Membrane roofs are a durable and cost-effective option for use on different structures but like every other type of roof installation, they are not suitable for all applications.
Before choosing membrane roofing it’s important to learn a little bit about it and where it works best.
Regardless of where you choose to do a membrane installation, however, always hire a roofer service that has experience with this type of installation to assure you get the best workmanship and finished product.
Where Can Membrane Roofs Be Used?
Membrane or single-ply roofing is an economical, strong, and easily installed roofing product that consists basically of a thick layer of rubber or plastic installed on the top of a building.
Though this type of installation works best on large commercial buildings that have expansive flat roofs, membrane roofs can be used on other buildings, too.
They work well for any home with a flat roof like row homes, duplexes, and even apartment buildings.
They can even be used on some mostly-flat roofs like those on some mobile homes, single-pitch architecture, or even to protect flat rooftop patios.
What Are The Different Types of Membrane Roofing?
There are a few different products that membrane roofer services can use depending on the type and size of the installation required, and other factors like climate conditions and the need for durability:
- EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that has the highest amount of flexibility and UV-resistance of the three, and is fairly durable as well. It is the least expensive of the three options, making it a popular option used for flat installations on a budget.
- TPO – Thermoplastic Polyolefin or TPO is a product made of two types of rubber that are bonded together to make a durable membrane. It is more durable than EPDM at only a slightly higher price, making it the most commonly installed membrane roofing as it is a better value. It comes in multiple colors and can be installed using a few different methods, making it highly versatile.
- PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC is a membrane product made from two layers of PVC bonded together with a layer of polyester between them to form a more durable and UV-resistant membrane that is more durable and flexible than TPO, fire-resistant, weldable, and able to be used in a standing seam configuration to improve appearance. It is also recyclable, as old PVC sheets can be made into new ones, but costs the most out of the three.
Can Any Roofer Install Membrane Roofing?
Although the process of installing membrane roofs may seem pretty straightforward, it requires a high degree of training and skill to do it correctly.
Additionally, each of the three types mentioned above involves different installation techniques.
For these reasons, it is extremely important that anyone interested in this kind of installation hire a membrane roofing service that is trained with these products and knows how to apply each one.
Hire An Experienced Membrane Roofer Service
Membrane roofs are a fantastic choice for commercial buildings with flat tops, or even some residential and other applications, too.
They are UV-resistant, tough, flexible, and a more cost-effective and attractive option than most others for flat installations.
While each product has its own pros and cons, the most important detail when choosing any of them is to always hire a reputable, qualified membrane roofer service that has a good track record installing them.
With a correct installation, you will get years of trouble-free service from membrane roofing.