Membrane roofing is replacing traditional asphalt roofs due to its reduced leakage and bundling. There are three types: thermosetting, thermoplastic, and modified bitumen. Membrane roofs have fewer leaks, require no shingle coating, and reflect the sun’s rays.
Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system designed to reduce leakage and bundling associated with other roofing materials. This system is gradually replacing the traditional asphalt roof found on many homes and businesses. It is often used on flat or gently sloping roofs. There are three basic types of membrane roofing systems: thermosetting membrane, thermoplastic membrane, and modified bitumen.
With a thermoset membrane roof, the rubber sheets are laid across the roof surface with their seams overlapping. The seams are heated, which causes the rubber layers to fuse together. Due to the types of rubber used with this system, the heat causes the sheets to form a chemical bond, making the seams as strong as the sheets themselves. The rubber is between 45 and 60 mils (1.14 1.52 mm), making it virtually impenetrable when it comes to water leaks.
Thermoplastic membrane systems are similar to thermoset systems, but are composed of PVC or similar materials instead of rubber. PVC sheets do not chemically bond when heated, but form an airtight seal that prevents water from entering the seams. These systems are usually not as expensive as thermoset membranes, but may require more frequent maintenance and repairs.
Modified bituminous systems are the most cost effective type of membrane roofing and the most common for residential applications. Rubber compounds and other modifiers are added to traditional asphalt roofing compounds, which is heated with a torch so it melts and forms a watertight seal on the roof. The new modified bituminous systems are applied without heat. Asphalt and rubber compounds are applied to the sheets at the factory, allowing the installer to simply lay the self-adhesive sheets onto the roof, overlapping the seams to create a watertight seal.
There are several important benefits to using a membrane roofing system instead of traditional roofing materials. A classic asphalt roof is prone to leaks simply due to its construction. The seams are not well sealed and water can seep into the house. The membrane cover, on the other hand, is virtually seamless, leading to far fewer leaks.
Another benefit of membrane roofing is that you don’t need to add a shingle coating, which is typically required with asphalt roofs. Gravel is used not only to hold the asphalt in place, but to prevent the sun from heating the asphalt too much. Membrane roofing systems are bolted directly to the roof structure, eliminating the need for gravel. Additionally, these roofs are often white or light in color, which helps reflect the sun’s rays and keep the house cool.
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