Sorts of Roof Membranes (2024)

For these with flat or low-slope roofs, a roof membrane is commonly one of the best protection towards water injury. Nevertheless, with so many roof membrane choices out there, how does you select the proper one? Under, we’ll delve into the assorted forms of roof membranes, their prices, and components to think about when choosing the best choice in your residence.

Discover assist selecting and putting in a brand new roof membrane utilizing the hyperlink beneath:

What Is a Roof Membrane?

Not like conventional sloped roofs that depend on gravity to shed water, flat roofs want extra safety to forestall leaks and promote water drainage. A roof membrane is a water-resistant layer designed particularly for flat or low-slope roofs. It strikes water and moisture off the roof floor to forestall it from getting into a constructing. 

Roof membranes are available numerous supplies and varieties, together with rolls, sheets, and liquid functions, and are put in with adhesives or warmth, much like torch-down roofing. Constituted of supplies akin to rubber, plastic, and modified bitumen, roof membranes are sturdy, price efficient, and straightforward to put in.

Roof Membranes Varieties

Listed below are a few of the commonest out there roof membrane sorts:

Constructed-Up Roof Membranes

Constructed-up roof membranes (BUR), also known as tar and gravel roofing, are a staple within the roofing trade. They encompass a number of layers of bitumen (often asphalt or tar) alternated with reinforcing materials or felt. The highest layer incorporates gravel or stones for added safety.

BUR membranes are identified for his or her sturdiness—they’ll final 20 to 30 years with correct care.

Modified Bitumen Roof Membranes

Modified bitumen membranes advanced from the normal BUR system. They use asphalt modified with polymers to boost elasticity and energy. There are two fundamental forms of modified bitumen membranes: styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and atactic polypropylene (APP).

SBS membranes are identified for his or her flexibility and talent to face up to excessive climate situations. They’re significantly effectively suited to vital temperature fluctuations, as the fabric can broaden and contract with out cracking.

APP membranes provide glorious ultraviolet (UV) resistance, sturdiness, and resilience within the face of excessive temperatures.

Single-Ply Membranes

Single-ply membranes are gaining reputation resulting from their ease of set up and comparatively low price. They encompass a single layer of artificial materials and are usually out there in giant sheets or rolls. There are two forms of single-ply roof membranes:

Thermoset

Thermoset membranes, additionally known as elastomeric membranes, are constituted of artificial rubber. Mixed with a protecting layer of chlorosulfonated polyethylene, they stand as much as UV mild, making them a robust alternative in areas with excessive solar publicity. The most typical sort, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), is especially well-liked due to its lengthy lifespan (30 years or extra).

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic, or plastomeric, membranes embody supplies akin to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic olefin (TPO). They soften when heated, in order that they’re simple to put in and restore. PVC membranes are extremely chemical resistant, making them excellent for manufacturing vegetation and industrial amenities. TPO roofs are UV resistant and are white, in order that they mirror daylight and scale back cooling prices.

Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof Membranes

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing is a novel choice that includes spraying a liquid foam onto the roof floor. This foam expands and hardens, making a seamless, waterproof layer. SPF roofs have glorious insulation properties and might adapt to irregular roof shapes, making them a flexible alternative for a lot of buildings.

A fundamental benefit of SPF roofing is its capacity to fill in cracks and crevices, making a seamless barrier towards water infiltration. Nevertheless, set up should be performed fastidiously, as errors can result in vital injury.

Liquid-Utilized Roof Membranes

Use of liquid-applied membranes is rising, particularly for roofs with complicated shapes or quite a few penetrations. Its liquid coating cures to kind a seamless, rubber-like floor.

The primary benefit of liquid-applied membranes is their capacity to simply seal round protrusions, akin to vents or chimneys. They’re additionally comparatively simple to use and could be a sensible choice for DIY-inclined owners.

Elements To Take into account When Selecting a Roof Membrane

To assist choose the proper roof membrane, maintain these factors in thoughts:

• Local weather and climate situations: Areas with excessive UV publicity profit from membranes with good UV resistance, whereas areas with excessive temperature fluctuations require extra versatile supplies.
• Roof slope: All membranes are designed for flat or low-slope roofs, however some are higher suited to higher-sloped roofs.
• Foot visitors: If the roof will see frequent foot visitors for upkeep or different functions, select a extra sturdy membrane.
• Upkeep: Some membranes are simpler to restore than others, which may have an effect on long-term prices.
• Price range: Roof membranes have various set up prices.

Roof Membrane Prices

The price of a roof membrane can differ considerably based mostly on the kind of materials, the roof’s dimension, and the set up’s complexity. As a common guideline, owners can count on to pay between $4 and $14 per sq. foot, together with set up, for many membrane roofing programs.

Right here’s a tough breakdown of prices for various membrane sorts, based on Angi:

Set up and Upkeep

When you may contemplate tackling roof membrane set up as a DIY undertaking, hiring knowledgeable provides you with one of the best outcomes. The standard of the Set up impacts the roof membrane’s longevity and effectiveness, and errors can result in pricey repairs.

Upkeep necessities differ relying on the kind of membrane. Examine the membrane twice a 12 months, clear particles, reseal seams, and handle any water leaks straight away. 

Roofing Contractors for Membrane Roofs