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There are actually several roof bodies accessible in today's market, each with different advantages and also weak spots. Below I will certainly define each device briefly, and then note the advantages and disadvantages.

Thermoplastic and also PVC- Single ply, can be mechanically affixed, totally attached or ballasted.

Pros- Superior efficiency in ponding water scenarios. Incredibly lightweight roofing systems, in the neighborhood of 30lbs. every one hundred sq. ft. Can be found in white colored if a cool roof is preferred, or even in many various colors for aesthetic issues. An additional plus along with these rooftops is actually that large custom made area pieces may be ordered coming from the factory, minimizing seams secured by the team on the jobsite. Insusceptible to ozone, algae and also industry joints are actually 3-4 opportunities more powerful than EPDM filed seams. There is actually likewise an enormous quantity of flexibility in the material. As well as since joints may be soldered with warm air, there are actually no noxious seethes to deal with. Each 15 and twenty years warranties accessible.

Disadvantages- Being actually solitary ply, they are actually susceptible to discarded cigarettes, sharp items fell on the membrane, and also damaged glass from containers thrown on roof (this happens a GREAT DEAL) I generally discourage clients coming from mounting these types of bodies if the roof possesses a considerable amount of foot visitor traffic or is effortlessly accessible to unapproved staffs. Previously, component contraction was at times an intense trouble on Thermoplastic and also PVC roofing systems, yet modifications in arrangement as well as production has alleviated this problem. These rooftops still shrink eventually, though not to the point of failing as over the last.

Bottom line- Terrific roof coverings, especially on roofing systems that pond water intensely, as long as the roof is normally obtainable only to licensed staffs.

Asphalt Tweaked Asphalt- This roof is what a lot of individuals get in touch with a rubber roof, when it is in truth made up mostly of asphalt. It is available in 3 ft. vast rolls and is often torched down with an open fire, though they may be administered with warm air welders in certain disorders too.

Pros- In my viewpoint, the largest strength of these roofing systems is actually just how properly they resist outside anxieties. They manage feet visitor traffic better than any other membrane, as well as are actually tough to penetrate, specifically if they possess a granulated surface. These roofing systems are therefore challenging in fact, that most insurance companies won't even identify hail storm damage as they do on other roof coverings (I have actually personally viewed changed rooftops positively mauled along with hail storm and come out totally undamaged).

Cons- One of the most glaring downside along with these bodies is that there is actually a joint every 3 feets, that makes for a Considerable Amount Of joints. If you possess an attentive workers with a competent foreman who will ensure that every seam on the roof is triple inspected, you'll most likely be alright using this system. Or even, you could be pretty sure you will end up with leaks fairly soon, well before the warranty expires in my experience. And large ponding areas of water on these systems will degrade the material prematurely.

Bottom line- With a good, experienced crew this can be a good roof on a building that does not pond water excessively. And if you have a building with a lot of rooftop foot traffic, this is probably the only way to go.

Foam roofs- This system is applied with a large spray unit, spraying two liquid components (isocyanate and resin) When the liquids are mixed together, they expand 20-30 times and will adhere to concrete, wood, steel and most existing roof systems, but according to the manufacturers, NOT to modified bitumen.

Pros- When complete, the roof is monolithic with no seams, fully adhered and has insulating properties.

Cons- Full disclosure, I have limited experience with these roofs here in NE Illinois. We don't install them, but I have been on 9-10 buildings with this system, and all of them leaked badly, in a couple of cases within months of being installed. Leaks are very difficult to track down and difficult to fix even when found, as repair materials don't adhere to this surface very well.

Bottom line- Based on my admittedly limited experience with this system, I would not advise my clients to go this route when a new roof is needed.

EPDM Rubber- Rubber roofs can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened or weighed down with ballast (Riverbed gravel or pavers) They are versatile, appropriate for many installations and have a long track record.

Pros- Rubber roofs are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and repair. They are available in large sheets to minimize the number of field seams, and there is quite bit of flexibility in the membrane.

Cons- Field seams on these roofs are not as strong as Thermoplastic roofs. Flashings and roof edges tend to wear out more quickly than the remainder of the roof. Shrinkage over long periods can be dramatic in some applications.

Bottom line- Can be a good investment for a building owner, but all of the circumstances of a given installation must be carefully weighed. And good workmanship on the install is vital.

Spray applied roofing- These are not technically re-roofs, they are considered coatings. Some companies refer to them as "re-plys", as you are essentially adding a ply to the existing roof surface. There are numerous manufacturers offering various products with different compositions and specification, too numerous to go into fully here. If an existing roof is experiencing leaks but has not advanced to the point of outright failure, them may be good candidates for this solution.

Pros- Can be extremely cost effective, especially on roofs that have a lot of projections and rooftop HVAC units. The material is pure white, which in some cases (especially on metal Website roofs) can dramatically reduce AC cooling costs. As this is considered to be roof repairs rather than a new roof, there are tax advantages as well.

Cons- The existing roof must still be in somewhat decent condition. If applied to a roof that has already failed, your money will basically be wasted. Also, since this material is sprayed on, any cars within 100 ft or so must be moved during the application process, as this material will be extremely difficult if not impossible to remove from a car's finish. Some manufacturers do not warranty this material if there is ANY ponding water on the roof. Can not be applied to a roof with an existing gravel ballast.

Bottom line- This solution may save a building owner a lot of money, if the existing roof is in good enough condition to accept the coating. Excellent solution for metal roofs in particular.

As you can see, there are many different solutions to your flat roofing needs. It is vital however to choose a roofer who will recommend the best system for your particular roof and circumstances, and not the best solution for his wallet. Be sure you understand why a roofer is recommending a particular system for your project, and which system will be the best investment for you.