Flat roofing systems: Towards integrated techno-economic analysis

A methodology presented for an integrated analysis of roofing systems is used to assess different flat roofing systems in Israel. This approach can help designers with integrating technology issues, performance management and life cycle costs for component systems. The performance and durability survey observed an overall premature failure rate of 30%. The principal cause of failure was poor maintenance and inappropriate use. Life cycle costing analysis indicated that polyvinyl chloride membranes offered the highest life cycle costing effectiveness within Israel, primarily because of low maintenance expenditures. Despite its low initial capital investment, the single-layered modified bitumen roofing system exhibited high life cycle costs due to its short service life and consequent replacements costs.