Roof construction and covering - the bane of my existence!

[BDutch]

Low slopes make it difficult for shingles to shed water. Shingles are for slopes of 4:12 or steeper. Usually when you buy shingles, there is a detailed installation explanation on each package of what they call a square (100 sq. ft.). Metric packaging will be a bit different.
http://www.gaf.com/warranties_techn...teep_slope_technical_point_tab_r_2011_127.pdf
Hot asphalt is for flat or low slope roofs. For flat and low slope a newer, easier and longer lasting alternative is EPDM rubber. That is my roofing of choice.
EPDM can be fully adhered (with glue) or ballasted with gravel on top.
Hot tar roofs have to be retreated every 10 years or even more frequently. EPDM can last for 40 years minimum.
Another option for low slope is TPO or something called torch down.
http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Torch-Down-Roofing
http://www.everybodyneedsaroof.com/roof-system-types

With EPDM and fine contruction you can make a sedum or veggie roof .

 

[Hermit House]

That's lovely BDutch. Green roofs have been of interest, but my lack of grasp of normal roofs put me off.
This epdm stuff sounds great. The only source of it in rolls I found when I searched this morning was as a pond liner. Would that be the same stuff? What thickness do you need to use it as a roof. Are the needs different for a green roof?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The pond liner is the same stuff. It comes in 45 and 60 mil. The 45 is sufficient for roofing applications.
I'm going to do a green roof on one of my breeder houses. I just plan on growing spring greens as it is under an elm grove.
It will work with just the rubber which I already have in place but I'm going to put a liner of HDPE plastic over the rubber.
I'll be putting .040" thick HDPE over the EPDM.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Densit...HDPE-Orange-/140546654617?hash=item20b93bc199

http://www.eco-roofs.com/green-roof-products/

http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/green-roof-zmaz72ndztak.aspx

 

[aart]

The pond liner is the same stuff. It comes in 45 and 60 mil. The 45 is sufficient for roofing applications.

Pond liner might be a better choice for a green roof....roofing EDPM often has a fungicide in/on it.

 

[Hermit House]

Thanks for the links CC.
I'll be sure to ask before I buy, Aart. Thanks.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I buy my EPDM from a local company supplier of pond liners but started business as a roofing company. Their headquarters are in Arizona but this is their second biggest outlet. They told me the pond liner and roofing material were the very same product.
I've done my house (flat roof), 3 coops and a rain garden with stream with the stuff and am about to do my carriage house which is also a flat roof.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

With EPDM and fine contruction you can make a sedum or veggie roof .

Is this yours? That is one beautiful roof.

 

[paintedChix]

If you are really looking at something different, you could consider using 2 ltr bottles (repurposing what you/family/friends/co-workers/kids' classmates drink from)...

 

[aart]

I buy my EPDM from a local company supplier of pond liners but started business as a roofing company. Their headquarters are in Arizona but this is their second biggest outlet. They told me the pond liner and roofing material were the very same product.
I've done my house (flat roof), 3 coops and a rain garden with stream with the stuff and am about to do my carriage house which is also a flat roof.

Was immersed in the koi pond world for several years, some roofing EDPM's are treated with anti-fungals,
saw a few disasters.

But you are correct ...some are not treated.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Yeah. Always read the small print.