Let’s take a look into the flat roofing dilemma, or a common problem of a leaky EPDM rubber roof that many homeowners with lower sloped roofs struggle with. The lower sloped and flat roofs represent a weak link in residential construction, where flat roofs often under-perform, or fail prematurely due to improper installation techniques, methods, and use of less than adequate flat roofing materials. Generally speaking, a flat roof is not a very common type of a roof on residential homes. However, just because the flat roofs are uncommon, does not mean they are not expected to perform at least as well as their sloped counterparts. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Most homeowners have sloped roofs protecting their homes, but there are some homeowners who have a flat roof on their residences. Many homeowners experience annoying roof leaks and roofing problems every now and then, but those with flat roofs experience major roof leaks and expensive roof replacements far more frequently. It’s unfortunate that flat roofs are more prone to leaks than regular sloped roofs due to their design. Not only are the owners of flat roofs at a disadvantage due to roof design, but they can also become victims of contractors who are not qualified to install flat roofs. This situation often happens when homeowners looking for a bargain, overlook the quality considerations of a new roof in favor of lower roofing costs for a potentially inferior roof / installation quality. When the price becomes a major determining factor, the quality of the actual roof installation is often neglected, and as a result, the actual final product is less than adequate.

Common roofing industry practice shows that flat roofs which require a complete roof replacement due to their age, often get installed improperly. This often happens because a flat roof, which normally requires a specialized installation, often gets installed by conventional asphalt shingle roofers who rarely get to do this type of work. This may often lead to installation errors due to a lack of knowledge and inexperience with flat roof installation methods and techniques. Another problem with a flat roof installation is that EPDM rubber, an inherently energy inefficient flat roofing system, often tends to fail prematurely at the seams of the roof. The roof seams are held in place by glue that can fail due to standing water, age, and temperature fluctuations. Thus, EPDM flat roofing system is inherently impermanent and tends to fail rather soon. This is bad from the ecological, economical, and consumer perspective.

PVC based cool flat roofing membrane can provide an ecological, economical, and environmentally friendly long lasting roofing solution. IB roof systems, which stands for industry’s best, is just one of the many PVC flat roofing manufacturers that offer a residential flat roofing solution backed by a lifetime warranty. IB flat roofing membrane reflects 95% of solar radiant heat, which helps reduce energy costs and keeps the building and its occupants cool and comfortable. The cool-roof reduces the air conditioning load, which is especially significant during peak hours, and it helps combat the heat island affect. The seams of IB flat roofing system are hot air welded forming a permanent bond between the seams. The formed bond is so strong that it can never come apart even if there is standing / refreezing water on the roof. An IB flat roofing system carries a lifetime residential warranty provided by the manufacturer. It fully solves the problems associated with premature flat roofing leaks, while providing energy savings, providing a long service life that outperforms any other flat roofing system, and helping to preserve the environment.