There are numerous Roof systems available in all of our markets, each with various pros and cons. Below I will describe each and every system briefly, and then checklist the pros and cons.

Thermosoftening plastic and PVC- Single overall count of layer, can be mechanically attached, totally adhered, or ballasted.

Pros- Superior performance in ponding water situations. Very light roofs, in the neighborhood regarding 30lbs. per 100 sq ft. Comes in white if the cool roof is wanted, or in several different colors regarding aesthetic concerns. Another as well with these roofs is that huge custom-made field sheets may be ordered from the factory, lessening seams sealed by the staff on the job site. Resistant to ozone, algae, and field seams are 3-4 times tougher than EPDM field seams. There is also a tremendous amount of overall flexibility in the material. And since seams can be welded with heat, there are no noxious smells to deal with. Both 15 and also 20-year warranties are available.

Cons- Being single-ply, these are vulnerable to discarded cigarettes, sharpened objects dropped on the tissue layer, and broken glass coming from bottles thrown on the rooftop (this happens a LOT) I generally discourage consumers from installing these types of devices if the roof has a lot regarding foot traffic or is definitely accessible to unauthorized employees. In the past, material shrinkage I visited times a severe trouble on Thermoplastic and PVC roofs, but changes in arrangement and manufacturing have ameliorated this issue. These roofs continue to shrink over time, though never to the point of failure as in the past.

Bottom line- Fantastic roofs, especially on attics that pond water closely, as long as the roof is generally acquirable only to authorized personnel.

Paved Modified Bitumen- This rooftop is what a lot of people call a new rubber roof when it in fact is composed mainly of pavement. It comes in 3 ft. vast rolls and is usually torched down with an open relationship, though they can be applied to have hot air welders in certain ailments as well.

Pros- In my opinion, the main strength of these roofs is definitely how well they handle outside stresses. They cope with foot traffic better than other membranes, and are difficult to leak, especially if they have a granulated floor. These roofs are so uncertain in fact, that most insurance companies are not going to even recognize hail deterioration as they do on different roofs (I have in my opinion seen modified roofs certainly pummeled with hail, in addition, to come out completely undamaged)

Cons- The most glaring disadvantage with the systems is that there is a joint every three feet, which creates a LOT of seams. If you have a new diligent crew with a proficient foreman who will ensure that just about every seam on the roof is three times checked, you’ll probably be okay with this system. If not, you could end up pretty sure you will end up with coolant leaks fairly soon, well before often the warranty expires in my experience. And huge ponding areas of water with these systems will decay the material prematurely.

Bottom line- With good, experienced producers this can be a good roof for a building that does not pond water excessively. And if you have a making with a lot of rooftop base traffic, this is probably the only way to search.

Foam roofs- This system is definitely applied with a large bottle of spray unit, spraying two chemical components (isocyanate and resin) When the liquids are put together, they expand 20+ times and will adhere to real, wood, steel, and most recent roof systems, but depending on the manufacturers, NOT to modified bitumen.

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

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

Bottom line- Based on my admittedly minimal experience with this system, I had not advised my clientele to go this route each time a new roof is needed.

EPDM Rubber- Rubber roofs may be fully adhered, mechanically mounted, or weighed down together with ballast (Riverbed gravel or perhaps pavers) They are versatile, suitable for many installations, and have an extended track record.

Pros- Rubber rooftops are relatively inexpensive and easy to put in and repair. They are available inside large sheets to minimize the number of field seams, and there is a pretty bit of flexibility in the cayenne.

Cons- Field seams with these roofs are not seeing as strong as Thermoplastic attics. Flashings and the roof is bordered tend to wear out more quickly versus the remainder of the roof. Shrinking over long periods can be stunning in some applications.

Bottom line- Can be a good investment for just a building owner, but the many circumstances of a given installment must be carefully weighed. In addition to good workmanship on the put-up is vital.

Spray-applied to roof- These are not technically re-roofs, they are considered coatings. Many companies refer to them seeing as “re-plys”, as you are essentially introducing a ply to the recent roof surface. There are numerous makers offering various products based on compositions and specifications, far too numerous to go into thoroughly here. If an existing rooftop is experiencing leaks although has not advanced to the point connected with an outright failure, they could possibly be good candidates for this alternative.

Pros- Can be extremely cost-effective, mainly on roofs that have many projections and rooftop HEATING units. The material is 100 % pure white, which in some cases (especially on metal roofs) can certainly dramatically reduce AC chilling costs. As this is considered to be rooftop repairs rather than a new rooftop, there are tax advantages also.

Cons- The existing roof needs to still be in somewhat reasonable condition. If applied to any roof that has already been unsuccessful, your money will basically end up being wasted. Also, since this substance is sprayed on, virtually any cars within 100 feet or so must be moved through the application process, as this substance will be extremely difficult or even impossible to remove from a car’s finish. Some manufacturers tend not to warranty this material if there is VIRTUALLY ANY ponding water on the roof. Is not applied to a roof by having an existing gravel ballast.

Baseline- This solution may possibly save a building operator a lot of money if the existing roofing is in good enough condition to simply accept the coating. Excellent remedy for metal roofs particularly.

As you can see, there are many different solutions to your own flat roofing needs. It is essential however to choose a roofing company that will recommend the best program for your particular roof as well as circumstances, and not the best remedy for his wallet. Make sure you understand why a roofer is actually recommending a particular system for the project, and which program will be the best investment for you personally.

My name is Jeff McAuley, proprietor of McAuley Building Servicing, which operating in Northern Illinois with regard to 25 years. We install as well as service all types of.

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