Key takeaways:
- The roofing industry abounds in various roofing membranes for commercial purposes.
- Single-ply membranes are an inexpensive but durable option.
- Single-ply TPO is a relatively new type of roofing membrane that is becoming increasingly popular for its energy efficiency and other benefits
- EPDM membrane roofing is ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs, while built-up roofing works best on sloped roofs.
The roofing industry is constantly looking for better, more durable materials and techniques to help keep buildings safe from harsh elements. To that end, roofing membranes are a crucial component of modern roofing systems, providing an extra layer of protection to your property. But what exactly is membrane roofing, and what benefits do they bring to the shore?
JB Commercial Roofing LLC will help you find out!
What Is This Roofing Membrane?
Roofing membranes are thin, flexible sheets designed to protect buildings from the elements. They can be made from various materials, such as rubber, plastic, or fabric. They are typically installed over the top of existing roofing systems to provide extra protection.
Some common types of roof membranes
1. Single-ply Membrane Roofing
Single-ply membrane is a type of roofing that consists of a single layer of material. The most common type of single-ply membrane is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a synthetic rubber resistant to UV light, ozone, and extreme temperatures. The membrane is typically less expensive than other types of membrane roofing. Still, it has a shorter lifespan and is not as durable.
As the name implies, these membrane-coating roofs are an excellent choice for any building or home with a flat roof. They provide excellent protection against the elements and can last many years with proper maintenance.
2. Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a type of roofing consisting of multiple layers of material, typically asphalt or tar, that are bonded with heat or adhesive. Built-up roofing is one of the oldest types and was once the most popular type of commercial roofing. However, it has fallen out of favor recently due to its high cost and heavy weight.
One of the reasons that built-up roofing is so popular is that it has consistently proven to be highly durable and effective at protecting against the elements. It also has excellent resistance to water infiltration, making it ideal for areas that experience heavy rains.
3. Modified Bitumen Roofing
When roofing contractors use modified bitumen roofing, they typically use plastic sheets coated with asphalt and materialized with mineral granules. This membrane roofing option is another top-notch option for year-round protection and performance. However, it is one of the most costly flat roofing options.
4. Single Ply TPO Membrane
When using TPO membrane roofs, roofing contractors opt for a single layer of thermoplastic polymer that is exceptionally durable and reliable. This type of roofing offers protection from all kinds of weather conditions, including heavy rain, wind, and snow Plus, these membranes are easy to maintain and repair if necessary, making them an excellent choice for any home or business.
5. EPDM Rubber Membrane Roofs
Another popular choice for roofing membranes is EPDM rubber, known for its long-lasting performance and weather resistance. This material offers unbeatable protection from sunlight, moisture, and other outdoor elements, making it a top choice for any homeowner. EPDM rubber membranes are highly durable, meaning they can stand the test of time without needing much attention or maintenance.
6. Single Ply PVC Membrane Roofing
Unlike TPO membrane, which is made from a single material, PVC membrane is made up of several layers. The top layer is highly reflective and waterproof, while the middle layer is flexible and durable. The bottom layer is designed to protect the upper layers from UV damage and environmental exposure. Despite being single-ply, PVC membrane is highly effective at repelling moisture and other outdoor elements, making it a top choice for any homeowner.
7. Green Roofs
With the increasing significance of environmental issues, more homeowners are turning to green roofing solutions. Green roofs absorb rainwater and prevent runoff while providing insulation, reducing noise, and improving air quality. Membrane roofs are also popular among green roofing as they are versatile, durable, and lightweight.
Importance of Membrane Roofing
Very durable & can last for many years
Where it’s largely dependent on the material used to make the membrane and the climate and other environmental factors, it’s still worth noting that roof membranes are some of the most durable roofing materials. Once you hire a reputable roofing contractor to install your roof, you can expect it to last for many years. It also helps to protect your home or commercial building from the elements and potentially improve your air quality, to reduce noise pollution, and save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs.
Effective at keeping water out of the building
You will rarely find a solution as effective as a roof membrane to keep water out of your building. Made from layers of high-quality materials, these membranes are designed to be strong, durable, and watertight. They can withstand the forces of nature for many years, making them ideal for protecting your home or commercial building against rain, snow, wind, and other factors that can cause damage over time.
Good at reflecting sunlight
Since most membrane roofs are made of white or light-colored material, they are also very effective at reflecting sunlight, helping keep your building cool and energy efficient. If you want to protect your residence or business while saving on energy costs, membrane roofing is worth considering.
Lower environmental impact
If you give much consideration to the environment, you may be concerned about the environmental impact of roofing materials. Fortunately, membranes are made from sustainable materials that don’t release harmful chemicals into the environment and can help protect against damage to the ozone layer.
Ending Note:
JB Commercial Roofing LLC, serving Salem, OH, offers an extensive selection of membrane roofing products that can help protect your building and the environment. We offer single-ply TPO, PVC membranes, and Conklin products for low-slope roofs.
Our experts can help you choose the right roofing system for your property and install it quickly and professionally, so you can enjoy its benefits as soon as possible.
