What Is Membrane Roofing?
What Is Membrane Roofing?
If your roof slopes less than 2:12, or is flat, membrane roofing could be the optimal choice. Highly reflective materials help keep buildings cooler while meeting or exceeding Energy Star standards.
Single-ply membranes come in various shapes and sizes, sealed using heat or adhesives. Here are four commonly used types:
Waterproofing
Membrane roofs offer long-term waterproofing capabilities for commercial buildings with low slope roofs, such as those found on low-sloping buildings. Leaks pose serious threats, including safety hazards, mold infestation and energy loss costs. Membranes outshone traditional asphalt and felt flat roofing styles which tend to leak within years and require constant maintenance – membrane roofs were significantly more durable in these regards than their predecessors.
Temperature fluctuations that would otherwise cause damage are also not a problem, thanks to modern membranes' resilience against sun-induced expansion and contraction effects. Asphalt was often coated in gravel to ward off UV degradation as well as expand and contract due to sunlight; modern membranes are much more resistant.
If you're shopping around for a commercial roof, speak to your roofing contractor about what membranes they install. Look for one with high tear resistance and elastic properties so it can stretch to cover cracks while moving with the structure beneath. Inquire about case studies where their product was installed for some time; evaluate its performance over time.
Durability
Membrane roofs are far more durable than traditional flat roofing methods like felt and asphalt, often lasting over 30 years and accommodating all conditions imaginable without leakage – even extreme weather! Leakage issues tend to be minimal as the membrane sheets themselves can either be seamless or feature seams that have been hot air heat welded or chemically bonded together for maximum weatherproofing capabilities.
TPO single-ply membranes have recently gained in popularity because they utilize less toxic Phthalate plasticizers that are better for the environment, are highly reflective, and help lower energy costs by keeping buildings cool.
EPDM single-ply membrane roofs are made from rubber, with an approximate 30-year lifespan. They can be fully adhered, ballasted or mechanically fastened and resist root penetration and bacterial growth – ideal for commercial projects requiring easy roof access for mechanical systems or occupied rooms. Proper maintenance and regular inspection of penetrations seams and insulation are vital.
Energy Efficiency
Membrane roofs can help save energy in buildings by reflecting heat and UV rays away from interior spaces, keeping interior temperatures down while decreasing contrast between hot indoor temperatures and cooler exterior temperatures.
EPDM rubber and TPO thermoplastic polyolefin membrane materials are popular choices for commercial flat and low slope roofs, often featuring fully adhered systems or loose laid systems with protection provided.
Membrane roofing can be installed directly over existing roofs, reducing both cost and complexity of teardown projects, as well as landfill fees, extra construction waste disposal fees, and labor expenses.
PVC material is highly resistant to harsh chemicals and substances that could potentially damage it, which makes it an attractive option for fenceline communities near facilities that manufacture building materials (HBN has recently issued guidance for selecting safer low-slope membrane roofing products).
Installation
Membrane roofs must be installed on a sturdy substrate – whether that be wood, plywood, concrete or gypsum sheathing – in order to be effective. This substrate should be free from loose nails, debris and damaged areas as well as being free of voids or gaps in its construction.
EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer and TPO, Thermoplastic Polyolefin membranes are two of the most popular choices for flat roof membranes, offering excellent durability with up to 30-year manufacturer warranties.
Insulation panels can be fully adhered, ballasted or mechanically fastened to any substrate and provide energy efficiency as they allow water vapor to pass through them while simultaneously blocking external moisture and sun UV radiation, keeping your building cooler inside.
Membrane roofs offer additional advantages over built-up roof membranes (BURs), in terms of adhering more closely to details like penetrations, chimneys, dormer walls and ridges – areas which often present leakage issues for conventional BUR systems. Membranes roofs can better conform to roof details like penetrations, chimneys, dormer walls and ridges and can therefore easily fit these structures as needed – this makes membrane roofing ideal for leak-prone spots on a roof such as penetrations in BURs that cannot easily fit these structures!
What Is Membrane Roofing? If your roof slopes less than 2:12, or is flat, membrane roofing could be the optimal choice. Highly reflective materials help keep buildings cooler while meeting or exceeding Energy Star standards. Single-ply membranes come in various shapes and sizes, sealed using heat or adhesives. Here are four commonly used types: Waterproofing…