Flat roofs add a distinct appearance to a building for it enables it to look beautiful and attractive. These types of roofs are not only easier to install, but also maintain its integrity over a long period of time. While flat roofs are not essentially flat, they have a pitch of 1/8 inches for draining rain water away. Whether you are building a new house or replacing roof on your existing one, it is important to look at the costs associated with this modern type of construction. In this article, we are going to look at the costs for installing flat roofs on your building. On average, flat roofs will cost you between $250 and $350 per 100 square feet of installation.  

Types of flat roofs

Before doing a flat roof installation, you first need to determine the type of material that will suit your intended use, climate, home style and budget. Below, we will look at the three main types of flat roofs and the costs associated with their installation.

Built-up roofs

Built-up roofs consist of several layers of materials that are put on top of one another. These materials include hot tar, fiberglass, roofing felt and gravel. The good thing with this type of roofing is that it is resistant to fire and can last for a long time. Typically, the roof is able to hold up for over 30 years. However, it is important to hire a professional for the installation since the use of hot tar requires special expertise and equipment. Also, you need to note that this process is very smelly and thus, not ideal for occupied homes.  The cost for installing this roof ranges from $3 to $7 per square foot.

Modified bitumen

Unlike built-up flat roofs, modified bitumen utilizes only one layer of material. Modified bitumen is made of different compounds and is very effective as a roofing material. The installation process involves the process of heating the material as you lay them down on the roof. A layer of felt is first applied to the roof, then the primer before putting down layers of bitumen. The professional installer then heats this bitumen using a torch until it is completely attached to the roof.

However, it is important to note that this process is best handled by a professional, especially since it has a fire hazard. The costs for such an installation lie between $3 and $6 per square foot.  

Rubber membrane

The other type of flat roofing material that you can use is EPDM. This material is designed like a car tire but with enhanced resistance to sun rays. This means that, when installed on the roof, the material is able to hold up better to the sun than other type of tire rubber. EPDM is relatively lightweight, easy to work on and very durable. If the material has some damage; it is easy to do repairs. EPDM is available in two colors: white and black. This means that no matter the design and theme of your house, you can choose the one that suits your needs best. The cost for this installation ranges from $4 to $6.

Conclusion

A typical flat roof installation will typically cost between $3 and $7. This is depending on the type of installation and the material used.