Zion Low slope roof / torch down roofing installation video by JB Roofing

Are you considering changing your existing flat roof Zion IL or installing a new flat roof (or a low slope roof Zion IL)?
There are a few options to choose from offered by your Illinois roofing contractor:

• Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
• Modified Bitumen
• PVC
• EPDM – Rubber Membrane (short for ethylene propylene diene monomer) -
• Roll Roofing

Some of the flat roof Zion IL types listed above are more likely to be used on commercial buildings than on residential property roof, but you’re the boss, and we can install it for you.

Each properly installed flat roof in Zion IL must provide a waterproof covering over a structure below it. Rain water is removed from such roof either by flowing towards the drains, downspouts, and gutters – there’s usually a slight pitch on the roof, or on some designs by evaporation.

Let’s go over those flat / low slope roofing materials that are most popular in Zion Illinois.

Flat Roof Zion IL – Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Low cost, in most cases the cheapest one out of the flat roofs in Zion IL, built from 3 or more plies of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and covered with a layer of smooth river stone. Originally, built-up type roofs where made out of tar paper (organic), and asbestos based felt, but over the years more advanced materials have been developed and these types of roofs are currently using fiberglass mesh membranes.

Tar paper – heavy paper impregnated or coated with tar, used as a waterproof protective material in building.

Built-up roofing life span depends on number of the installed waterproof material layers / plies. Each one is rated for approximately 5 years of performance, which depends on quality of the installation and seasonal maintenance.

Built-up roofing in Zion IL is quite heavy and roof structure must be designed to withstand the weight of the gravel layer. Installation process is not very clean but that’s our job and you don’t have to worry about it. However, you’ll have to maintain drainage points ” gutters and scuppers, to prevent clogging with gravel and other debris that might accumulate on the roof surface.

One more thing to remember ” in most situations, it is difficult to pin point the source of leaks on built-up roofing in Zion IL. Because of the multi-layer design, the water might travel between the plies and start leaking several feet from the actual point of membrane penetration.

Flat Roof Zion IL – Modified Bitumen

It’s one of the Single Ply Membrane types. This type of the flat / low slope roof in Zion IL uses material similar to ice-and-water shield.

Ice-and-water shield, also called weatherguard or weathershield, is a rubberized material that comes in a roll just like felt paper. The most common applications of this material are along eaves, in valleys, sometimes around vents and chimneys as extra protection.

The only difference is that its exposed surface is impregnated with a mineral based protective material.

There are two types of installations:

1. Torch-down low flat roof in Zion IL that involves heating the adhesive as the material is unrolled ” this one is a fire hazard, so let the pros do it unless you really know what you’re doing.
2. There’s also peel-and-stick type of a membrane, that is much safer and easier to apply ” this can be easily and safely done by a homeowner.

Flat Roof in Zion IL – PVC Roofing

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ” it’s another single- layer type of roofing membrane material. PVC roofs are exceptional in withstanding ponding water. This single layer membrane seams are welded together with hot air creating single sheet resistant to moisture penetration. PVC roof surface reflects nearly 90% of the heat of the sun, maximizing energy cost savings.

Other important things to consider when choosing PVC type roof:
It is a fire safe material, extremely energy efficient, provides exceptional weather resistance, and performs very well on a low slope roof

Flat Roof in Zion IL – EPDM Roofing – Rubber Membrane

Single layer, durable rubber roof, engineered for long lasting performance and UV (ultra violet) resistance. EPDM is one of the most common types of low-slope roofing materials, because of its relatively low cost and simplicity of installation when compared to conventional built-up roofs.

EPDM roof can be mechanically anchored with fasteners, ballasted with stone, or glued to the decking.
Properly installed EPDM rubber roofs usually last between 12 and 25 years ” this will depend on : environmental conditions, foot traffic, water ponding on its surface and evaporation speed, geographical location, and of course – quality of workmanship.

Flat Roof in Zion IL – Roll Asphalt Roofing

Provides a quick, cost efficient solution. However, its life expectancy isn’t that great ” usually lasts somewhere between 5 and 12 years.
The material of a rolled asphalt roofing in Zion IL typically consist of a single layer, asphalt-saturated organic or fiberglass felt. The roll is fastened to the roof decking surface (it might be applied vertically or horizontally) with nails and seams sealed with lap cement.

Just like with other roofs in Zion IL  ” installation plays an important role in its performance and maximum life expectancy.

That’s basically it, make a choice of your flat roof in Zion or low slope roof in Zion and give us a call, so we can help you with converting this decision into reality.