I have personally seen and worked on GRP roofs that are 30 years old, where there was no visible sign of wear or damage apart from a slightly faded colour coat to the finish. What is a single ply membrane? In short any roof covering that can make a flat roof waterproof in one layer, unlike roofing felt with its 3 layer system for instance.
Firstly these membranes generally share some desirable traits. They are lightweight, flexible, resistant to UV and micro organisms, handle extreme weather and temperature changes, fire resistant and self extinguishing, show good chemical resistance, and can be very environmentally friendly. This has made these types of roof very popular on commercial premises and with architects as you can imagine. So it must be the best right?
On the downside PIB is not resistant to solvents such a petrol, lacquers, fats and oils, but these are unlikely to be in a domestic setting. You can find out more about PIB here. Compromising of two thermoplastic layers reinforced with a scrim it is supplied in rolls, and you heat weld the joints like the other systems mentioned here. On the downside it can be very slick to walk on when wet, and may shrink slightly over time. TPO is a relatively new roofing material, this means it has, and still is, undergoing changes in the way it is formulated thanks to initial problems with sun damage, expansion wrinkles and shrinkage.
Final thoughts on PVC type membranes. Whilst these type of membranes are often a logical choice in a commercial setting, if you have lots of details like angles, upstands, or gullies, this type of roof, as with EPDM, suddenly get multiple joints in close proximity to overcome changes in roof shape, depth or angle.
More often than not when I have seen single ply roofs like these fail prematurely it has been an abundance of these heat welded joints next to each other that have been the culprit, especially if prone to holding water. Easy to repair Torched on bitumen felt is incredibly simple and fast to repair; you can simply paint on a weatherproofing bitumen roof coat to add extra protection or seal over small cracks. Nice finish Felt roofing felt leaves a nice aesthetic finish to your roof, especially as it is torched on and can therefore be moulded to your roofs shape smoothly.
Application is seamless Torching on a felt roof means you can avoid creating any open seams very easily. Low maintenance A torched on felt roof requires very little to no maintenance; repairing the odd bit of wear and tear is incredibly easy and very infrequent. Recyclable At the end of the lifespan of the felt usually over 15 years you can easily recycle the felt, making it a very eco-friendly option. Lifespan Many felts are guaranteed up to 10 years, which can seem like a short lifespan.
Can warp and crack Unfortunately, felt roofing can be prone to warping in very hot summers and cracking in very cold winters, especially when it is not installed properly. Repairs can look bad Although repairs are simple to do, if your flat roof area is going to be in view very frequently, basic repairs like patches and paints can look off-putting.
Not good for high traffic areas, especially in summer Torched roofing felt is not the best choice for a high-traffic area as it is not scoff or tear resistant. Easy to repair Repairs are quite rare with rubber roofing, however, when they do occur repairing can usually be done by the average DIYer with some simple liquid rubber.
Fire resistant Rubber roofing is extremely fire resistant and because you install the roof without a torch instead using a rubber roofing adhesive installation is very low risk compared to torching on felt.
Reduces energy costs Rubber roofing reflects heat and has some insulating properties, helping your home stay cool in summer and warm in winter, which could help reduce your energy bills. Clean, straightforward installation, incredible strength, a long lifespan, and a smart finish combine to make EPDM membranes a difficult one to beat.
GRP, also known as fibreglass roofing, is a fantastic flat roofing material. Able to withstand almost anything Mother Nature or anyone else throws at it, a GRP roof will truly stand the test of time.
Most often supplied in the form of GRP roofing kits. Green roof kits are the ideal choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Utilising specially designed trays filled with lush, varied vegetation, these specialised kits boast a wide range of benefits and features that set them apart from other flat roof coverings.
Unique advantages include improving internal air quality as they pull particulates out of the air, and providing insulation which reduces energy needs. Built-up roofs are roofs that are made up of multiple layers of different materials. These often include alternating layers of reinforced bitumen and fabric, before a final layer of stone or gravel on top. It is a very common roofing material for flat roofs due to the increased lifespan it provides.
Placing a deck atop a roof has a number of benefits, most notably increasing the usable space in your property in the summer, thus increasing its value. Whilst ensuring that the roof and structure below are suitable for the excess weight of people, this can be a sound investment. And there you have it — a rundown of the best flat roofing materials on the market. Ultimately, choosing the right flat roof covering for you depends entirely on your budget and personal requirements.
Or, if you think your flat roof will take a battering from the elements, protect it with a sturdy EPDM membrane. You can reach them via telephone on , via email at sales roofingmegastore. Posted: November 18, Categories: Roofing Guides. Roofing Felt Roofing felt is perhaps the most common flat roofing material available. Inexpensive to purchase initially, felt roofing is also economical to repair and replace whenever maintenance is needed across its lifetime.
Durability: Whilst not the most durable flat roofing material, a felt roof still provides an effective watertight seal, and will resist severe weather and temperatures, as well as suffer moderate impacts without issue. Longevity: A felt roof can be expected to last around years, depending on wear and tear and how well it is maintained.
It is, however, not unheard of for roofing felt to last up to 25 or even 30 years. Installation: Roofing felt is notably simple to install, with a few different methods available. These include self-adhesion, torching-on, and fixing with nails or screws. Installing a new felt roof will take a few hours, and is often much faster to fit than other materials.
Appearance: Whilst not offering the grand aesthetics of pitched roofing materials such as traditional tiles, roofing felt will still offer a smart, clean finish when installed correctly, with multiple colour options available.
Great For: Roofing felt is an incredibly versatile material and can be used on virtually any flat roofing project, whether big or small. From garden sheds, to garages, or even warehouses. Shed Felt As the name would suggest, shed felt is specifically designed for use on garden sheds and other small outbuildings. Cost: There are few shed roofing materials cheaper than felt. This makes shed felt an ideal choice for homeowners looking to protect their garden tools and other belongings on a limited budget.
It's not a DIY installation job, and it is hard to find the source of leaks. Gravel can clog gutters and scuppers. Modified Bitumen Roof A single-ply rolled roof similar to ice-and-water shield, but impregnated with a mineral-based wear surface.
Pros Peel-and-stick material can be installed by homeowners. Its light-colored mineral surface reflects heat and cuts energy bills. Its price is in the middle of the pack. Cons Torch-down application is a fire hazard, and not recommended for occupied buildings.
It's not as scuff- or tear-resistant as rubber-membrane roofs see the next item. Pros Homeowner-friendly installation. The material's relatively light yet highly resistant to scuffs and tears. Leaks are easy to patch.
0コメント