bookmark_borderAluminum Roof Repair

Roofing Sales Pitch Tips That Work

Want to close more sales? Of course, you do! But you can’t do that if you’re dogged by poor pitching techniques. Reboot your presentation with these effective roofing sales pitch tips to help boost your close ratio

Sell value.

As they say: Sell the sizzle, not the steak. Sure, the homeowner needs a new roof (or gutters or siding), but what he or she really wants is a roofing contractor who will provide quality product and workmanship while protecting the property.

Listen to the homeowner

This is one of the single most important roofing sales pitch strategies. Careful, active listening will clue you into opportunities to educate the prospect and start building a trusting relationship. For instance, when a prospect expresses concern about a shady roofer who messed up a neighbor’s home, use it as an opening to explain what to look for in a professional roofing contractor—then you can differentiate yourself by outlining how your company fits that professional mold.

Be prepared to talk financing.

Roofing replacement price tags can knock a roof-sized hole in a homeowner’s budget! Alleviate sticker shock (and sharpen your roofing sales presentation) by offering several payment options—even better if you can offer your own financing. Not only does financing make it easier for prospects to say YES, it also helps your roofing business maintain a professional, trustworthy image.

Always take pictures during an inspection.

As you inspect the roof and attic, snap pics of any existing damage and potential future trouble spots. Use the photos during your pitch to guide the homeowner into the repair or replacement decision that’s right for them

Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement

Your roof is one of those things you forget it exists until it starts causing you problems. It’s like your house’s walls. You never give it much thought until it becomes a problem and is impossible to ignore any longer.  The same goes for your roof.

As with any complex system, your roof needs regular maintenance in order to keep functioning for the duration of its lifetime. As it were, waiting until your roof is practically falling apart can cause a host of unnecessary problems, which —in turn— will cost you more time and money in the long-run.

Damaged Shingles

One of the glaring signs that it’s about time for some much-needed repairs is damaged shingles.

Clogged Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is a critical step in ensuring your roof system is functioning correctly.  A clogged gutter can cause water to back up into the fascia and eave of the roof line.  This can cause substantial damage to the soffit and even to interior walls

Roof Leaks

Once the roof begins to leak you’re definitely in need of professional assistance.  There are numerous signs of roof leaks, the most common of which are stains on the ceiling, matted insulation in the attic, and stained roof sheathing.  If you see any of these signs, call us immediately for a free inspection.

How To Make Your Roof Last For Decades

The knowledge that you get to come home to a roof over your head is one of the most rewarding parts of being a homeowner. The knowledge that you’ll eventually have to replace that roof, however, is often one of the most daunting.

Getting a roof to last is easy. All it takes is proper care. By following the right maintenance routine, anyone can keep a roof in great shape. Even if your unsure when it comes to roof care, don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it

We’ve compiled a guide that will help you get your roof in to great shape. Read the post below and work the tips into your home care routine. With just a little extra effort you can make sure that your roof will last for many years to come.

Keep An Active Maintenance Routine

Like any sizable investment, the best way to keep your roof in tip-top shape is by developing an active maintenance routine – and actually following it. While, home maintenance may be the last thing you want to think about on a lazy Saturday, a little TLC will go a long way towards making your roof last for the long haul.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to happen every day. Roof care should take place at least twice a year. Make an effort to take a look at your roof once at the beginning of fall and again at the beginning of spring. Think of it this way: the main goal of roof maintenance is to prevent damage by ensuring that moisture can easily travel away from the roof. By doing work in the fall and spring, you’ll know that your roof is prepared for winter storms and heavy summer rains.

Things Your Flat Roof Repair Company Looks For When Finding the Best Roofing Solution

It’s important to keep your business with a roof over its head. Especially in the winter months, a leaking roof can spell disaster for any business. Incoming water can damage office equipment such as computers, as well as lead to rot in the walls. If left alone, a leaking roof can even end up causing structural problems for your building as water gets into the foundation.

In order to prevent the many problems a leaking roof can cause; you should rely on a flat roof repair company to keep your roof in good condition. With regular inspections from a professional flat roof repair company, your business should have no issues keeping your roof where it belong

What steps can you take when you notice a leak? We don’t recommend trying to fix a leak yourself. Flat roof repair is a difficult and technical business that requires experienced professionals to get right. If you spot a leak, you should call your flat roof repair company to come and take stock of your situation. Here are a few things a roof repair company will be on the lookout for.

What Are Your Materials?

Different roofs are made out of different materials. Each roofing material has its own pros and cons, and some are much more difficult to fix than others. When your flat roof repair company inspects your roof, they will be able to determine what the best solution is for you.

Depending on your roofing material, it may be easier or more difficult to fix the roof. If you have an asphalt flat roof, the best way to plug a leak is a patch of roofing felt. On the other hand, for a fiberglass or concrete roof, most leaks come from cracks, so a simple sealant will usually solve the problem

Picking a roofing contractor can be a stressful ordeal.

You might be dealing with a leaking or damaged roof, and then on top of that, you have to sort through all of the available roofing contractors in your area to find one who will get the job done right while still being affordable. Understandably, you might not be sure about what makes a roofing contractor good or reliable, especially if you’re a new homeowner or have never needed one before.

ARE YOU A LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR?

Most states require roofing contractors to be licensed in that state in order to work; but codes and requirements will differ between states, which means it will help you to understand the code requirements for your area. This way you know you’re working with a roofer who will comply with your state’s codes. Knowing whether they are licensed, and whether that license is up to date, will give you legal recourse in the event that something goes wrong with the work, too

DO YOU HAVE WORKMAN’S COMP INSURANCE?

Although it’s now required by law that roofing companies offer workman’s compensation insurance to their employees, regardless of their number, it’s wise to ask anyhow. Some contractors might choose to do without and take their chances, but if the injury happens on your property, there’s a risk that you could be held liable for the medical expenses—which no homeowner wants. Protect yourself by making sure that the roofing specialist you’re hiring offers workman’s compensation insurance.

DO YOU CARRY GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE?

Workman’s compensation insurance covers the roofing employees while they’re on your property, but you still have to worry about damage to your actual property as a result of work. Ask to see an insurance certificate to verify that the roofer has general liability insurance, so that in the event your roof, house, or property is damaged, you won’t be responsible for covering the damage that someone else caused.

DO YOU USE ROOFING SUBCONTRACTORS?

Some contractors will hire subcontractors to handle roofing work. Ask if they use subcontractors and then get verification that they have workman’s compensation and general liability insurance. You may also want to pick up lien waivers as these documents can protect you in the event that the contractor doesn’t pay the subcontractors.

bookmark_borderQuick Roof Repair

FAQS About Storm Damage Roof Repair

Protecting the structural integrity of your roofing system should be a top priority, as it is one of the most important aspects of any fundamental home maintenance and repair agenda. As soon as your roof begins to show signs of damage or reduced performance, it is wise to contact a licensed roofing company who can locate the source of the damage and make any professional repairs or adjustments as needed. The sooner you catch a roof problem and deal with it, the less costly and invasive the repair process will be. This includes professional post-storm inspections to ensure your property is still intact.

Since most homeowners are not roofing experts, it is common to have a lot of questions and concerns when it comes time to repair a roof. Continue below to read some frequently asked questions about roof repair and replacement to gain a better understanding of your roofing system’s needs after a harsh storm.

Will My Insurance Carrier Increase My Rates If I File A Roof Repair Claim?

It is common for insurance carriers to raise everyone’s rates across the board after a severe storm or natural disaster. One way to look at this is that you should file a claim for repair since you are already going to help pay for everyone else’s. It is possible that there are exceptions to this rule as well.

Why Is My New Roof Not Covered By The Manufacturer’s Warranty?

It is very common for roof product manufacturers to exclude hail repairs in their warranties. In fact, several warranties specifically name hail as a non-covered repair. Keep in mind that newer roofs are more prone to hail damage since they have not yet had ample time to cure and gain resistance against the natural elements. To avoid this problem, talk to a trusted contractor about the affordable hail damage protection options available to you.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU MAY HAVE ROOF DAMAGE?

 If you suspect you have roof damage, you need to do the following:

1. Stay safe — avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself and instead contact a professional roofer.
2. Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. Also, if any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls, you likely need repairs or a roof replacement.
3. Look for signs of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any metal pieces displaced from around your chimney. Also, assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.
4. Obviously, you’ll notice if a tree fell on your roof. If so, stay out of your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred. Consider hiring a general contractor or roofer with a general contractor’s license if your home suffered structural damage, as you’ll need more than roof repairs.

I might have storm damage, where do I begin my reroof process?

The nature of the damage caused by storms can vary depending on the type of storm. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and check for signs of damage. If you are unsure if your roof is damage, call a roofing professional. One thing to remember is before you start your insurance process, call Reliant Roofing to come and do a free inspection. We will perform a thorough inspection of the roof and we will let you know if you should pursue an insurance claim.

My neighborhood was just hit by a storm but my roof looks fine. Why do I need to have it checked?

Storm damage can be tough to see at times from the ground level. Your shingles may be pulling up and it not even be visible. Some leaks, especially in crickets or around flashing can go invisible to a homeowner for years. Unlike many types of roofing damage, hail damage is especially not always obvious, especially if you have a textured roofing material such as dimensional or architectural shingles. The outer roofing material may have shallow dents that aren’t readily visible. If these dents are deep enough to “bruise” the waterproofing layer, the smallest puncture could allow rainwater through the roof deck and into the attic, causing significant water damage.

Why can’t I inspect my own roof?

Many homeowners like the DIY aspect of some contract work. Roofing should not be one of the. Without proper safety gear and a trained eye, getting on a roof can be extremely dangerous, for you and your roof. While you may think you can save some money by going
this route, we highly discourage it. The majority of homeowners lack the safety knowledge and in-depth roofing expertise to perform the work properly and can easily make matters worse. Turn to an experienced professional like Reliant Roofing, who knows how
to conduct a roof inspection safely and thoroughly and can offer educated solutions.

Do I need a roofing contractor involved in the process?

You do not have to have a roofing contractor to file a claim, however it is beneficial to have a trained contractor on site to meet with you adjuster so nothing is overlooked and you get a fair assessment of the damages.

How do I choose a contractor?

This is a very important question and decision.
Research the company. Check out the company website tomake sure they have a location within 50 miles or so of your property, and local landline phone numbers. Qualified contractors will also carry high levels of credentials will the three major material manufacturers (Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed).

You should find a contractor who is in accredited with the BBB and will readily supply you with insurance, workers compensation, references, etc. upon your request.

I have received my building estimate from my insurance company and I do not agree with the scope of work in the estimate and/or the adjuster’s assessment of damages. What should I do?

Just remember that during a catastrophe, an insurance adjuster can have as many as seven homes a day to inspect. Because there is a higher volume of claims than usual, adjusters may miss things. Our representatives take the necessary time to give you an accurate assessment of the scope of damages.

To make a fair and accurate evaluation, we use Xactimate, the software that all major insurance companies use. This ensures that you will receive the maximum amount of indemnifications allowed bwind damage missing shingley your policy. If there are discrepancies between our estimate and that of your insurance company, your representative will assist you in requesting a re-inspection or in sending your insurance company a supplement letter with evidence of additional damages

 Why is my mortgage company included on my check?

As a lien holder, your mortgage company has a vested interest in confirming that your property has been repaired and they often call for an inspection after the repairs are completed.

bookmark_borderSigns Your Asphalt Shingles Roof Should Be Replaced

How to Choose the Perfect Shingles for Your Roof

A new roof isn’t something you invest in every year, which is why you want to make sure that the one you choose—the shingle type, style, and colour—will be suited to your needs and preferences.

Choose the Right Type of Shingle

One of the first things you’ll have to decide is what type of shingles you want for your roof. Herb Lodde & Sons installs laminate roofing as well as cedar shakes and shingles.

If you prefer an asphalt-based shingle, it’s important to understand the differences between 3-tab and laminate shingles, two of the most popular kinds available for residential homeowners:

Regular asphalt shingles (otherwise known as “3-tab” shingles) are flat with one shingle tab shape and size. They are lighter than laminate shingles; however the prices are typically comparable and 3-tab shingles are less durable over the long run.

Architectural or laminate shingles are a type of asphalt shingle, but they’re built with a heavier base mat and a greater number of layers of more refined asphalt. The tabs have different sizes and shapes, which gives them a more dimensional appearance.

Factors to take into account include:

Appearance: How much dimension do you want your shingles to have? Architectural shingles are designed to provide a shadow effect that gives your roof an ultra-dimensional look.

Algae Defence: If you live in an algae-prone area, look for shingles that feature built-in guards against discolouration.

Fire Protection: To keep your home and everything in it safe, your shingles should have a Class A fire rating (the most effective against severe exposure)

After you know the type and style of shingle you want, it’s time to choose the colour. It sounds simple at the start, but don’t be surprised if this is the hardest part of the process:

Think about Your Home’s Aesthetics: While one type of shingle might work on a Tudor-style home, you might find that it clashes with other fashions (like Ranch or Colonial).

Don’t Forget Curb Appeal: If you might be selling your home in the next few years, going with a neutral colour for your shingles is a good way to keep your roof current. Don’t be afraid to add some flare with a more striking pallet, though, if that suits your home’s overall personality.

Survey Your Neighbourhood: Does one of your neighbours have a roof that catches your eye? Ask them what type of shingles they have and who installed them. Knowing what your neighbours have can also make it easier to figure out what unique routes you can take if you want your house to stand out.

How to Select the Best Roof Shingle

Selecting the best roof shingle can be a daunting task. There are many options involved, including shingle composition, style and colors, not to mention price. All of these factors must be weighed into making a shingle decision, and even then, there are variables within variables. Foremost to keep in mind is how long a particular type of shingle will last in your particular climate. Bottom-basement-priced shingles won’t last as long as top-grade shingles, and some types of architectural shingle patterns are more suited to a dryer climate than wet-weather patterns.

Determine the cost. Use a tape measure to measure the approximate square footage of your roof. Shingles are sold by the square, and each square will cover 100 square feet. Measure the length and width of your roof area to determine the square footage. Multiply the results together. For example, a 10- by 18-foot roof equates to 180 square feet of roofing area. Add in 10 percent to cover waste for a total of 198 square feet. You will need two squares for that project. Knowing this will allow you to calculate the cost for any type of shingle that you desire.

Decide on a warranty or how long they will last. In general, the more expensive the shingle, the longer it will last. This will vary with architectural shingles, however. Your cost will be more for these designer shingles, but they may not last as long. Warranties are only as good as the company they were made by. Stick with a known shingle manufacturer instead of some fly-by-night start-up that may guarantee you the moon but not be around long enough to honor it

Choose the type you want. Asphalt shingles are the standard of the industry and are priced accordingly. They have some of the longest warranties available and are always a good choice for durability and effectiveness.

Choose the color that you want. Shingles come in a variety of colors that will fit the decor of any home. Reds, greens, blues, whites and custom colors are available. The darker the color, the more heat will be retained on the roof. A lighter color roof makes for a cooler attic, so if you have usable attic space, a lighter color may be a better choice.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Roof Shingle Type

How to Choose the Best Shingles for Your Roof

Whether your current roof is in need of replacing or you’re weighing design options as you build your dream home, choosing shingles is a big decision. There’s no shortage of options when it comes to roofing materials and styles, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Factors That Impact the Type of Roof Shingle You Need

How much you’ll pay for various roof shingle materials and installation is only the tip of the iceberg. There are several key factors to consider deciding on the best roofing material for your home.

How Much Do Roof Shingles Cost?

Most homeowners pay between $4,700 and $10,460 for a new roof. When budgeting, keep in mind that the cost of installation and labor, as well as the cost of the material itself, will impact your bottom line. You’ll also need to account for the total square footage that your new shingles will cover. If you have a large roof area to cover, you might consider opting for cheaper materials.

What Is the Slope and Pitch of Your Roof?

Slope refers to how steep the angle of your roof is, and is normally measured with two numbers representing the rise, or height of your roof, and the run, representing it’s length. As an example, a slope of 4:12 indicates that a roof rises four feet and runs 12 feet. Depending on how steep the slope of your roof is, it may not be well suited for heavier roof shingle types, such as slate or clay tiles.

What Are the Weight Limits of Your Structure?

The weights of shingle materials vary widely. That’s why it’s important to know how much weight your home’s structure can safely support before making a decision. Buildings are designated a “dead load” tolerance, or the weight of the roof structure. If the dead load is exceeded, the structure will not be able to support its own weight. The average home has a dead load of around 15 pounds per square foot.

How to Choose High-Quality Asphalt Roof Shingles

A new asphalt shingle roof is a significant investment. To get the most bang for the buck, you’ll want to consider the quality of shingles, the knowledge and skill level of the roofers you intend to hire, and also a few preventative maintenance guidelines. When high-quality asphalt roof shingles are correctly installed and well maintained, they can last for decades.

Fiberglass Shingles – Fiberglass shingles are made from a woven fiberglass mat coated with top-and-bottom layers of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. Since these shingles have a higher fire rating (typically Class A, while organic shingles only garner B or C) and are more durable than their organic counterparts, they come with extended warranty. Additionally, today’s manufacturers make available Energy Star certified fiberglass shingles, which keep buildings cooler and reduce air-conditioning costs.

Organic Shingles – Traditionally consisting of cellulose fiber (e.g. recycled waste paper or wood) saturated with asphalt, organic shingles are coated with a mixture of asphalt and mineral fillers. Compared to fiberglass shingles, organic shingles are costlier, heavier, thicker, and less environmentally friendly due to the high asphalt content. Because these shingles absorb more water than fiberglass shingles, they deform more as they age.

Choose the Right Style

One thing good about asphalt roof shingles is that they are made so many colours and styles some even look like other types of roofing materials. Before opting for a particular style

Three-tab Shingles – Considered the standard-bearer of asphalt shingles, three-tab shingles are manufactured in a single layer. Since these shingles are thinner, flatter and less durable than the architectural shingles described below, they carry shorter warranty periods.

How to choose roofing shingles

Your budget

Your roof may be one of the largest investments you make in your home, and with so many types and styles, you can find shingles that fit a range of budgets.

Curb appeal

Roofs are a key and often-underestimated part of a home’s look. They can represent up to 40% of curb appeal, so it’s important to consider style and color.

Style

Our shingles fit with both current and historical home designs. Looking for a roof that works well with your home and complements what’s in your community? Start by looking at similar homes in your neighborhood and take note of their roofing shingles. Contractors can help you identify the products.

Ongoing Protection

Using high-quality shingles is the first part of protecting your roofing investment. We offers a variety of warranties so you can choose the right level of coverage for your project.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt are the most popular shingles in the U.S. because they’re affordable to buy, install, and maintain. They are made from a sturdy fiberglass base, coated with waterproof asphalt and tiny granules of ceramic-coated mineral.

bookmark_borderFlat Roof Construction

Choosing a flat roof

Once an architect determines the desire, or need, for a flat roof, identifying the correct solution can be a complex process. A range of factors have to be taken into account including length of guarantee, the supporting structure, impacts on BREEAM ratings, build sequencing, aesthetics and cost.

Of course, along with the client and architect’s requirements the compliance minefield of British building standards and codes of practice has to be negotiated. Although architects are primarily concerned with design, their remit in selecting a roofing system is usually a combination of design criteria, performance requirements and cost.

There are four primary types of flat roof commonly used in the UK, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Of course an architect does not need a detailed understanding of every type of flat roof. However, a basic understanding of these four major systems will allow architects to make a well-informed decision – especially as sometimes the solution offered by an individual manufacturer may not be the best for the requirements of your particular project.

Single ply

A single ply membrane system provides waterproofing with a single sheet of roofing material. Managed and regulated by the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA), this is a well established and proven technology that has been used in the UK for over 50 years.

Single ply roofs are often considered for cost driven projects as they have a low capital cost and cost in use, are lightweight, flexible, swift to install, safe and available in any colour. These attributes make them an extremely popular choice for both cold and warm roofs, refurbishment and new build, with over 5 million m2 installed in the UK every year. Single ply roofs provide an ideal surface for subsequent photovoltaic systems and, as long as the product chosen is FLL certified, can also be used with a green roof.

Choosing the Best Option For A Flat Roof

Torch on Felt

Felt roofing came about as an improvement on the previous mineral felt roofing used in the 1960s and 1970s. The previous technique involved hot bitumen and mineral felt being poured onto a roof and rolled flat. This left an unattractive finish with a shorter lifespan of about 10 years. These roofs were easily damaged by stones under the membrane causing punctures. The new system allows the material to be peeled off and stuck to the surface of the roof, producing a finished product that is simple and affordable

EPDM Rubber Roof

Introduced to the UK market several years ago, these roofs have become increasingly popular. Made up of a rubber compound, this material is single ply and installed in one complete layer. The layer is glued to the decking of the roof using a strong adhesive

Fiberglass

Normally laid in one or two layers with a smooth finish and completed with factory made trims. The system is laid on timber boards that are glued at the joints. The whole decking is laid with a glass fibre matting and a base coat of fibre resin, and completed with a top coat of resin

Flat Roofs: A Handy Guide

Flat roofs are exceedingly popular with those looking to create a cool, modern home. Flat roof options help to free up internal space and are often cheaper that pitched roof options as they require fewer materials to cover the same roof span. There is also the scope to incorporate a green roof onto the flat structure.

What Pitch is a Flat Roof?

If flat roofs are to work well, they have to have a slope, known as a fall, to shed rainwater. The fall should never be less than 1:80 and preferably about 1:40.

There are several methods of building in a fall:

One is to set the cross walls at different heights. Most people shy away from this because they don’t like the idea of having an internal ceiling that slopes

A far more common method is to use ‘firring strips’, which are battens cut at an angle and placed on top of the roof joists

Another possibility is to cut a fall into the roof insulation, something several businesses now offer — it’s often referred to as tapered insulation

How exactly a fall is built in largely depends on how the flat roof is built. There are three main choices:

The cheapest and simplest solution is to construct a warm roof. This is where the roof insulation sits directly on top of the timber structure (thus keeping it warm) and then the roofing membrane is laid over the insulation

A cold roof places the insulation between the rafters, underneath the ply roof covering. It is the standard method employed on flat-roofed extensions but it is rarely used for new builds today. In general, a warm roof is preferable from a construction angle, but it does lead to a higher roof profile, which isn’t always acceptable from a planning perspective

There a number of variations of the warm roof, referred to as hybrid roofs, which introduce different elements. In particular, some designs call for a ventilation gap above a warm roof in order to eliminate any possibility of moisture build-up inside the roof structure

Flat Roof Coverings

Over the years many products have been used and none has emerged clearly as the best. In practice most people plump for the system their installer or designer likes the most. Generally speaking, the issues to watch are the cost and the guarantee offered. As a rule, don’t go for anything less than 20 years

SAGE TIPS FOR SELECTING A REPLACEMENT FLAT ROOF

The road to flat roof selection can be a bumpy one. The process may seem simple, but it is surprisingly complicated. Considering that a low-slope roofing system does not drain quickly and is more prone to leakage, you have to put extra attention to every decision you have to make.

Understand All of Your Options

As with pitched roofing, flat roofing has an abundance of material options. Generally, there are two product categories: asphalt-based systems and single-ply systems.

The first group involves building up layers of hot or cold asphalt sandwiched by fiberglass or modified rolls. Gravel or asphalt-based granulated cap sheet accounts for the top-most portion. The installation is often messy because of all of the work necessary to apply the materials.

Think About Maintenance

Make sure that the design of your flat roof is maintainable. Otherwise, it would be difficult to carry out snow removal and any other activity related to the upkeep of your low-slope roofing system properly, efficiently, and safely

Put a Premium on Protection

Superior roofing warranties will give more bang for your buck. Ask about covered components, conditions, and limitations, and coverage periods.

Which flat roof system is best?

the most appropriate flat roofing system really comes down to 2 questions:

will there be cooking in the building? If so, go with PVC since it’s resistant to fire, fat, and grease.

if there won’t be any cooking, is money a concern?

if money is a concern, go with EPDM or Modified Bitumen as these are your least expensive flat roofing systems.

if money isn’t an issue, choose TPO since it’s still strong but less expensive than PVC.

Also see related article Which roofing material is right for you.

What is a flat roof? What qualifies as a ‘flat’ roof?

A flat roof is a roof that, well, looks flat. It’s not really flat, however. It’s a roof whose pitch, or angle, is less than 2/12, or 9.5º. (2/12 means for every 12″ of horizontal length, the roof rises 2″ in height.)

What are your flat roof options?

Although there are several flat roof systems available today, in this article, we’re only going to cover the systems we offer

Cost

For most businesses, the cost of a commercial roof is the first consideration; which commercial roofing system is the least expensive, not only to purchase, but to install, maintain, and repair. Cost should not be your only consideration, however

Cooking

Really, the first question on everyone’s mind when choosing a flat roofing system should be whether there will be a lot of cooking in the building. If there will be, because you own a restaurant or a hospital, you should use PVC because it is resistant to fats and greases and fire. If you just focused on cost and put an EPDM roof on your restaurant, the grease that gets sucked-up through your ventilation will be deposited onto your roof and that EPDM roof will breakdown quickly, costing you more money in the long run.