The Best Performing Flat Roof Covering Types for Youngstown This 2020

flat roof covering types

Youngstown enjoys a humid continental climate. Therefore, property owners need durable and long-lasting flat roof covering types.

All roofs within three years until their lifespan expires will need replacement. While they still have a few years left, we advise you replace them to avoid possible dangers to your property.

All flat roof materials prices vary from one supplier to the other. However, each one presents all the pros and cons we listed here.

After reading this post, readers will know about:

  • The best materials for replacing flat roof covering types
  • The practicality of flat roofs
  • How to prolong roof lifespan

Replace Your Roof With Any of These Flat Roof Covering Types

Mineral Felt

Alternatively, contractors call it felt roofing. Contractors use hot bitumen or adhesive to secure them on your roofs. Additionally, they’re affordable with a price of $10-$15 per square.

However, these commercial flat roof materials are subpar if you compare them with single-ply membranes or mastic asphalt. Felt roofs offer an admirable 15-30 years but tends to crack with rapid temperature changes.

Therefore, we advise Youngstown property owners to use them during roofing emergencies. For example, use them only if your existing flat roof requires quick emergency replacement.

Torch-on Felt

Contractors call torch-on felt as modified bitumen. It is the modern successor of tar and gravel roofs. However, modified bitumen is a pre-manufactured built-up roof (BUR) system. It is popular among many flat roof covering types because of its low price of $7-$9 per square foot.

Manufacturers stack together layers of waterproof material. Next, they sandwich asphalt between each layer. Lastly, a machine rolls and flattens them against each other.

Contractors will use a heated element to melt modified bitumen roofs on the roof structure itself. True enough, it is a common flat roofs construction method. However, only experienced and licensed torch-on roofers must perform this process to ensure safety.

Mastic Asphalt

One of the best flat roof alternatives for flat roof covering types is to use durable, dense material. Mastic asphalt is an excellent choice. It has a lifespan of 40-70 years and requires minimal maintenance. In fact, many hotels and luxury properties use them as skyline deck foundations.

Mastic asphalt flat roof solutions combine asphalt, limestone aggregate, and limestone powder together. Modern architects use asphalt on public roads and bridges, which are projects proving its durability. On the other hand, limestone aggregate and powder gives it a waterproofing capability.

In fact, some flat roof covering types manufacturers offer advanced polymer properties for mastic asphalt roofs to increase their durability.

Glass-Reinforced Plastic

GRP flat roof covering types are excellent for high-traffic Youngstown properties. In addition, they are aesthetic additions to your roof.

Most luxury properties use GRP flat roof solutions for see-through glass flooring. However, the flat roof cost is high for GRP roofs. The material costs $12-$15 per square foot. Additionally, labor costs can go high with construction weeks piling with special equipment use.

On the other hand, the results are always amazing. GRP flat roof covering types can last for 40-70 years and give your top property floor natural skylights too.

contractors installing solar panels on commercial metal roof
GRP’s durability parallels metal roofs because it allows you to install heavy materials such as solar panels with ease.

Single-Ply Membranes

All contractors and property owners use single-ply membrane flat roof covering types because they are practical. The most expensive single-ply membrane is about $13-$15 per square foot.

Three types of single-ply membranes exist:

  • EPDM Flat Roof: Ethylene propylene diene monomer uses recycled rubber, slate dust, and saw dust to provide 25-30 years of durable, hailstorm-enduring single-ply roofing. It costs about $0.4 per square foot.
  • TPO Flat Roof: Thermoplastic polyolefin is the successor of EPDM rubber roofs. Manufacturers use durability-enhancing talc and fiberglass for added hailstorm endurance and a lifespan of 30-35 years. It costs about $7-$9 per square foot.
  • PVC Flat Roof: Polyvinyl chloride roofs use the same plastic piping base material. However, it adds talc and fiberglass to reinforce its density. It is the strongest single-ply membrane with a price of $13-$15 per square foot.
heavy-weight equipment stored on top of pvc roofs
All flat roofs can carry heavy materials and store equipment on its surface. However, PVC’s 300-PPI weight carrying capability is exceptional.

Tar & Gravel Roofs

This is the first and most natural built-up roofing flat roof covering types. The predecessor of modified bitumen cakes tar instead of asphalt in between sheets of waterproof material. Then, contractors flatten them on top of the property and leave the tar to dry.

The result is a thick, dense roofing material. Furthermore, the material can withstand adequate foot traffic, hailstorms, and provide excellent insulation.

However, the noxious tar fumes can cause nausea and headaches among tenants. Tar and gravel roofs cost about $9-$10 per square foot but the price often depends on the materials you use.

Related: The Best Alternative to Tar & Gravel Roofs

Concrete Slab/Tiles

Concrete is a durable material. However, installing it is a cumbersome and expensive process. On the other hand, you have an excellent-performing roof that can last beyond 70 years.

First, contractors will create concrete. Then, they will construct the steel pylons. These serve as the foundations of your concrete roof. Lastly, they will pour the concrete and leave it to dry. Subsequent steps include adding concrete tiles for better aesthetics and durability against foot traffic.

Concrete slab and tile roofs cost about $15-$17 per square foot. However, its lifespan justifies its costly construction.

Why Are Flat Roofs Practical?

Almost all commercial properties utilize flat roofs because of its practicality. True enough, it adds more space in the top floors. Additionally, property owners can store equipment and items on the roof itself such as HVAC systems.

Each roofing material we listed here are popular among properties in Ohio. In fact, almost any roofer in Ohio has extensive experience installing each of these roofing materials.

a contractor getting ready to pour concrete on flat roofs
Only use experienced contractors to guarantee the lifespan of your new flat roof.

Ensuring The Long Lifespan of Your New Roof

However, any long-lasting roof needs a good installation process. In turn, it nips all future problems in the bud.

If you haven’t found any trusty roofer in Ohio, you can call on J&M Roofing Systems to help you construct the most ideal roof for your property. We have decades of experience installing single-ply roofs in Ohio and surrounding areas. Call us today!