If you're looking for Flat Roofing System information, you've come to the right place. Here are some points on the five essential components.
The Slope
Positive drainage is the first and mainly important factor to consider with any low-slope Flat Roofing System. You don't need much slope, just ¼":10 is sufficient. That's enough to keep water from accumulating on the roof, which can cause leaks and premature roof failure on Flat Roofing System. If the slope isn't in the structure, install a tapered system between the roof deck and roofing.
The Base Sheet
The low-slope Flat Roofing System should be is the three-ply, self-adhering type. It gives you a professional grade roof without the hazard of torches and hot asphalt. It should be mechanically attached base sheet, so the roofing can be removed when the time comes. Be sure to follow the required nailing pattern, as the fasteners will be the only craze holding the roof down. If there is an adjacent sloped roof, take away enough shingles so you can run the base sheet about 16" up the slope of Flat Roofing System.
The Smooth-surfaced Mid-ply
Be sure to use a mid-ply, so your Flat Roofing System doesn't undergo from the inherent weakness of single-ply roofing systems. It gives you a protective back-up layer in case water penetrates a seam on cap sheet of Flat Roofing System. Start with a half-wide course, so the seams will end up staggered when you put on the cap sheet. That will prevent a big "hump" at the side laps, obstructing the smooth flow of water off roof. If there is an adjacent sloped roof, of Flat Roofing System, run the mid-ply about “13" up the slope so it doesn't terminate at the exact same place at the base of sheet.
The Drip Edge
After you have the mid-ply rolled down nice and tight, it's time to put in the drip edge on Flat Roofing System. Lap the metal at least 3" and seal under the lap with asphalt roofing cement of Flat Roofing System. After the metal is tacked on, go down to the ground to take a look. The drip edge is about all you see of the flat roof from the ground, so you want it looking high-quality. Then nail the metal off with standard roofing nails spaced no more than 6" apart. After the drip edge is nailed down, coat it with asphalt primer using a paint brush or very small roller. Be careful it doesn't drip down the face of the drip edge of Flat Roofing System.
The Granular-surfaced Cap Sheet
when installing the cap sheet, start with a full width course and let it overhang the drip edge by about ¼"on Flat Roofing System. After it's on, you can trim it off nice and flush with a straight blade in your value knife. Be sure to use MB (modified bitumen) cement on the end laps, as regular flashing cement is not like-minded. Terminate the cap sheet 12" up any adjacent slope of roof. By staggering the three plies in this manner it avoids a hump under your shingles that could hold water and leak on Flat Roofing System.
