Knowing Flat Roof Systems

Modified Roof Systems - Example Used :: Flintlastic SA
The Flintlastic SA products can be used in various system configurations, depending upon the roof requirements. For small projects such as decks, additions and porches, two-ply systems comprised of Flintlastic SA Base and Flintlastic SA Cap sheet may be appropriate (in conjunction with FlintFlash™ SA flashing membrane as specified by CertainTeed). For larger roofs and commercial applications, three-ply systems comprised of Flintlastic SA Base covered with Mid Ply and Cap are recommended.

Roofs and decks must have proper drainage. The advantages of self-adhering membrane are ease of application, minimum of installation tools or equipment needed, cleanliness, and the fact that no hot asphalt or torches are required for installation.



Built Up Roof Systems (BUR) - Hot Asphalt :: Bitumen
Traditional built-up roofing (BUR) derives its name from the building of a roof on-site using layers of base sheet, interply sheets and cap sheet or other surfacing such as gravel or liquid coating. Hot asphalt (bitumen) is the bonding and waterproofing agent between layers. The use of asphalt in waterproofing applications dates back to ancient Egypt, making BUR the oldest and most time-proven waterproofing method known.

BUR is suitable for most low slope roofing applications. The higher the quality of the BUR materials and asphalt used and the greater the number of plies (and separate asphalt moppings), the more superior the roof system.



APP and SBS Modified Bitumen
In the 1970s, technological advances in asphalt sciences originating in Europe led to the development of modifiers such as APP (atactic polypropylene) and SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) which, when added to unblown (unoxidized) asphalt, impart either plastic (APP) or rubber (SBS) characteristics. These additives provide enhanced performance characteristics to traditional asphalt. When coupled with reinforcements, such as polyester (superior elongation abilities) or fiberglass (high tensile strength), they create high-performance roof membranes.

APP modified bitumen membranes are self-adhering when heated using a roofing torch. SBS modified bitumen membranes can be formulated for torch application, but are more commonly applied using hot asphalt or cold SBS modified bitumen adhesive. The result is a BUR system with significantly enhanced performance capabilities. Continuing improvements in technology have also resulted in self-adhering SBS roof membranes. When an SBS or APP cap sheet is combined with traditional BUR base sheets and interply sheets, the result is a hybrid roof offering the best of both systems, multiple plies and superior performance and longevity.

SBS can be formulated for hot asphalt, cold adhesive, self-adhesive or torch application; APP membranes are typically torch applied only.

All of these systems are excellent roofing choices for industrial, commercial, institutional and residential low-slope roofing. In choosing, factors such as site access, structural load, finished appearance, desired warranty and performance criteria should all be considered.



EPDM (Rubber Roof System) Single Ply
Durability, design versatility and installation ease are among the many reasons ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is the most popular material for both new and reroof low-slope roofing applications. EPDM Roofing Systems are based on a high-performance synthetic rubber compound that provides outstanding weathering characteristics in climates worldwide.

Based on ethylene propylene diene monomer, the versatile membrane offers a variety of installation options including fully adhered, ballasted or mechanically attached that deliver superior long-term weatherability and exhibit exceptional wind uplift resistance.

Ballasted System
The Ballasted System utilizes large EPDM panels held to the roof deck by river washed stones or pavers. With the Ballasted System, large EPDM panels are loose-laid over the roof. Adjoining sheets are then overlapped and spliced with tape, forming a continuous watertight membrane. The EPDM membrane is then ballasted with round river-washed stones or paving blocks. The Ballasted System is suitable for any building designed to accommodate the weight of ballast. It is the most economical of the EPDM roofing systems.

Batten-in-the-Seam System
The Batten-in-the-Seam System utilizes narrow EPDM membrane panels which are securely attached to the roof deck with batten strips. Each Batten-in-the-Seam membrane panel is loosely laid over the roof surface, and one edge of the panel is anchored to the deck with batten strips. The battens are then anchored to the roof deck with fasteners. Adjoining EPDM membrane panels are overlapped to cover the batten strips and spliced with tape to form a continuous, watertight membrane.

Fully Adhered EPDM Roofing System
Fully Adhered EPDM Roofing System consists of standard or reinforced membrane that is adhered to the roof deck with Bonding Adhesive. The EPDM membrane is installed over insulation which has been anchored to the roof deck with corrosion-resistant fasteners and plates. The EPDM membrane is fully bonded to the insulation with bonding adhesive. Adjoining sheets are overlapped and spliced with Splice Tape.

Mechanically Anchored Roofing System
Mechanically Anchored Roofing System utilizes large EPDM membrane panels which are securely attached to the roof deck with batten strips. During installation of the mechanically anchored system, the batten strips are placed in a specified pattern designated by the manufacturer. The battens are then anchored to the roof deck with fasteners. The battens are then covered with QuickSeam Batten Cover Strips. Mechanically Anchored System is designed for roofs which cannot carry the additional load of a ballasted system and is highly adaptable to a variety of decks including metal and plywood.
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