Overheating from the sun, freezing temperatures, hail, lightning strikes, and high winds can all cause problems for flat roofs. Oil damage in restaurants and exposure to outdoor contaminants and chemicals are two examples of even less typical exposure hazards.
But what do you do when you need a new flat roof? Every 15 to 20 years, flat roofing typically needs to be replaced or repaired.
Utilising the natural properties of the materials used to construct a thatched roof provides insulation and a water-resistant barrier. Master thatchers layer bundles of thatched material on top of the underlying structure of a roof to create a 12-inch-thick covering. There is no need for ventilation because the thatching fabric breathes independently.
With proper maintenance and care, flexible slate roofing can last between 50 and 90 years, while challenging slates last between 75 and 100 years. Consequently, some structures retain their original slate roofs decades after their construction.