Roofing Masters
Excellence Above All

What is the Best Material for a Flat Roof?

When installing a commercial or residential flat roof, choosing the right material is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. The roofing material directly impacts the roof's durability, energy efficiency, maintenance needs, and overall cost. Here are some of the most common and effective materials used for commercial or residential flat roofing, along with their key benefits:

Material

Pros

Cons

Lifespan

EPDM Membrane
  • Resistance to UV radiation and weather-resistant
  • Energy-efficient synthetic rubber
  • Available as single layer
  • Cost-effective and easy to install
  • Threat of holes or puncturing by sharp objects (e.g. tree branches)
  • Average of 25 years
  • 25-35 years or more with good maintenance
TPO Membrane
  • Sun-reflective and weather-resistant
  • Energy-efficient
  • Available as single layer
  • Cost-effective
  • Threat of holes or puncturing by sharp objects (e.g. tree branches)
  • Requires expert install
  • Needs regular maintenance
  • Average of 20 years
  • Up to 20 years or more with good maintenance
PVC Membrane
  • Sun-reflective and weather-resistant
  • Energy-efficient
  • Available as single layer
  • Cost-effective
  • Threat of holes or puncturing by sharp objects (e.g. tree branches)
  • Requires expert install
  • Average of 20 years
  • Up to 20 years or more with good maintenance
Modified Bitumen
  • Two-ply system for added strength
  • Considered very stable even with high foot-traffic
  • Relatively low cost
  • Low-maintenance
  • Labour-intensive and difficult to install
  • Less flexible
  • Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can degrade the bitumen over time
  • 20-30 years with good maintenance
Resitrix Membrane
  • Resistance to UV radiation and weather-resistant
  • Energy-efficient
  • Excellent durabilityLow-maintenance
  • Excellent resistance to punctures and tears
  • Requires expert install
  • More expensive upfront compared to others roofing materials
  • Average of 50 yearsCan last over 50 years