used for residential buildings.
It is wind, chemical and even fire resistant, they also feature heat-welded seams that are stronger than the traditional glued seams and also more resistant to leaks and, like TPO, this type of roof can be white so it can reflect heat making it highly energy efficient, especially during summer.
Due to its effectiveness and durability, it is a very expensive material, even more expensive than the other types and is not as flexible as them and, for that reason, is more prone to crack, especially if suffering temperature changes.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
This is a traditional flat roofing material and has been in the market for decades. It is asphalt-based and is usually installed in multiple layers which makes it weather resistant which extends it lifespan.
This weather resistance makes it ideal for zones like Greenville where summers can be very hot, winters extremely cold and humidity levels very high. It is also waterproofing, which helps to prevent water pooling, and foot resistant and that’s why it is the ideal option for roofs that have to be accessed very often.
They also came with a reflective coating that reduces heat absorption, something very useful in sunny weathers.
However, it can be very difficult to install and, therefore, if you choose it, you have to know it will have higher labor costs and, like PVC, it is not very flexible so, eventually, it can crack.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
This is one of the oldest flat roofing systems and is composed of multiple layers of bitumen (asphalt) and reinforcing fabrics usually topped with reflective coating which helps to reduce heat absorption. Due to the extensive record, this is a highly reliable material besides durable and even fire resistant.
On the other hand, it is heavier than the rest of flat roof materials so it may need an extra structural support; it also has a complex installation and, for that reason, requires highly skilled labor which will increase costs. Finally, although it is reflective, it doesn’t have the energy efficiency the most modern materials do
To Keep in Mind
There are some aspects you should consider when choosing the material for your flat roof replacement…specially if you live in Greenville.
The energy efficiency is a critical factor due to the hot humid summers and severe winters of this area. For this reason, reflective materials like TPO or PVC must be considered if reducing these costs is a priority for you.
You should also consider the cost-effective factor. Materials like PVC have a long lifespan…but can be very expensive. More affordable options, on the other hand, may not last that much and, therefore, will need to be replaced sooner.
Remember that TPO and EPDM have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, BUR and PVC can exceed this life expectation, of course, having proper and regular maintenance.
Flat roofing replacement requires consideration of a lot of different factors regarding the materials, the seasonal weather and your budget and, in any case, you must be clear about what you want: something more durable? Something affordable? Something flexible? If you’re sure about what you need, you’ll ensure, not only to have a roof over your building, but also to have energy-efficiency. Like in any case, contacting the right professionals is very important.
If you live in Greenville and need to replace your flat roof but are still unsure about materials, you don’t have to worry about it. In Advanced Building and Roofing we can advise you about the best materials according to your building’s features and needs and, of course, your budget. Additionally, if you approve, you can be sure we’ll replace your flat roof using the best quality materials so you won’t have to worry about any potential issue in the years to come. Call us and experience the best service in the area yourself.
