Flat roofs have been popular in arid climates since the beginning of time. Flat roofs were used in middle eastern countries dating back to as early as 5700 BC. In the Americas, flat roofs got their start right here in New Mexico. The oldest structure in the United States is Taos Pueblo, built around 1450 AD, and features a flat roof just like many of the homes we see across New Mexico today.
Flat roofs remain popular in the Land of Enchantment today, especially in the city of Santa Fe. In fact, the pueblo-style architecture that is on display in the city is so popular that many people across the country refer to it as Santa Fe-style architecture. If you are new to Santa Fe and find yourself considering a complete flat roof installation for the first time, let’s catch you up on some of the benefits that come with owning a flat roof.
Construction Cost: Rather than just giving a home that “New Mexico” look, flat roofs can come with a lower overall construction cost. Flat roofs require less material to build and consequently cost less to repair if extensive damage ever does occur.
Functionality: Many people use their flat roofs as a means of expanding the usable space in their homes. Roof-top decks, sitting areas, or even gardens are just some of the examples of the creative things you can do with the extra space that your flat roof provides.
Efficiency: A flat roof can also help with your home's energy efficiency. Pitched roofs include an attic area that can trap unwanted heat inside of your home during the summer months, putting extra strain on your home's cooling system in order to keep your home at a desirable temperature. This attic space does not exist with a flat roof, making your cooling system more efficient, and ultimately saving you money on utility bills.
If you are a homeowner in Santa Fe, chances are you already have a flat roof on your home. If that is the case, you will have several options when it comes to the material used to replace or repair your flat roof. Santa Fe Stucco works with a variety of flat roofing materials and will help you choose the best ones for your project. When it comes to flat roofs, we specialize in TPO, modified bitumen, and foam/silicon options. Let’s look a little deeper at each one of these flat roof materials.
TPO stands for Thermoplast Polyolefin and is a single-ply roofing membrane. TPO is popular in commercial buildings all over the country but is also a great choice for the residential flat roofs in Santa Fe, NM. These membranes are typically manufactured in rolls that are 6 to 10 feet wide and can be ballasted, mechanically fastened, or chemically adhered to the roof of a home. When installed by a professional and properly maintained, TPO roofs can last up to 30 years!
One of the benefits of TPO roofing is its ability to reflect heat away from your home. The large sheets are white, or reflective in nature, reducing the amount of heat that is retained by your home. This aspect can help you save on utility bills during warm summers and makes TPO a fantastic choice for Santa Fe homeowners who are seeking a “green” option for roofing.
A typical failure that comes with TPO roofing will be seam failure. Over time, the seams where the large membrane sheets adhere together can begin to separate, letting water seep into the insulation of the roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, and how early it is caught, these seams can be repaired using a variety of methods. If you ever see seam separation on your TPO roof, it is important to call a professional as soon as possible before the damage gets any worse.
You can see our Santa Fe Stucco and Roofing team installing a TPO roof in the video below:
Modified Bitumen is a flat roofing system and is a rendition of the old built-up roofing system. It is typically installed in large sheets across the roof and is set in place using a heat torch in order to weld the sheets together. Due to the nature in which the layers are laid on the roof, modified bitumen allows for a consistent, seamless connection between all of the sheets, adding to the effectiveness of the roof.
Also referred to as a BRAI roof, modified bitumen is a great choice for flat roofs in Santa Fe. This material is very durable and comes with the added benefit of being able to expand and contract during hot or cold weather. Similar to TPO roofing, modified bitumen is also known for being heat resistant, reducing overall energy costs for the home. Furthermore, due to the added layers of fiberglass, this material is also tear resistant and can handle foot traffic well.
As an added benefit, modified bitumen roofs can be easy to repair, as bitumen patches can typically be used as a quick fix. However, this is all dependent on how extensive the damage is and how early it was detected.
For an inside look at the Santa Fe Stucco and Roofing team installing a modified bitumen roof, take a look at the video below:
Foam roofing has come a long way since its initial development. We are often told by customers that they have heard bad things regarding foam roofing, and we completely understand. The truth is, around 15 years ago, foam roofing consisted of an “open cell” insulation material. This material lacked the durability and water-resistant qualities that would make it suitable for roofing. Fast forward to today, and foam roofing is now done using a closed cell material that is denser and waterproof, making it a viable option for the flat roof on your home.
Santa Fe Stucco uses Gaco Silicone as a sealant for its foam roofing installations. This material is 100% waterproof and comes with a 5-star energy rating, providing enhanced insulation and drainage characteristics.
The process of installing a foam roof can be fairly simple, depending on the materials that are currently in place on your current roof. In most cases, crews will remove any dirt and debris from the roof to ensure a solid connection with the foam. Then, the spray foam will be applied across the surface. The last step involves a silicone coating, which is necessary to protect the foam from deterioration.
Foam roofing needs to be checked for quality rather frequently, as punctures or other types of damage can easily go without being noticed. Luckily, these types of roofs are simple to repair in most cases, and will simply require a re-coating in most cases.
To see the Santa Fe Stucco team in action installing a foam roof, watch the video below:
In the end, there are several things to consider when replacing a flat roof on your home. We don’t expect any homeowner to be an expert when it comes to the job or the materials involved. That is why our sales team of knowledgeable, dedicated professionals is always on standby to make your decision as simple as possible. At Santa Fe Stucco and Roofing, we deal with flat roof installations every day. However, our clients may consider an install like this just once in a lifetime. Our goal is to provide our clients with as much upfront information and recommendations as possible, so you can be comfortable while making your decision.
Santa Fe Stucco and Roofing stands behind the quality of our products and work. We want homeowners to feel as comfortable as possible when selecting SFSR for their roofing needs. We are able to offer 10 to 15-year warranties on our work, depending on the products chosen for the job. One of our knowledgeable roofing professionals can provide you with our warranty information as you discuss the type of roofing options that can be installed on your home.
If you are considering a flat roof installation, or if your current flat roof needs repair, contact Santa Fe Stucco and Roofing today for a free consultation.