Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofing is designed to create a watertight seal on the top of your residential or commercial building. It is primarily used on flat roofs that can accumulate water, which can lead to damage. In this article, we will cover membrane roofing and the different materials so you can learn whether it’s the right roofing material for you. 

What is Membrane Roofing? 

Membrane roofing refers to a roof that fits perfectly around your home, preventing water from penetrating the roof into the house. Membrane roofing is made out of the following materials:

• Synthetic rubber (EPDM)
• Liquid polyurethane
• PVC
• Bitumen

Membrane roofing is usually used for flat roofs or roofs with a very low slope. That’s because membrane roofing addresses many of the issues that develop from having sitting water on a flat roof, such as leaks. 

Which Membrane Roofing Material Should I Choose?

One of the biggest questions people have is which roofing material to choose. Here are the pros and cons of the different materials to help you pick the right flat roof material for you. 

Synthetic rubber (EPDM)

EPDM is the most popular option for membrane roofing. It comes in one piece, making it easy to install. It can also be used in any climate and comes at a reasonable price. However, it isn’t the most attractive option available. It can also shrink over time. 

PVC

PVC is the preferred choice for most people. It adds an extra level of durability that other materials can’t match, making it last longer. It also comes in a light color that reflects the sun’s rays and may lower utility bills. However, it is more expensive than the other options and more difficult to install. 

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)

TPO offers a budget-friendly option that can last up to 20 years. It also doesn’t require as much maintenance as synthetic rubber. The white coloring offers similar efficiency benefits to PVC, to. However, it can get damaged in high temperatures. 

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is the cheapest option available, so it is perfect for construction projects with a tight budget. However, it won’t hold up to the elements as well as the others, giving it a lifespan of only 10 – 15 years. 

How Is Membrane Roofing installed?

Membrane roofing installation varies depending on the material used. However, these are two basic steps to every membrane roofing installation: field work and detail work. 

Field work refers to the process of placing the membrane on the top of the building and securing it. Mechanically attached installation is the most common way to secure the roof. It uses both plates and fasteners with 6 – 8 fasteners every 4’ x 8’ board. Fully attached installation uses 12 – 24 fasteners every 4’ x 8’ board. The seams are heat welded to create the waterproof qualities. 

Detail work refers to placing the roof around obstructions, such as the HVAC system or skylights. Most leaks that do occur happen when the detail work isn’t perfect, so it’s one of the more crucial and difficult parts of the installation process. 

The membrane roofing goes over the substructure material underneath, which could be made of wood, concrete, or metal. You will find the attic structure and insulation underneath that. 

How Do I Get Membrane Roofing? 

Interested in learning more and possibly installing membrane roofing on your home or commercial building? Call Profile Roofing today!

At Profile Roofing, we have over 25 years of roofing service in Layton, UT. We can install a membrane roof that won’t leak on your flat roof. We also offer a variety of additional roofing services, including repairs and tear-offs. 

Call Profile Roofing to schedule a consultation!