In 2021, the demand for roofing in the United States is expected to reach a staggering $19.9 billion.
It’s easy to see why the demand for roofing solutions has been on the rise in recent years. The roof is an integral part of a home, and it’s only reasonable to spare no expense when getting the ideal roofing type for your home.
Roofs come in a variety of styles. One of the increasingly popular roofing styles is the low slope roof. When installed well, a low slope roof can dramatically boost your home’s curb appeal, value, and functionality.
But what exactly is low slope roofing? Why should you opt for this type of roofing style? What low slope roofing materials are the best?
These are just some of the issues we discuss in this comprehensive guide. Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
What Is Low Slope Roofing?
Low slope roofing is roofing that’s slightly pitched. A low slope roof generally has three components:
Weatherproofing Layers
Weatherproofing layers keep the weather out of your house. They keep the rain, snow, hail, and other elements out. They’re among the most important components of your low slope roof.
The Reinforcement Layer
This layer adds strength to your roof. It forms the structure of the roof, helping the roof maintain its shape through time. Your roof’s reinforcement layer also helps it withstand the effects of weather and other conditions.
The surfacing Layer
The role of the surfacing layer is to protect the reinforcement and the weatherproofing from the sunlight and other elements. The best surfacing materials also boost fire resistance and solar reflectivity.
Why Invest in a Low Slope Roof?
What makes low slope roofing solutions so popular today? Well, these roofs have a variety of benefits that make them worth investing in. Here are three of them.
Enhanced Heating and Cooling
Steep slope roofs typically create extra space within the building’s structure. This additional space just below the roof fills with air, affecting how your HVAC works. Often, your HVAC must work extra hard to keep the space comfortable.
With low slope roof options, the space below the roof is limited. This makes it easier to keep your indoor space warm or cool, depending on your requirements.
Easier and More Affordable Installation
Generally, low slope roofs require less material to build compared to their steep slope counterparts. Even when you choose a material more expensive than low slope roof shingles, the lower labor costs still offset the overall installation costs.
The structure of low slope roofs is easier to make as workers don’t have to lift up heavy trusses. Rather, supports are installed from the building’s sides. Installation takes much less time than that of steep slope roofs.
They Have Fewer Maintenance Requirements
The importance of roof maintenance cannot be overemphasized. Regular maintenance can keep your roof looking and functioning well for decades.
That said, some roofing styles are more difficult to maintain than others. Walking on a steeply pitched roof can be risky. Low slope roofs don’t have this problem, and you can clean and reseal them without the fear of slipping and falling.
Given that low slope roofs are easier to work on, you don’t need to hire professionals every time you want to clean them. This saves you money in the long run. That said, you’ll still need a roofing expert for bigger tasks such as roof repair.
What Are the Best Materials for Low Slope Roofs?
Now that you’ve seen what low slope roofs are and why you should invest in one, it’s time to see which materials you should consider for the project. The options are numerous, as seen in https://prr247.com/a-roofers-guide-to-low-slope-roofing-materials-installation-and-maintenance/. In this section, we discuss our three top picks.
Metal
Metal is one of the most popular materials for different roofing styles. Some of the commonest metals used for low slope roofing include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.
For a low slope metal roof to work perfectly, it needs to be planned for carefully. The first thing you need to do is account for thermal contraction and expansion. Pans need to be just the right size to avoid overstressing the solder joints.
Be sure to solder the metal roof thoroughly. Pay particular attention to parts where water and snow may collect.
Solder joints will require professional care to keep things up to snuff.
Built-Up Roof
Built-up roofs perform excellently, which is what makes them one of the top choices for homeowners. The roof generally consists of several layers of tar paper or roofing felt. These layers are held into place by bitumen or coal-tar pitch.
The typical built-up roof consists of bitumen material, surfacing sheets, and ply sheets. The lifespan of a built-up roof depends on a variety of factors, including the climate of the area, the construction quality, and how well you maintain it.
Built-up roofs provide top-notch water protection, UV protection, and fire protection.
EPDM
Another popular low slope roofing material is ethylene propylene diene terpolymer or EPDM. The roofing material is available in two thicknesses. Buyers can choose between 45 mils and 60 mils.
EPDM is incredibly strong and durable, especially if you choose the thicker, 60 mil sheets. The material is also highly wind-resistant. Remarkably, EPDM is quite cost-effective, despite its impressive qualities.
Given that EPDM is installed as a single and bonded sheet, it’s highly effective in keeping moisture out of the house. The material also doesn’t ignite quickly, which is very beneficial in the event of a fire breakout.
There’s also the benefit of longevity. EPDM roofs can last half a century or longer without requiring much maintenance. These roofs perform incredibly well, whether you live in an extremely cold or extremely hot area.
A Low Slope Roof Is an Ideal Option for Homes Today
Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your old roof, a low slope roof can be the perfect answer. Not only does the roof keep your home comfortable, but it’s also affordable to install and is easy maintenance. Besides, the roofing style works perfectly with a variety of impressive materials.
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