The roofing business offers these days a very wide selection of roofing materials for any application, depending on what kind of style you are looking for. Everything from slate, tile, asphalt, tar… the list goes on and on. As long as it keeps the weather out, it is considered roofing material. The overriding factors that influence your choice of materials are typically local weather, budgets, and aesthetic appeal.
Flat roofing materials presents a little bit of a challenge because it needs to be sloped enough to allow rain to run off of it. If the material has low spots, or is in anyway absorbent, this will be almost impossible. The built up roofing (BUR) has been a traditional way to roof a building for many years. It is inexpensive; anyone can apply it, and needed little maintenance over the years. It consists of 3 layers of waterproofing material, with tar in between them, and topped off with some kind of stone. It is strong, durable, and can be repaired easily by anyone with minimal skill. The drawbacks are a serious consideration, though. The weight of the stone can be taxing on the building, and the edges and seams tend to curl up more often, compromising its effectiveness.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, nicknamed EPDM is a rubber material that can be glued down, held down with clips or fasteners, or held in place with ballasts. It is much lighter in weight than traditional BUR roofing, and can be repaired easier. The only real drawback is that it is black, and this will absorb a tremendous amount of heat, so they are not recommended for warmer climates.
Lastly, modified bitumen is another alternative that uses a combination of a single ply integrated with a mineral-based shield, to the surface of the roof itself. Normally, there are two types of materials used ‘torch-adhesion type and the peel and stick method which is extremely simple.
No matter what type of roofing you choose, be sure to use a professional to have it installed. A new roof is a fairly large investment for most people, and having it done correctly, so that it will last 10, 15, or 20 years is something that you want to be sure of. Iron River Construction is prepared to repair or replace your roof no matter what type it is. Give us a call to find out what options are available to you. 952-442-1762



