The flat, built up roof is becoming popular, especially on large applications because of its cost. Flat roofs are simple both to construct and to finish of with waterproofing. They are popular in warm areas. A flat roof is not a good choice in areas with large snowfall because the snow will just accumulate on the roof and not shed like a sloped roof. Pooled water from leaking snow causes water damage, and too much snow weight may cause the roof to fail. Flat roofs are also very sensitive to ice dams. This is where melting water re freezes along the roof eaves. Because flat roofs have such a small slope, any obstruction can cause water pooling. Pooled water quickly leads to sags and roof damage.
Flat roofs still need a small incline to let water run off. To facilitate this, built up roofs often use a very hydrophobic roofing covering that water flows over easily. This should be included in your Denver roofing estimate. The built up roof attempts to make the roofing material one cohesive part to minimize the chance of water infiltration. This is often done by applying bitumen or coal tar. Although this leaves a consistent surface that seems attractive to humans, human traffic on this type of roof often causes damage. The whole roof is cheap, but fixing leaks can be more problematic. For example when adding HVAC vents and the like, the roof needs to be re-sealed around the penetration. It is expensive to heat up more coal tar for this small application.
Because of the risk of leakage, it is recommended that you add a wood deck above the built up surface if you plan on using the outside. Coal tar built up roofs use bitumen or coal tar which is a byproduct of steel production. It is very waterproof and because Roof Restoration Campbelltown it softens a little in the hot sun, it can actually re-pool and heal itself. This can be bad for people trying to walk around on it. Coal tar will usually last around 50 years, however it is dangerous because of the fumes put off when it is heated.
Asphalt is another product that would have a completely different Denver roofing estimate. Although tar and asphalt look similar, and both are hydrocarbon byproducts they are very different. The problem with asphalt is that it ages in heat. Being black and on a rooftop is not the ideal place for that type of material. Over time the asphalt loses plasticity and becomes hard and cracked. As this happens it needs recoating to Roof Seal Director stave off leaks. So the costs of a Denver roofing estimate should include this maintenance. One way roofers try and increase the age of asphalt roofs is to use multiple layers with roofing materials in between. The most common mix in is gravel. There are a few specialty roofing materials like rubber that last a long time. However the cost is higher and not all construction companies are familiar with these technologies.
