Low Slope Roofing: Large vs. Small

1/24/2018

There are two categories of residential low slope roofing: larger flat roofed applications and small applications. 

Larger flat roofed applications include residential condominium complexes, row homes and townhouses. These applications tend to focus more on durability and less on aesthetics because of the high amount of foot traffic expected on the roof, due to the use of commercial mechanical systems, such as commercial-grade air conditioning units.

Building owners have a decent amount of products and systems available for larger projects, including APP Modified Bitumen systems, SBS Modified Bitumen systems, and Build-Up Roofing. Most of these are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and are constructed with a cap sheet that features cool roof technology to reflect the heat from the sun. As a result, the air conditioning unit is not overworked, leading to lower energy bills. This technology is compliant with the standards set by California Title 24, Part 6 Cool Roof Requirements, and, in some areas, if used for residential applications, may be eligible for federal tax rebates.

For small-scale residential applications, a less labor-intensive option is to opt for a self-adhering roof system. Popular for low-slope applications, such as garages and porches, self-adhering roof systems are ‘peel and stick’ roofs that are void of harmful chemicals, as well as noxious adhesives, and are relatively easy to apply. CertainTeed’s Flintlastic SA, self-adhering SBS modified bitumen roofing system is a popular low-slope option as it offers multiple granulated surface color options to coordinate with your roofing shingles, providing you with a complete and complementary solution for roof designs that transition from steep to low slope.