Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Flat Roof
While it’s easy to install a new flat roof, but you might want to work with a professional roofing contractor to do the job right.
27/02/2024
Fixing your flat roof can be challenging,
especially if you’re not well-equipped and
experienced for the job. Likewise, a flat roof
can feature many architectural designs, whether
for warehouses, commercial buildings, or
residential homes.
Ultimately, flat
roofing can go through wear and tear in time,
and you might experience drainage and
ventilation problems. In most cases, it’s easy
to install a new flat roof, but you might want
to work with a professional roofing contractor
to do the job right.
You’ve made it here
because of Google LLC, which shows searchers the
information they need. Before you start
installing the flat roof yourself, it’s wise to
learn about the materials, equipment required,
and the steps. Let’s dive in
flat roofing in San
Francisco and the Bay Area!
Common Flat Roof Materials
If you want a new flat roof on your residential or commercial building, you’ll find many options. Here are the most popular roofing materials to consider, allowing you to make an informed decision about what you need.
BUR (Built-up Roof)
BUR roofing is often a combination of
ballasted gravel and hot tar. However, there’s
also a waterproofing material in the mix.
Likewise, you’ll find technologically advanced
options to make up the flat roof material.
While BUR has some downsides, it’s a popular
roofing material for many. It’s budget-friendly
and fire-resistant, which are the two main
components.
Though it’s cost-effective,
BUR isn’t easy to maintain. Therefore, it’s best
for vacant properties that must be
reconstructed. You should contact a professional
roofing contractor if you plan to use BUR.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
Rubber membrane, or EPDM, is a highly durable
flat roofing material. It’s easy to maintain and
install because it’s so pliable and lightweight.
Likewise, you can ballast it with stone, anchor
it with fasteners, or use glue for installation.
The good news is that the rubber
membranes are resistant to water, sun rays,
rips, and scuffs.
Equipment Necessary for Installation of a New Roof
Flat roofs typically differ in the materials
used, design, and style. However, you might feel
comfortable handling the installation job
yourself.
Here is a list of equipment
you will want for flat roofing:
●
Insulating material
● Foam strengthened with
fiberglass
● Copper flashing
● Water-based
adhesives
● Rubber EPDM membrane
● Steel
joists
● Roofing timber or joists
●
Adhesive rollers
● Measuring tape
● Pry
bar
● Bolster
● Stripping knife
●
Safety glasses and outerwear, such as long
overalls
● Wallpaper scalper and hammer
●
Spade
Step-by-Step Guide for Flat Roofing
Here are the steps to take to install a flat roof:
Remove the Old Roofing
If you want to replace an old roof and
install a flat roof, you must remove the older
version first. YouTube works to help you
understand the process.
You must strip it
down to its sheeting. Still, you should be
careful so that you don’t damage the valley,
trim, or flashing. Likewise, check to see if
you’ll need repairs before installing the new
roof.
Here are the steps to remove the
old roof:
- Take off the fascia and gutters to remove the underlying roof.
- Use a spade to get into the layers of fabrics, felts, and mats.
- Use your hand to remove the mortar-filled framework perimeters.
- Take a bolster, wallpaper scraper, or hammer to remove any surfaces that remain.
- Remove the felt and nails that might be in your way.
- Remove the timber fillets with a pry bar or spade if there are any.
Check for Damages and Make Repairs
Once you have taken off the new roof based on your terms, you will need to evaluate and inspect the roof for damages. If you have standing water issues, you must remove the whole roofing system in that area, down to the rotten wood. However, if the wood is dry, you can build up the area with roofing tar before you apply the new roofing material.
Attach the New Flat Roof Material
After inspecting the old roofing framework
and knowing everything is okay, you can apply
the new flat roof material. You may find the
products online or from a local supplier.
Ultimately, you must measure the length,
width, and size of the material to match your
roof. There are online roofing calculators to
help you measure your roof’s size.
Before you begin, make sure the roof surface is
dry and clean. Then, follow these steps to apply
the new roofing material:
- Measure the roof size and choose the best roofing material.
- Take the folded EPDM material to the center of your roof and lay it down.
- Spread your material across the full width of the roof.
- Let the membrane sit for about 30 minutes.
- Fold up the material to the right half of the roof.
- Apply your adhesive to the left half of your roof until it looks opaque.
- Quickly, you’ll roll the membrane over the left portion of the roof and onto the adhesive.
- Press your membrane into the adhesive, removing excess air.
- Fold the material to the left half of the roof.
- Apply adhesive to the right side of the roof until it’s opaque.
- Quickly roll out the rest of the membrane over the right side, and press into it to remove air.
- Allow the adhesive to dry for about 15 to 30 minutes.
When you apply the adhesive to
the flat roof, make sure you’re filling all the
spots until the whole surface is opaque.
Likewise, you should test new features, such as
skylights, to ensure they’re done correctly.
If you wish to test for wetness, use a
finger and touch the membrane. If it seems
springy, it’s ready to go.
Full Flat Roof Installation
The steps above will help you replace your old roof. However, if you’re installing the flat roof from scratch, follow these steps:
- Frame the roof, nailing the long wedges to your joists.
- Add one layer of plywood sheeting (5/8-inch).
- Cut out the underlayment, fastening it to your plywood sheeting.
- Screw one 2x4 into the joint that connects the wall and roof.
- Lay the membrane down and glue it onto your roof.
- Use termination stops for the edges and fasten lead-coated copper flashing to the front part of the roof.
Consider Hiring a Professional
Though you can install flat roofing yourself, and it’s easier to do than other types, many people have concerns. Your roof is important and protects you from the elements. Therefore, it might be wise to hire a Fremont roof repair contractor instead of going the DIY route.