Flat or low sloped roofing is a ‘water resistant’ roof assembly compared to a steep roofing or ‘water shedding’ roof assembly.

A ‘water resistant’ roof assembly consists of a continuous homogenous roof membrane installed on a flat or a lightly sloped roof deck surface. According to several long term data reports, the durability and aging of flat roofing membranes increases directly with the slope.

At Trimstyle we understand and appreciate that low slope design is far more intricate than steep roofing design. Drainage, wind and foot traffic for example, are critical design considerations in this horizontal configuration. As such, the roofing membrane becomes the most important component of the roof assembly. Trimstyle works with 3 general types of horizontal membranes:

Modifies Bitumen Membranes
Single Ply Membranes
Built Up Membranes

Modifies Bitumen membranes are asphaltic based products employing bitumen that has been modified with a polymer. This modification provides greater membrane flexibility. Various application methods exist, which we select based on the building location, occupancy and the slope of deck.

Single Ply Membranes are as the name implies, membranes in a single sheet form. They do not as a rule require protective cover, and usually come in large sheets. EPDM, PVC and TPO are membranes commonly used.

Built Up Roof Membranes are often referred to as “tar and gravel” roof systems. Felts of organic paper or fiberglass are adhered together with asphalt. The number of layers or plies indicate the durability of the assembly. The gravel surfacing material helps protect the asphalt from the effect of the sun and weather and provides external fire protection.

At Trimstyle selection of these various assemblies is based on slope, occupancy, life cycle costing, roof details, traffic and insurance requirements.