Roof Membrane Explained

The location of the roof its pitch baton gauge and the tile used are all important considerations and the best breathable roof membrane for one project may be poorly suited to another.

Roof membrane explained.

Membrane roofing refers to a number of different roofing materials. Bitumen is the black viscous compound used to create asphalt. Tpo stands for thermoplastic polyolefin a single ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof. Modified bitumen roofing is a cross between a rubber roofing membrane and an asphalt roof.

Epdm is available in both black and white and is sold a broad variety of widths. The roofing membrane is called modified due to the addition of modifiers such as polyester fiber which creates a strong durable and thin roofing material. Rubber membranes are part of most flat roofs. Its two primary ingredients ethylene and propylene are derived from oil and natural gas.

Although tpo is a vinyl type of material we will also include it as part of. While we explained in the paragraph above that single ply membrane roofing is lightweight and flexible that also leads us to our first con the thin layers are easily punctured. Epdm is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane ethylene propylene diene terpolymer widely used in low slope buildings in the united states and worldwide. It is used to create a watertight roof covering to protect the interior of a building.

For a flat roof these newer synthetic membranes offer a great leak proof option. Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system for buildings and tanks. The name is a bit misleading because rather than being a plastic tpo is actually one of a few different types of rubber usually a blend of polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. The good news is that we don t have to take a stab in the dark when it comes to selecting the right waterproof membrane.

There are three types of roofing systems used for rubber membrane roofs. Single ply membrane roofing does not have a hard top layer to protect the synthetic rubber from dropped tools gravel or loose screws from being pushed into the rubber. Modified bitumen torch down roofing. Ice damming on roofs.

To breathe or not to breathe that is the question. The materials on flat roofs are mostly rubber. While we cannot tell you what materials were used on the house of capulet in late 16th century verona we can explain the crucial differences between the breathable membrane and non breathable membrane used in today s roofing industry. Membrane roofs are most commonly made from synthetic rubber thermoplastic pvc or similar material or modified bitumen membrane roofs are most commonly used in commercial application though they are becoming increasingly common in.

This coating made of felt saturated with asphalt or a synthetic fabric protects the shingles against resin released by the wood decking and protects the decking itself against bad weather.