Between You and the Sky: A Roofing Website

When it comes to putting a new roof on your multi-family property, you must balance budget with maintenance and longevity. The following are some of the best options to consider for your apartment building's roof.

Pitched Roofs

Most apartment buildings have a low pitch as opposed to a steep pitch, but there may be multiple valleys and hips that complicate the roofline.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common options and for good reason. Shingles are cost-effective and relatively quick to install. They can last decades as long as you provide some basic maintenance, including repairs of single shingles as they become damaged, gutter cleaning, and roof cleaning.

Concrete Tiles

A more durable option than asphalt is the concrete roof tile. These roof tiles are much more durable and long-lasting than asphalt, but they are also more expensive. The building must also have the underlying structure in place to support the additional weight. Concrete tiles are a good option in hot, dry, and sunny climates where asphalt can break down more quickly. The concrete also provides some fire resistance.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing can be a bit more costly than asphalt, but it will likely be the last roof you will purchase. For buildings with simple roofs, such as a saltbox style single pitch or a basic single peaked roof, the slight additional cost may not be an issue since the roof will need fewer repairs and replacements compared to asphalt roofing. Metal is also fire resistant, which can be a real bonus in dense urban settings where fire can otherwise spread quickly.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are the norm for many commercial buildings, including apartment complexes in many urban areas.

Membrane Roofs

The simple membrane roof is probably the most common option because of its low cost and durability. The membrane is made of a single ply of thermoplastic or similar materials. Leaks are uncommon on membrane roofing as long as you inspect it annually for any punctures and repair them quickly.

Built-Up Roofing

A built-up roof is first covered in roofing felt, then a layer of bitumen is applied. This is covered with additional layers of felt and bitumen. The result is an extremely durable and long-lasting roof. Damages are also simple to repair since you can always have fresh layers of the bitumen applied to fix a problem.

Contact a roofing contractor in your area for more help with apartment building roofing.