Asphalt shingle installation is the best for a sloped roofing structure since gravity develops a seal against leaks. It, however, isn’t the case when we talk about flat roofs. Roofs that are low-pitched need a waterproof and pliable material that works well in places where asphalt shingles don’t.
Hence, rubber roofing is a good flat roof alternative. It helps reduce leaks by developing an impenetrable seal, which safeguards the inside from weather-related damage and water. There are three types of rubber roofing:
● Single-Ply Membranes.
● Built-Up Roofing.
● Modified Bitumen.
In this article, we will tell you about the types mentioned above of rubber roofing.
Single Ply Roofing Systems
Single-ply roofing is one of the most famous flat roofing materials. Particularly beneficial if the project has load-bearing and weight concerns. Moreover, the membrane is resistant and durable to punctures and tears.
Yet, exceptionally lightweight, typically approximately 2-3kg per square meter. Also, there are three main types of mixtures used in single-ply membrane systems. Which are:
● (EPDM): a thermoset.
● (PVC): a thermoplastic.
● (TPO): a thermoplastic.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM roofing has two main ingredients: ethylene and propylene (derived from natural gas and oil). It is an artificial rubber. Rubber roofing systems that use EPDM generally have life spans of around 10 to 25 years.
Generally, induction techniques include a mechanical attachment, full adhesion, or ballasting. It is perfect for large commercial buildings like:
● Warehouses.
● Office.
● Buildings.
● Hotels.
● Shopping centers.
● Large retail stores.
● Schools.
● Universities.
PVC
PVC roofing, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is used on industrial or commercial roofs with a low or flat slope. By installing a PVC roof, you can keep the temperature of your building cooler.
Also, it will ultimately reduce energy demand, which helps relieve the city heat island effect. Generally, most of the chemicals don't affect PVC. Therefore, PVC roofs survive harsh environments for a long time.
TPO
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing on the market. TPO membranes are made in sheets that are 10, 12 or 20 feet wide. The manufacturers roll up the sheets and take them to the commercial facility.
TPO has attained industry approval because of the natural reflective surface, which reflects UV rays. Furthermore, TPO takes up approximately 40% market share of the commercial roofing market.
Build-up Roofing
Built-up roofing is the most popular roofing material. It is used on roofs that have low slopes. It has alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt) and strengthening fabric. BUR is needed for flat or low-slope roofs because it develops a steady sealed surface.
Besides, property holders can take three, four or five-play roofs as per their budgets and needs. The last layer is stone or rock; it safeguards the underlying layers from extreme cold or heat, UV rays, and wind damage. Hence, if you install and maintain it properly, it can make the roof last 40 years. The three most common BUR types are:
● Hot built-up.
● Cold built-up.
● Ballasted asphalt built-up.
Hot Build-up
One type of build-up roofing is hot build-up. In this type, the material needs to be heated to change into liquid during installation.
Cold Build-up
The cold build-up is more like adhesive and doesn't need heating. It can be applied with a squeegee, or you can simply spray it. Plus, it does not emit harmful fumes while applied. Also, it doesn't depend on the weather. Moreover, it gives better performance than hot built-up roofing.
Ballasted Asphalt Built-Up
Another type of built-up roofing is ballasted roofing. It uses big stones (around 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter) for the ground layer. In this system, the lower sheets are not attached to or fastened to the roof configuration. Therefore, the heavy layer of surface maintains the roofing in place.
Modified Bitumen
Modified Bitumen roofing is asphalt-based, close to Built-up-Roof (BUR). Generally used for low-slope or flat roof structures. It can also overcome harsh to extreme environmental conditions. It possesses five layers of protection. It's one of the most reliable flat roofing systems used in the industry.
Its assembling is in a unique permutation of layers that mix to enhance the roof’s efficacy. Also, this permutation of materials gives Modified Bitumen competitive benefits that some other roofing systems can match. Furthermore, there are two kinds of modified bitumen in the market:
● APP (Atactic Polypropylene)
● SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene)
APP
APP Modified Bitumen is a plastic-based asphalt. It improves a commercial roof’s UV resistance. Also, it improves its resistance and flexibility in both high and low temperatures. Generally, heat is applied to AAP to melt it and make a molten adhesive to the ground. After getting cool, it makes the bond waterproof.
SBS
The SBS was made for places with low temperatures to prevent asphalt frost cracking. It has rubber-like traits with outstanding resistance to breakdown and weathering. Its installation is usually in hot asphalt as the BUR system or utilizing cold adhesive.
Is EPDM The Same As A Rubber Roof?
Yes, they are the same. A rubber roof is also called EPDM in the roofing business. It has numerous pros and only a few cons. Moreover, it is an exceptionally lasting synthetic rubber roofing membrane. They are widely used in flat or low-slope buildings worldwide. Its two major ingredients are propylene and ethylene. These two originated from natural gas and oil.
Conclusion
Lastly, each type of rubber roofing material, no matter if it has plastic polymers or synthetic rubber polymers. They all are particularly formulated to safeguard flat or low-sloped roofs from water or other damages.
Moreover, all of these types of rubber roofing are amazing at their functions. All have their unique pros and cons. Some are good for residential purposes, while others are good for industrial or commercial purposes. If you want to have one, do your research thoroughly about which one is best as per your budget and needs.