Flat roofs are a common design element in modern architecture, with numerous advantages. In addition to its visual appeal, roof surfaces can be used as utilitarian places, such as roof terraces or driveable parking spaces. In this post, Modern Roof Ideas will look more closely at the topic of “drivability of flat roofs,” discussing their construction, potential uses, and advantages.

What is a flat roof?

A flat roof is one that has no or a very minor slope. A flat roof construction typically has a slope of less than ten degrees. However, a minimum slope of two percent is required to prevent water from collecting on the roof surface.

In general, a flat roof construction comprises of multiple levels. The current standard contains:

• Roof Support Structure
• Vapour Barrier
• Separate layer (if required)
• Thermal insulation
• Sealing

Flat roofs were primarily employed on commercial buildings. They are currently fashionable and popular in private homes. They impress with their clean shape, simple construction, and wide range of applications.

What applications and benefits do drivable flat roofs offer?

Flat roofs are an ideal alternative for inner-city settings since they maximise the available space. The solutions below are examples of several applications:

• Parking: A drive-on flat roof can be used as additional parking space, maximising the restricted space produced by urban parking shortage. This is particularly useful for business establishments that require a lot of parking.
• A roof terrace on a walkable flat roof provides an attractive open space for a building’s occupants or employees. They can unwind, enjoy the scenery, and engage in social activities.
• Protection of the underlying area: A driveable flat roof not only adds space but also shields the building beneath it from environmental factors such as weather, UV radiation, and mechanical stress. The waterproofing layer acts as an effective moisture barrier, preventing structural damage.

Comparison of flat roof types.

You may not see it at first, but flat roofs, like pitched roofs, have many building methods.

Flat roofs can be classified into three types:

• Cold Roof (ventilated Flat Roof)

• Warm roof (not ventilated flat roof)

• Inverted roof (no ventilation)

Cold Roof

The cold roof is the most difficult type of flat roof. It is distinguished by a so-called double-shell roof structure. The roof support structure serves as the lower shell, ensuring stability. Insulation and sealing comprise the upper shell. They protect the roof from the elements and keep water from infiltrating the roof structure. The upper shell of the cold roof also has a ventilation level.

The advantages and disadvantages:

A ventilated cold roof has two major benefits: it allows moisture to dry off more reliably. In addition, the roof provides better heat protection during the summer.

A cold roof, on the other hand, has a limited load-bearing capacity due to the ventilation level and is more vulnerable to damage due to its double-shell construction. Anyone planning a flat roof should therefore think carefully about what the roof area will be used for later before deciding on a construction. A cold roof can only handle a certain additional weight due to its lower load-bearing capacity – and is therefore not suitable as a flat roof that can be driven on, for example.

Warm roof.

In modern construction, the unventilated warm roof is recommended and utilised as standard for flat roofs, just as it is for pitched roofs. Here, all layers are squarely on top of one other, and ventilation is eliminated. This is why it is sometimes known as a one-layer construction. This is significantly simpler and less prone to harm. Modern building materials ensure that moisture does not gather in the roof despite a lack of ventilation.

The advantages and disadvantages:

The lack of ventilation makes the unventilated heated roof substantially more resilient than the cold roof. It can thus be used in a variety of ways, such as an extra parking space or a walkable flat roof.

Inverted roof.

The inverted roof is a specific type of warm roof. As the name implies, the roof structure is reversed in this case: thermal insulation is installed above waterproofing, leaving the insulation material exposed to the elements. Only surface protection such as gravel, slate chippings, patio slabs, or green roofs ensure that the insulation panels can endure strong winds and are UV radiation resistant.

The advantages and disadvantages:

Leaving the insulation relatively uncovered may seem strange at first, but it has structural benefits: the insulating board shields the seal from the effects of weather and temperature variations, allowing it to endure considerably longer. Furthermore, the roof structure is rather simple, and insulation may be put regardless of weather.

Conclusion:

Overall, each style of flat roof has advantages and downsides. Today’s standard is an unventilated heated roof. Modern building materials eliminate moisture problems and ensure that roof structures last a long period. Furthermore, warm roofs frequently require less material than cold roofs. An inverted roof uses fewer resources and is more durable. It is thus a viable alternative to the typical flat roof.