Roofing membranes are becoming much more prevalent today because of their ease of installation, versatility, and longevity. Membranes are used on flat or nearly flat roofing surfaces to prevent leaks and create a continuous roofing system that is superior to many other products. The most commonly used materials include synthetic rubber (EPDM), thermoplastic (TPO), and PVC. Membrane roofs are typically used on commercial buildings, although their versatility permits them to be used on many projects, large or small. The tight bonds at the seams and thin profile of membranes allow them to be used to cover many roofs without tearing them off, reducing the total cost to our customers.
TYPES OF MEMBRANE ROOFING
- Synthetic Rubber (EPDM)
- Thermoplastic Membrane
Advantages Over Asphalt Flat Roofing Systems
These three application types of membrane roofing show distinct advantages over the previously more common flat roofing method of asphalt and gravel. In asphalt and gravel application, it can be very difficult to create a proper seal at all seams and connection points. This can cause many roofs to leak early in its lifespan, and require much more maintenance. When installed correctly, newer materials are either seamless, or have seams as strong as the body. This eliminates much of the leakage concerns associated with flat roofing systems. Repairs for asphalt and gravel roofs can be hard, mainly because it is difficult to locate the exact point of a leak. Newer systems can be patched relatively easily, and breaks and leaks are easier to locate. Originally asphalt roofing required a layer of gravel above it for two reasons. First, asphalt with direct exposure to sunlight degrades much faster, mainly due to the expansion and contraction throughout a day, and also the damage created by UV rays. Second, asphalt needs weight above to hold it down, because it sits on the top of a building, instead of being attached to it. Each of the three newer types of membrane roofing systems contain materials that resist expansion and contraction, as well as reflect much of the UV rays. Also, because these membranes either lack seams or have strong seams, what expansion and contraction does occur does not create leaks and breaks at these seams. These newer roofing systems are also attached directly to the top of a building, which eliminates the need for excess weight above.