Flat Roof Construction Materials

Tools

• To construct a flat roof, you need a variety of different tools. Common tools include a drill, scissors, tin snips, glue brush, seam roller and measuring tape. In addition to the roofing layers, you may also have to purchase a number of specialty items from your local hardware store, including EPDM rubber membrane, sealant, water-based adhesive and adhesive cleaner.

Built-Up Roof

• A built-up roof, also called a tar-and-gravel roof, is made of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics. Materials for this roof include an asphalt-coated glass fiber base sheet, asphalt- or coal tar-saturated cotton fabrics, cold-applied liquid adhesive, asphalt roof coatings and emulsified asphalt. While these roofs are very heavy and difficult to install, they are inexpensive and fire retardant.

Modified Bitumen Roof

• A modified bitumen roof is an asphalt roof that has modifiers that give it rubber and plastic-like properties. In addition to bitumen layers, this roof features a three ply system that includes fiberglass felt to increase the strength of the roof. Additional materials include the underlayment, plumbing jack, soffit and ridge vents, stack covers and manufacturer recommended fasteners. The advantages of using a bitumen roof are that it's inexpensive and weather resistant; however, this roof is also difficult to install.

Rubber Membrane Roof

• Rubber membrane is another type of flat roof that is made from large, flat pieces of synthetic rubber. These layers are welded together to form one large membrane. Once the layers are connected, you will need to use a variety of materials to ensure the roof remains flat and connected. These materials include a push broom, roller and rubber roofing adhesive. While this type of roof is susceptible to leaks, if caught early, they can be easily fixed. This roof is simple to install and lightweight. The disadvantages of this roof are that it absorbs heat in hot temperatures and is more expensive than other types of flat roofs.