Single-ply membrane roofing has been used on commercial buildings for years. Lately, it has become a more common choice for residential roofs—especially those that are flat or have little slope. If you've found a local roofing contractor who offers residential membrane roofing, you might be considering a membrane material for your next roof replacement. Here are some important things to know before you go ahead with this decision.
There are two key types of membrane roofing to choose from
People often talk of membrane roofing as being a singular roof material, but actually, there are two main types of membrane roofing you can choose from. The first is called EPDM. It's a black, rubber roof material. The second is called TPO, and it is a white, plastic-like roof material. The two options share a lot of characteristics. However, TPO reflects more sunlight due to its light color and is often recommended in hot climates. EPDM tends to be a bit tougher and may be a better choice if you get strong storms or high winds in your area.
Membrane roofing is very affordable
You might be shocked by the estimates you get back from roofing companies. Membrane roof materials themselves are a lot cheaper than shingles or tiles. Plus, membrane roofing is really fast and easy for roofers to install, so you pay less for the labor. People are sometimes concerned by the fact that membrane roofing does not last as long as other roof materials, but the money you save can easily make up for this shorter lifespan.
Membrane roofing is not entirely leakproof
One reason people like these roofs is that they are quite water-resistant. There are no gaps or crevices for water to get caught in. However, membrane roofing is not entirely impervious to leaks. The membrane can sometimes tear, allowing water to come in. So, you will still need to be on the lookout for signs of leaks when you have a membrane roof—particularly after a storm and in the winter if you have a lot of snow. If you do notice a leak, contact a roofer ASAP. They may need to replace the sheet of roofing that is leaking.
Membrane roofing can work really well in residential settings. However, since this is a lesser-known roofing material, it is important to do some reading and know what you're getting into before you have a membrane roof installed.
Contact a local roofing company, such as Mather's Improvement Service, to learn more.
Share28 July 2023
When you want to make your home shine, there are some very important basic components you should be mindful of. For starters, you should evaluate the exterior of your home to determine whether or not the siding or exterior cladding needs to be replaced. Next, you should check to see if the roofing needs to be replaced, since it really can make a powerful difference. Roofing can take up a great deal of the visual space from the outside, so think carefully about how yours looks. Pay attention to issues like aged, curling shingles or roofing that contains dips or divots. Check out this blog for great tips about roofing.
