Flat roof

Flat roof

Flat-roofed architecture adorns modern and contemporary homes. Interested in this style of roofing? Find out everything you need to know about flat roofs, how to maintain them and the different materials they’re made of.

A flat roof… not really flat

Contrary to its name, a flat roof isn’t actually flat. In fact, its surface must have a slight slope, generally varying between 1% and 15%, to allow rainwater to drain off. The larger the surface, the steeper the slope to avoid water stagnation.

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Why opt for a flat roof?

There are many reasons why homeowners opt for a flat roof:

  • This style suits most modern architecture;
  • The flat roof gives your home an extra accessible surface;
  • Installation is quicker and less costly than with a pitched roof;
  • It’s possible to plant a flat roof to decorate your home and create a green space, especially if your yard is relatively small.

What is the structure of a flat roof?

A flat roof is made up of a number of different components: the framework, the floor, the insulation and the finish. Here’s what you need to know about the structure of a flat roof.

  • The framework

This is the framework of the roof, i.e. the part that supports the entire roof. It needs to be sturdy to support the weight of the other elements, especially if you’re planning to make your roof accessible. Wood is still one of the most widely used materials for framing. Quality woods such as oak and chestnut are recommended by professionals. Metal framing is also becoming increasingly popular for its durability.

  • Roof floor

Concrete is recommended if you want to make your flat roof accessible, i.e. turn the area into a terrace. Alternatively, you can opt for OSB panels or steel trays. The former, however, requires regular maintenance, while the latter is a poor insulator.

  • Thermal insulation

Thermal insulation is an essential element of a flat roof. There are three different techniques that professionals can use to insulate a flat roof: hot roofing, inverted roofing and combination roofing. The difference between each lies in the arrangement of the waterproofing membrane, the vapour barrier and, where applicable, the underroof.

  • The finishing coat

The finish is the visible part of the roof. When it comes to a flat roof, you can choose between different types of cladding:

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  • Bitumen: a commonly used solution for flat roofs, bitumen provides a thick, adherent covering;
  • EPDM: a rubber coating with long life and superior resistance;
  • Multi-layer coating: superimposition of several sheets of reinforced bitumen for optimum waterproofing;
  • PVC: one of the least expensive solutions, PVC nevertheless lacks reliability, longevity and strength;
  • SEL: the Liquid Sealing System is made up of resins and elastomers. It is suitable for flat roofs as it is resistant to foot traffic;
  • Vegetated cladding: this is a cladding composed of several plants, providing aesthetic appeal and additional protection against the elements. It can be heavy and requires structural reinforcement.

Trust us to install, maintain and repair your flat roof.

Installing a flat roof requires specific know-how and techniques, as well as the right equipment. That’s why it’s best to leave this task to the professionals.

At Toitures LV, we’re fully prepared to install a flat roof on your home, whether it’s a new build or the renovation of an old one. We also rectify the angle of inclination in the event of a water flow defect.

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Flat roof

Our team handles all types of building, from residential to commercial, industrial and institutional. We have roofers in Laval and roofers on the South Shore. In addition to flat roof installation, we also inspect and repair all types of roofs, and clear snow from your roof in winter.

 

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1455 Mnt Masson, Laval, QC H7E 4P2
(By appointment only)

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438-700-8556