4 Things to Know About Flat Membrane Roofing
If your commercial building or home has a flat roof, you must choose an appropriate type of roofing. Asphalt shingles won't work on a flat roof since they aren't watertight. Two good options for a flat roof are TPO and EPDM membranes. TPO is a type of plastic and EPDM is rubber. Your roofer can help you determine the right membrane for your building. Here are four things to know about membrane roofing.
1. Membranes Can Cover Old Roofing
Membrane roofing is supplied in rolls just like a big tarp or carpet. The membrane is rolled out over the roof, so it's possible the old roof can be left in place and covered up with the new membrane. Your roofer inspects the old roof first. If it has water damage, the old materials may need to be removed instead of covered up.
Your roofer will probably put insulation or cover boards down first, so your roof has some insulation, and the surface is smooth for the membrane. The cover boards can be water-damaged as the roof ages if the roof starts leaking. That's why your roofer needs to check for water damage before putting on the new membrane. The bad boards need to be replaced so your roof is dry and strong.
2. Seams Are Joined a Couple of Ways
An important thing to know about membrane roofing is that the membranes need to be joined together. The bond along the seams must be strong so the seams stay together, and the roof is watertight. Rain should roll off the flat roof when the roof drains properly, but water can form puddles sometimes, so a flat roof needs to be watertight.
There are two ways to bond seams on flat roofing. One way is to use a heat welder and melt the seams so the membranes fuse together. Another way is to use adhesives. The method your roofer selects is determined by the material the membrane is made from.
3. Membranes Are Attached to the Roof Deck
Your roofer can attach the membranes to the roof deck in different ways. Fastening the membranes securely is important so wind doesn't blow under them and cause the membranes to billow or get torn off. Your roofer might glue the membrane to the deck, hold it in place with fasteners, or hold it down with gravel.
If you like the aesthetics of a gravel roof, you might choose this method and reap the benefits of extra protection from the rocks against impacts and UV exposure. You might prefer leaving a white or light-colored membrane exposed so it can reflect the sun and keep your home or building a little cooler.
4. Regular Inspections and Repairs Are Needed
A flat roof needs to be inspected just like any other roof so repairs can be done promptly. Some things you or the roofer may look for include holes or rips in the membrane, loose seams, or standing water that doesn't drain properly. Repairs to TPO and EPDM roofing are fairly easy to do.
The damaged area can be covered with a patch made of plastic or rubber materials. Patches are held in place the same way seams are sealed. Plastic membranes are repaired by heat-welding a patch in place and rubber patches are applied with adhesive or seam tape.
It's important to maintain drainage for your flat roof. If a drain gets clogged with leaves or something on the roof blocks drainage, puddles might form and cause the membrane to start leaking. You should keep debris off your roof and clean the drain or gutters, so water drains away to prevent problems with water puddles.
If your home or building has a flat roof and you're in need of new roofing, contact Guyer & Son Roofing. We can provide a free estimate, check your roof, and install it so your home or business is protected from the weather.
