flat roofing materials
Flat roofs are becoming increasingly important to commercial buildings. From storing equipment to providing green spaces, they offer a range of practical uses. However, flat roofs are not without fire risks and must be treated accordingly. Specifiers must specify non-combustible materials and take steps to ensure they comply with the latest fire safety standards. Whether protecting against the elements or housing green projects like solar panels, the roof is playing an increasingly important role in flat buildings. However, it’s critical that the right design and construction materials are used to mitigate risks in a fire-prone environment.
The Flat Roofing is particularly vulnerable to embers during wildfire exposures. As a result, it needs to be constructed of non-combustible materials and include protective barriers at key areas, including roof-wall intersections, edges and through-roof vents or skylights. To mitigate the risk of ember penetration, a non-combustible cover board can be inserted between combustible insulation and the roofing material. This barrier reduces ember propagation and limits fire spread, which is especially important for flat roofs. Similarly, stone wool insulation can offer a barrier against embers while providing proven thermal and acoustic performance.
The roof of a house protects the interior spaces from rain, wind and sun. It also has a critical role to play in fire safety, providing access for roof maintenance and effective compartmentation with internal walls below. The rooftop is a vulnerable ignition point during wildfire exposures, especially at edges and intersections where debris collects. It can also ignite via embers from nearby burning trees and structures.
What are the fire safety features associated with flat roofing materials?
Many roof coverings are fire rated on their own, but others require an underlying material or special installation techniques to achieve the same rating. For example, aluminum roof coverings require an additional non-combustible layer underneath them to achieve a Class A rating on their own. The temperature resistance of flat roof materials can be an important consideration for industrial and commercial properties. If a flat roof is compromised in a fire, it can lead to significant damage that requires closure of the property and disruption for staff and customers.
This can be particularly pronounced when the Barrie Roofing construction is prone to gaps and loose areas, as in the case of barrel-design clay tiles or some roofing profiles that create large gaps between the roof covering and sheathing. Whether due to weather exposure or incorrect installation, these gaps are a prime route for ignition by embers.
Most modern flat roofs use either a built-up (BUR) or single large factory-made sheets such as EPDM synthetic rubber, PVC or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin). In these systems, the membrane is secured with ballast, typically a layer of heavy rocks. This provides UV and fire protection, but is vulnerable to leaking and puddling as the gravel disperses and can be blocked by debris around water outlets (spigots, drains or gutters). This can be mitigated by regular inspections to ensure that all rocks are still in place and properly secured.
Flat roofs offer a unique opportunity to turn them into an attractive and useful space. They can be used for rooftop gardens, recreational areas or even urban farming. They are also an ideal place for installing solar panels. The roof’s material and colour contribute to the building’s overall aesthetics and the design can be tailored according to the building’s environment. A number of modern roofing materials are aesthetically pleasing and can enhance the appearance of a building. They are also eco-friendly and have a lower impact on the environment than traditional roofing materials.
Name : Barrie Roofing & Repair Contractors
Address: 279 Yonge St, Barrie, ON, L4N 7T9 P.O Box#23013
Phone: 705-999-7628
