Roof Membrane Explained

Flat roof materials explained.

Roof membrane explained.

Rubber membranes are part of most flat roofs. 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. 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. To breathe or not to breathe that is the question.

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. There are three types of roofing systems used for rubber membrane roofs. 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 available in both black and white and is sold a broad variety of widths. Although tpo is a vinyl type of material we will also include it as part of. Written by larry bohan on 26 september 2018. Bitumen is the black viscous compound used to create asphalt.

The materials on flat roofs are mostly rubber. 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. Modified bitumen torch down roofing. 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.

Historically the most common type was a tar and pitch membrane but newer synthetic materials are quickly taking over. Modified bitumen roofing is a cross between a rubber roofing membrane and an asphalt roof. It is used to create a watertight roof covering to protect the interior of a building. 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.

Tpo stands for thermoplastic polyolefin a single ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof. 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. 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. Ice damming on roofs.

Membrane roofing refers to a number of different roofing materials.