Flat Roof Construction

Flat Roof Construction- The Steps Involved In The Construction

Flat roof construction is relatively easy process when compared to sloped roofs. Flat roof systems are horizontal roofing with a very slight inclination. This slight inclination allows water to run off freely and in a smooth manner. This type of roof generally requires heavy maintenance to prevent failures such as leaks. The leaks and seepages can be produced from the tiniest of the cracks or fissures made on the surface of the roof inspite of the flat roof draingage using slight inclines and drain pipes. Flat roofs are made up of variety of materials and substances, including asphalt built up roof, modified bitumen, Hypalon, PVC, TPO and synthetic rubber.

Generally used for residential buildings rather than industrial or commercial purposes, this is because flat roofs tend to become more unstable as their size increases and also will turn out to be way more expensive when compared to other options like sloped roofs. To avoid problems like water logging and water ponding the modern flat roof covering use a continuous membrane which are capable of resisting pools of standing water, these flat roof materials or membrane are then joined together with adhesive. We can also cover the roofs with metal such as tin or copper which are joined together by soldered interlocking systems of metal panels, but they are expensive when compared to membrane sheets. Asphalt is also used for roofing but EPDM sheets are the best for flat roof construction.

The are the tools that you require for flat roof construction using EPDM membrane sheets:

General mechanical tools such as a Drill, Scissor, measuring tape and tin snip. Then stuff for painting and finishing such as Paint, Glue brush, seam roller, emulsion roller. Glue for sticking and sealing such as a water based adhesive, Sealant, Adhesive cleaner. Then the base material for construction of a flat roof, which here is an EPDM rubber membrane.

The steps involved in constructing a flat roof are:

1. Clean the deck and spread the EPDM membrane over the flat roof.
   

2. Then fold the EPDM membrane into half so that the edges of the membrane touch each other and allow the creases to ease out.
   
3. Use the emulsion roller to apply the water based adhesive onto roof surface.
   
4. Now place the folded half of the membrane onto the deck and see that it covers the whole length as it should.
   
5. In case any bubbles appear brush them out, and in case of creases just flatten them out with a broom.
   
6. Then repeat the above process with the other half of the membrane.
   
7. The corners of the membrane are sealed in the required areas using rubber sealant.
   
8. Bonding adhesive is used to glue the membrane the perimeter of the flat roof.
   
9. Aluminum trims are placed along the edges to prevent the adhesive from getting out.
   
10. Final finishes for the drains and gutter are done.

The above are the steps involved in flat roof construction using EPDM membrane sheets. Flat roofs need frequent maintenance and are not suited for all kinds of buildings.