There are a lot of completely different roof programs accessible in immediately’s market, every with numerous strengths and weaknesses. Under I’ll describe every system briefly, after which listing the professionals and cons.Thermoplastic and PVC- Single ply, could be mechanically hooked up, absolutely adhered or ballasted.Execs- Superior efficiency in ponding water conditions. Very light-weight roofs, within the neighborhood of 30lbs. per 100 sq. ft. Is available in white if a cool roof is desired, or in a number of completely different colours for aesthetic considerations. One other plus with these roofs is that enormous customized made discipline sheets could be ordered from the manufacturing facility, minimizing seams sealed by the crew on the jobsite. Immune to ozone, algae and discipline seams are Three-Four occasions stronger than EPDM filed seams. There may be additionally an incredible quantity of flexibility within the materials. And since seams could be welded with sizzling air, there aren’t any noxious fumes to cope with. Each 15 and 20 12 months warranties accessible.Cons- Being single ply, they’re weak to discarded cigarettes, sharp objects dropped on the membrane, and damaged glass from bottles thrown on roof (this occurs a LOT) I typically discourage prospects from putting in these kind of programs if the roof has loads of foot site visitors or is well accessible to unauthorized personnel. Up to now, materials shrinkage was at occasions a extreme drawback on Thermoplastic and PVC roofs, however adjustments in composition and manufacturing has ameliorated this subject. These roofs nonetheless shrink over time, although to not the purpose of failure as prior to now.Backside line- Nice roofs, particularly on roofs that pond water closely, so long as the roof is mostly accessible solely to approved personnel.Asphalt Modified Bitumen- This roof is what lots of people name a rubber roof, when it’s actually composed primarily of asphalt. It is available in Three ft. vast rolls and is normally torched down with an open flame, although they are often utilized with sizzling air welders in sure situations as nicely.
Execs- In my view, the most important power of those roofs is how nicely they stand as much as outdoors stresses. They deal with foot site visitors higher than every other membrane, and are troublesome to puncture, particularly if they’ve a granulated floor. These roofs are so powerful actually, that the majority insurance coverage firms will not even acknowledge hail injury as they do on different roofs (I’ve personally seen modified roofs completely pummeled with hail and are available out fully undamaged)Cons- Probably the most evident drawback with these programs is that there’s a seam each three toes, which makes for a LOT of seams. If in case you have a diligent crew with a reliable foreman who will make sure that each seam on the roof is triple checked, you may most likely be wonderful with this method. If not, you could be fairly certain you’ll find yourself with leaks pretty quickly, nicely earlier than the guarantee expires in my expertise. And huge ponding areas of water on these programs will degrade the fabric prematurely.Backside line- With a superb, skilled crew this is usually a good roof on a constructing that doesn’t pond water excessively. And if in case you have a constructing with loads of rooftop foot site visitors, that is most likely the one method to go.Foam roofs- This method is utilized with a big spray unit, spraying two liquid elements (isocyanate and resin) When the liquids are blended collectively, they broaden 20-30 occasions and can adhere to concrete, wooden, metal and most present roof programs, however in line with the producers, NOT to modified bitumen.Execs- When full, the roof is monolithic with no seams, absolutely adhered and has insulating properties.Cons- Full disclosure, I’ve restricted expertise with these roofs right here in NE Illinois. We do not set up them, however I’ve been on 9-10 buildings with this method, and all of them leaked badly, in a few circumstances inside months of being put in. Leaks are very troublesome to trace down and troublesome to repair even when discovered, as restore supplies do not adhere to this floor very nicely.Backside line- Primarily based on my admittedly restricted expertise with this method, I might not advise my purchasers to go this route when a brand new roof is required.EPDM Rubber- Rubber roofs could be absolutely adhered, mechanically mounted or weighed down with ballast (Riverbed gravel or pavers) They’re versatile, acceptable for a lot of installations and have a protracted monitor report.Execs- Rubber roofs are comparatively cheap, straightforward to put in and restore. They’re accessible in massive sheets to attenuate the variety of discipline seams, and there’s fairly little bit of flexibility within the membrane.Cons- Subject seams on these roofs will not be as robust as Thermoplastic roofs. Flashings and roof edges have a tendency to wear down extra shortly than the rest of the roof. Shrinkage over lengthy durations could be dramatic in some functions.Backside line- Could be a good funding for a constructing proprietor, however all the circumstances of a given set up have to be fastidiously weighed. And good workmanship on the set up is significant.Spray utilized roofing- These will not be technically re-roofs, they’re thought of coatings. Some firms consult with them as “re-plys”, as you might be primarily including a ply to the prevailing roof floor. There are quite a few producers providing numerous merchandise with completely different compositions and specification, too quite a few to enter absolutely right here. If an present roof is experiencing leaks however has not superior to the purpose of outright failure, them could also be good candidates for this answer.
Execs- May be extraordinarily price efficient, particularly on roofs which have loads of projections and rooftop HVAC models. The fabric is pure white, which in some circumstances (particularly on steel roofs) can dramatically scale back AC cooling prices. As that is thought of to be roof repairs fairly than a brand new roof, there are tax benefits as nicely.Cons- The prevailing roof should nonetheless be in considerably first rate situation. If utilized to a roof that has already failed, your cash will mainly be wasted. Additionally, since this materials is sprayed on, any vehicles inside 100 ft or so have to be moved in the course of the utility course of, as this materials might be extraordinarily troublesome if not inconceivable to take away from a automotive’s end. Some producers don’t guarantee this materials if there’s ANY ponding water on the roof. Can’t be utilized to a roof with an present gravel ballast.Backside line- This answer might save a constructing proprietor some huge cash, if the prevailing roof is in ok situation to just accept the coating. Glorious answer for steel roofs particularly.As you possibly can see, there are numerous completely different options to your flat roofing wants. It’s critical nonetheless to decide on a roofer who will advocate the perfect system on your explicit roof and circumstances, and never the perfect answer for his pockets. Make certain you perceive why a roofer is recommending a specific system on your undertaking, and which system would be the finest funding for you.