Time to replace your flat roof? Trying to choose the best material for your flat roofing project, but need the right options?
Whether it's a normal roof or a flat roof, choosing the right material is a huge decision. However, flat roofing can't have asphalt shingles like. Instead, they need something special that can handle the lack of drainage. .
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has broken down the complexities of the roofing industry, especially specialized projects like flat roofing. That's why I'll break down the best flat roofing materials for residential roofing.
By the end of this article, you'll learn the cost, lifespan, warranties, and the pros and cons of the following flat roofing materials:
EPDM
EPDM roofing membrane (ethylene propylene diene monomer or terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber black membrane commonly used in commercial and medical facilities. However, EPDM has become more popular in residential roofing for its durability.
EPDM cost, lifespan, and warranty |
| Cost: $12.00-$17.00 per square foot |
| Lifespan: 25 to 30 years (fully adhered 0.060 thickness) |
| Material warranty: 10-30 years (depends on the manufacturer) |
The black rubber material absorbs heat, which makes energy efficiency in living spaces. However, white EPDM is available at a more expensive price.
However, EPDM is an extremely durable membrane and is basically like having a bulletproof rubber roof system. That's why you can expect to get 25 to 30 years out of a fully adhered 0.060 thickness EPDM flat roof.
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply white or grey membrane used in both commercial and residential roofing. Unlike EPDM, TPO’s white, light grey, or tan membrane reflects heat instead of absorbing it.
TPO cost, lifespan, and warranty |
| Cost: $12.00-$17.00 per square foot |
| Lifespan: 15 to 20 years |
| Material warranty: 10-30 years (depends on the manufacturer) |
If you have a flat roof over a bedroom, TPO is a great option because the white membrane's reflectiveness helps keep the room cooler. It’s not as durable as other membranes, but you can get up to 20 years (maybe a little longer) out of a TPO membrane flat roof as long as it’s installed properly.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a single-ply white or grey membrane used in commercial and residential roofing. It's also a great choice for any flat roof over a living space or bedroom because it offers reflective qualities like TPO.
In fact, PVC shares a lot of similarities with TPO. However, it lasts longer and is more expensive.
PVC cost, lifespan, and warranty |
| Cost: $12.00-$17.00 per square foot |
| Lifespan: 25 years |
| Material warranty: 10-30 years (depends on the manufacturer) |
The white or grey membrane, PVC has great reflective properties. The chemical and grease resistance makes it a more popular choice for commercial than residential.
However, it's still used on homes and lasts up to 25 years if the membrane is properly installed in moderate climate.
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of metal panels that are locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. This allows for panels to expand and contract freely when the metal panels go through thermal expansion.
Just know that a standing seam metal roof does need a little bit of pitch (slope). So, getting a metal roof on a flat roof will require creating some angle with tapered insulation boards.
Standing seam cost, lifespan, and warranty |
| Cost: $16.00-$20.00 per square foot |
| Lifespan: 30 years (up to 50 in the right conditions) |
| Material warranty: 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 painted finish (steel only) |
A standing seam metal roof is a great roofing material for a flat roof if you have the budget. It will have a better aesthetic, color options, and is longer lasting than the membrane roof systems.
However, it's more expensive than the membranes, and may need some build up to reach the minimum slope requirements for metal roofing.
So, which material is right for you and your flat roof replacement? If you’re worried about the cost, I recommend going with one of the membrane roof systems for your flat roof.
EPDM is the most durable and effective long-term, but TPO and PVC are still viable options. Make sure to consider your budget, the room below, and if you can see the flat roof when making your decision.
If you have the budget and want more life, a standing seam metal roof is a great option. Just remember that it does require a little slope, but you most likely won't have to worry about a flat roof with standing seam again in your lifetime.
Now you know the best roofing materials for a flat roof and how much they cost, their lifespan, warranties, and their pros and cons. So, you should have an idea of which one is right for you and your flat roof replacement.
However, it's absolutely crucial to talk to a roofer more about the decision. The important thing is that they have the right expertise.
After all, membranes and metal is specialized compared to standard asphalt shingles. So, hiring the right roofing contractor is the most important decision you’ll make after choosing a flat roofing material.
You need to trust that you're hiring a reputable company with the specific expertise needed for flat roofing. That's why I wrote another article with the tips every homeowner needs to find a great roofing contractor.
Check out 9 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor, so you have the ability to make the right hiring decision.