How Many Layers Should A Flat Roof Have?

Riddles are wonderful when you’re five years old. By adulthood, they get a wee bit annoying. But this is no riddle: how many layers should a flat roof have? This seemingly simple question has two answers.

 

Building Codes

How many layers should a flat roof have? If we think of a “layer” as a complete, installed roof system, we have to turn to the the International Building Code (IBC).

You can put down an industrial or commercial roof, let it weather and wear for 15 or 20 years, and then put a whole new roof on top of it, all in accordance with the IBC.

Need Chapter and verse? Here it is, from IBC Chapter 15:

1511.3.1 Roof recover.

The installation of a new roof covering over an existing roof covering shall be permitted where any of the following conditions occur:

  1. Where the new roof covering is installed in accordance with the roof covering manufacturer’s approved instructions.
  2. Complete and separate roofing systems, such as standing-seam metal roof panel systems, that are designed to transmit the roof loads directly to the building’s structural system and that do not rely on existing roofs and roof coverings for support, shall not require the removal of existing roof coverings…

The Code also outlines what is not permitted:

1511.3.1.1 Exceptions.

A roof recover shall not be permitted where any of the following conditions occur:

  1. Where the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing.
  2. Where the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile.
  3. Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.

Your commercial or industrial roof can have only two layers; an older roof beneath a newer recover. If you need a better roof, all of the old layers must be peeled away and a completely new roof installed.

Any attempt to work around or against the building codes is almost always counterproductive, since the aging roofs beneath a new roof will continue to weaken. Your new roof needs a firm foundation. Never install a new roof over two aging roofs.

Your investment in a new roof should be protected by ensuring thorough preparation of the roof structure, removal of old roofing as needed, and proper installation of the new materials.

Layers, Layers

How many layers should a flat roof have? If we think of one roof covering as a complete roof system, what goes into that system? We can build up an accurate cross-section of a commercial or industrial flat roof by starting at the bottom, with the roof structural members, and working our way to the top:

  • Final covering (ballast, single-ply membrane, roof coating)
  • Roofing material (this can be built-up roofing or BUR, modified bitumen, EPDM, metal panels, and so on)
  • Cover board
  • Insulation
  • Vapor barrier
  • Deck (steel plates, wood, concrete)
  • Structural members (wood framing or steel girders)

Every roofing system and installation presents unique challenges. Your roof may vary slightly from this typical arrangement of layers. For most building owners, the complexity and number of layers of their roofing system is surprising.

Adding to the layers are features like HVAC curbs and cooling units, rubber boots for sanitary stacks, vents, electrical wiring, and add-ons such as commercial signs and communications towers. You also have to consider placement of internal drains, clear access to parapet scuppers, and gutter systems.

A commercial or industrial roof, whether low-slope or truly flat, is a far more elaborate and multilayered system than most people think. And every layer needs inspection, maintenance, and prompt repair.

Ideal

In an ideal world, you work closely with your local commercial roofer to keep your building’s low-slope roof maintained, clean, and long-lasting. Twice-yearly inspections of all the roof’s layers and parts can stave off the expense of reroofing or new roof installation for many years.

When the time comes for that completely new roof, you know the Code requires removal of any two-layer roofs already in place. You can plan and budget for the new roof because you and your roofer know exactly what your roof’s anatomy is.

You can come close to attaining the ideal commercial or industrial flat roof by enlisting your commercial roofer for all the tricks in his toolbox:

It all starts with your telephone call to your helpful, nearby commercial roofer. Please contact us today at Damschroder Roofing Inc. From our Fremont, Ohio headquarters we provide commercial and industrial roofing that lasts. We pride ourselves on treating you, your building, and your roof with the highest levels of respect and attention. Your roof. Our reputation.

Looking for roofers for your commercial and industrial building project?  Call Action Roof Service on

Family Family- As a family of co-workers, we treat each other and our customers like family. Family is at the core of who we are.
“Family isn’t an important thing. It’s everything.” Michael J. Fox
Accountability Accountability We do the right thing, the right way-every time.
“It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.” (moliere)
Customer Relationships Customer Relationships- We build long lasting relationships with our customers by listening and delivering peace of mind through exceptional service.
“Realize that everything connects to everything else.” Leonardo Da Vinci
Striving for perfection Striving for perfection - We provide outstanding products and unsurpassed service that, together, deliver premium value to our customers.
“There’s no such thing as Perfection. But, in striving for perfection, we can achieve excellence.” Vince Lombardi
Innovative Thinking Innovative Thinking - We use our proven process to come up with new ideas and solutions for our customers and their unique situations. “Innovation is change that unlocks new value.” Jamie Notter
Grit Grit - Passion, perseverance and persistence to get the job done right. “True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done.”

Damscrhoder Roofing Inc.

Manufacturers

Damschroder Roofing was founded in 1976 and has been a family, locally owned business for over 45 years. We pride ourselves on the quality process we provide to all of our customers from start to finish.
We are proud to present Justin Welch with the Striving for Perfection Core Value Award. He provides unsurpassed service and premium value to Damschroder Roofing and our customers. In striving for perfection, we can achieve excellence!#excellence #striveforperfection #commercialroofingcontractor ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Congratulations to salesman Daniel Smith for receiving our core value award for Customer Relationships! Smitty knows how to treat our customers with the utmost care, by listening and delivering peace of mind through exceptional service.#Connections #corevalues #commercialroofingcontractor #damschroderroofing ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Damschroder Roofing Inc. can assist in determining where your leak is coming from. Call us today at 419-332-5000 #roofleaks #commercialroofingcontractor #maintenance ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
At the Damschroder Roofing Annual Celebration, Ian Rammel was excited to receive the Accountability Award for helping his sales team take ownership of their activities, efforts, and performance, giving us an outstanding year in roof sales. We do the right thing, the right way - every time!#accountability #salesperformance #commercialroofingcontractor #evanloveshugs ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Today we celebrate the ladies! According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), women accounted for 10.9% of the entire U.S. construction workforce in 2022. Women in Construction Week is dedicated to changing the stereotypes that women face when it comes to careers by giving them new opportunities to look at; the construction industry has many places where women can advance and build a career for themselves. #WomenInConstruction #opportunities #careers ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Special recognition goes out to Jesse Sauseda, for receiving the "Above & Beyond" award at the Damschroder Roofing, Inc annual celebration. Jesse is a veteran employee at Damschroder, exhibiting outstanding performance, superior dedication, and a positive attitude on the job throughout the year.#aboveandbeyond #employeerecognition #damschroderroofing ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Heavy rains have plagued the area many times in the past week. Are you protecting what matters?Even the smallest leak can cost you thousands.Damaged insulation, substrate, interior finishes, equipment-are you protected?Damschroder Roofing Inc. is ready to protect YOU!#stormdamage #roofleaks #commercialroofingcontractor ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Congratulations to Nic Frey for winning the Employee of the Year Award at our annual company dinner! Nic had an exceptional first year on the sales team and we look forward to his growth in the future. "I'm honored to have him on the Damschroder Team!" - Dana Howell#employeeoftheyear #commercialroofingcontractor #teamplayer ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
High wind has been the norm in Ohio lately. Is your roof at risk for a blowoff? Gale-force winds will take advantage of any weak spots on your roof, whether that’s loose membrane, flashings or poorly installed decking.Whatever the case, the best course of action is to have your roof regularly inspected by a team of professional roofers. That way, any problems will be identified and rectified before the bad weather has a chance to make them worse.Call Damschroder Roofing Inc. today to have your roof inspected by our experienced team of professionals. 419-332-5000#stormdamage #roofdamage # #experience #commercialroofing ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
We find a lot of dirt and debris on roofs, especially in complexes that have a lot of tall trees.We love trees, but the debris they leave behind can be damaging to your roof system. If your property has trees, it is best to remove this debris annually.If debris is left on the roof or in the gutters it will cause damage. If you have a flat roof like the photo below, it can cause structural damage over time.Don't delay-call Damschroder Roofing Inc. to schedule your Spring inspection today. 419-332-5000#roofcleaning #springcleaning #yourroofourreputation ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
© Copyright - Damschroder Roofing INC | Website By Rockit Creative Solutions
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram Skip to content