California Residence Gains Value With Flat Roof Design

EVERROOF™ roof coatings protect mid-century modern new build in Los Angeles.

Often described as the 'Brooklyn of Los Angeles,' Silver Lake, California is more than just a hipster haven. This popular central Los Angeles area has gone from urban grit to sophisticated chic over the years and is home to celebrities, creatives, professionals and an ever-increasing number of families. Silver Lake offers some of the best of LA living, with close proximity to Hollywood and central LA, and incredible hill-top views.

Mid-century modern architectural style reigns in Silver Lake with some of the houses designed by Richard Neutra, the Austrian-born architect known for introducing the International Style into American architecture. That style includes a common element of simplicity – flat roof designs. A recent new home build in Silver Lake lends itself to the respected unobtrusive architecture and efficiency that a flat roof accommodates.

Challenge

In a climate where temperatures can fluctuate from warm and arid summers to long, cool, wet winters, building a home that incorporates top efficiencies not only make it more comfortable for living, but also can save significantly by reducing energy bills. Over the course of the year, the temperature in LA typically varies from 48 to 85 degrees F and is rarely below 42 degrees F or above 93 degrees F. Selection of residential flat roof building materials with proper sealing and weatherizing are paramount to achieving optimal efficiency.

Modern flat roof systems developed during the mid-19th century. Early systems covered a wood and concrete frame with three layers: oil paper, pitch or tar, and sand or gravel. Later versions used bituminous felt made from a by-product of oil production over an iron or steel structure. Today’s flat roofs are not actually flat. They tend to slope at about 1/8 inch per foot with the low end leading to a drainage system. Most are covered by a rubber membrane, such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer).

The project’s architect chose the flat roof design with a sensitivity to style, site and materials. There are many benefits to flat roof construction that go beyond maximizing scenic views, the largest of which is use of less material than peaked roofs. A flat roof looks and performs very differently compared to a traditional sloped roof such as shingles, tiles, or metal. While it’s not designed to be a water shedding system, because it has a low pitch, flat roofing can still protect a home from leaks and severe weather. It’s easy to access a flat roof for routine maintenance; typically, it’s faster and less costly to build; and a flat roof could increase usable outdoor space or installation of solar panels in the future.

Roofing Contractor, Oscar Rodriguez, owner and president of All Rain Roofing turned to California-based EVERROOF to leverage their success in residential and industrial silicone roof coating products and installations. The company’s professional-grade coatings are proven to be durable, resistant to dirt buildup and protect against severe weather conditions.

Solution

Preparation for constructing the 2,800-square foot cool roof required consideration of multiple penetrations of plumbing, HVAC and solar panels that interrupt the roof’s membrane. Penetrations such as these could present opportunities for something to go wrong down the road. The choice to professionally install modified torch down roofing alleviated concerns surrounding any potential roof leaks in these locations.

Rodriguez selected EVERROOF roof coating systems for its quality products, installation and service. Once the roof membrane was complete, All Rain Roofing sealed it with a three-step process that included: applying a primer, using Mastic™ sealant to reinforce pipe penetrations; installing a polyester webbing; and finally applying a white silicone Mastic™ coating again over the seams. When ready, this moisture-cured coating formed an elastomeric and durable film, which allowed the roof coating to seal around the penetrations, bridge cracks, and reinforce membrane seams, as well as protect against the possibility of effects from ponding water. 

"I've worked with EVERROOF for about 12 years and have a good relationship with the company," said Rodriquez. “It’s easy to access the products I need, and I receive excellent customer service, which is unlike many other manufacturers.”

Results

EVERROOF’s Ever-Silic cool roof maintenance coating system protects the roof from long-term weather exposure. The advanced high-solids, elastomeric silicone coating technology extends the useful service life for new residential construction. Unlike other coating materials, silicone won’t degrade, chalk, or crack from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Silicone coatings erode much slower than other elastomeric coatings without becoming too brittle or hard. Use of the reflective white color and extra layer of UV protection reduce thermal absorption, helping the home’s interior stay cooler thereby reducing energy consumption and costs.  

"Ever-Silic lasts exceptionally long when used in combination with the modified roofing system. I feel confident the roof will last many years, probably many decades, before needing recoating,” said Rodriquez.

Professionally applied roof coatings extend the lifespan of residential flat roofing, saving thousands of dollars by avoiding traditional roof replacement. Cool roofs release absorbed heat back into the air, rather than into the home’s interior, which means the air conditioning unit does not need to work as hard to cool the home. EVERROOF’s Ever-Silic cool roof maintenance coating system is engineered to last 20- years. Plus, EVERROOF is a low- volatile organic compounds (VOC) product, and while it’s 100 percent silicone, it complies with California's strict VOC regulations, qualifying for safe use under California law.

In this vibrant area where terraced living maximizes property use and amplifies views, flat roof living is appreciated. The hillside home overlooks the serene Silver Lake reservoir for which the city is renowned. Architectural aesthetics and spectacular landscape aside, the homeowner will benefit from years of lower energy costs and an increased home value due to the EVERROOF cool flat roof system.

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About GCMC

Over the past 25 years General Coatings has developed a reputation as a company that provides exceptional products for industrial, commercial and residential use. Our products are manufactured with an emphasis on quality, ensuring they will perform over the years no matter what the environmental challenges. Each product has been tested and certified by the authorities in the industry, to provide you with assurance that they will meet your specific project needs. Learn more at www.generalcoatings.net.