Pros and Cons of Various Roof Systems


There are lots of totally different roof methods obtainable in in the present day’s market, every with varied strengths and weaknesses. Beneath I’ll describe every system briefly, after which listing the professionals and cons.

Thermoplastic and PVC- Single ply, will be mechanically connected, totally adhered or ballasted.

Professionals- Superior efficiency in ponding water conditions. Very light-weight roofs Gutters, within the neighborhood of 30lbs. per 100 sq. ft. Is available in white if a cool roof is desired, or in a number of totally different colours for aesthetic considerations. One other plus with these roofs is that enormous customized made area sheets will be ordered from the manufacturing unit, minimizing seams sealed by the crew on the jobsite. Proof against ozone, algae and area seams are 3-4 instances stronger than EPDM filed seams. There’s additionally an incredible quantity of flexibility within the materials. And since seams will be welded with sizzling air, there are not any noxious fumes to cope with. Each 15 and 20 12 months warranties obtainable.

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 a majority of these methods if the roof has a number of foot site visitors or is well accessible to unauthorized personnel. Up to now, materials shrinkage was at instances a extreme drawback on Thermoplastic and PVC roofs, however modifications in composition and manufacturing has ameliorated this concern. These roofs nonetheless shrink over time, although to not the purpose of failure as up 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 the truth is composed primarily of asphalt. It is available in 3 ft. broad rolls and is normally torched down with an open flame, although they are often utilized with sizzling air welders in sure circumstances as effectively.

Professionals- For my part, the largest power of those roofs is how effectively they stand as much as exterior stresses. They deal with foot site visitors higher than every other membrane, and are tough to puncture, particularly if they’ve a granulated floor. These roofs are so powerful the truth is, that almost all 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- Essentially the most obvious drawback with these methods is that there’s a seam each three ft, which makes for a LOT of seams. When you have a diligent crew with a reliable foreman who will be certain that each seam on the roof is triple checked, you may in all probability be advantageous with this technique. If not, you will be fairly certain you’ll find yourself with leaks pretty quickly, effectively earlier than the guarantee expires in my expertise. And enormous ponding areas of water on these methods will degrade the fabric prematurely.

Backside line- With a very good, skilled crew this could be a good roof on a constructing that doesn’t pond water excessively. And you probably have a constructing with a number of rooftop foot site visitors, that is in all probability the one method to go.

Foam roofs- This technique is utilized with a big spray unit, spraying two liquid parts (isocyanate and resin) When the liquids are blended collectively, they increase 20-30 instances and can adhere to concrete, wooden, metal and most present roof methods, however in keeping with the producers, NOT to modified bitumen.

Professionals- When full, the roof is monolithic with no seams, totally 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 technique, and all of them leaked badly, in a few instances inside months of being put in. Leaks are very tough to trace down and tough to repair even when discovered, as restore supplies do not adhere to this floor very effectively.

Backside line- Based mostly on my admittedly restricted expertise with this technique, I’d not advise my shoppers to go this route when a brand new roof is required.

EPDM Rubber- Rubber roofs will be totally adhered, mechanically mounted or weighed down with ballast (Riverbed gravel or pavers) They’re versatile, acceptable for a lot of installations and have an extended observe report.

Professionals- Rubber roofs are comparatively cheap, simple to put in and restore. They’re obtainable in giant sheets to attenuate the variety of area seams, and there may be fairly little bit of flexibility within the membrane.

Cons- Discipline seams on these roofs are usually not as sturdy as Thermoplastic roofs. Flashings and roof edges have a tendency to wear down extra rapidly than the rest of the roof. Shrinkage over lengthy intervals will 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 are usually not technically re-roofs, they’re thought-about coatings. Some firms consult with them as “re-plys”, as you’re primarily including a ply to the prevailing roof floor. There are quite a few producers providing varied merchandise with totally different compositions and specification, too quite a few to enter totally 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 resolution.

Professionals- Might be extraordinarily value efficient, particularly on roofs which have a number of projections and rooftop HVAC items. The fabric is pure white, which in some instances (particularly on steel roofs) can dramatically scale back AC cooling prices. As that is thought-about to be roof repairs slightly than a brand new roof, there are tax benefits as effectively.

Cons- The prevailing roof should nonetheless be in considerably first rate situation. If utilized to a roof that has already failed, your cash will principally be wasted. Additionally, since this materials is sprayed on, any vehicles inside 100 ft or so have to be moved throughout the utility course of, as this materials can be extraordinarily tough if not inconceivable to take away from a automotive’s end. Some producers don’t guarantee this materials if there may be ANY ponding water on the roof. Can’t be utilized to a roof with an present gravel ballast.

Backside line- This resolution might save a constructing proprietor some huge cash, if the prevailing roof is in adequate situation to simply accept the coating. Glorious resolution for steel roofs particularly.


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