Roof Membrane Explained

Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system for buildings and tanks.

Roof membrane explained.

Epdm is available in both black and white and is sold a broad variety of widths ranging from 7 5 feet to fifty feet and in two thicknesses 45 and 60 mils. Thermoset materials as the name suggests set solidify after being heated. Because of the rubberized technology these membranes are referred to as rubber roofs or membranes. Known technically as elastomeric or plastomeric roof membrane depending on the material single ply roofs come in a few different varieties including.

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. Tpo stands for thermoplastic polyolefin a single ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof. Membrane roofs are most commonly made from synthetic rubber thermoplastic pvc or similar material or modified bitumen. Roofing membranes are generally made from large sheets of a thin material.

The appearance is not as smooth and clean as epdm or tpo. Historically the most common type was a tar and pitch membrane but newer synthetic materials are quickly taking over. For a flat roof these newer synthetic membranes offer a great leak proof option. It is used to create a watertight roof covering to protect the interior of a building.

Neoprene polychloroprene epdm ethylene propylene diene monomer pvc polyvinyl chloride chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated. They are usually categorized as thermoset or thermoplastic which indicate their properties. After it sets a thermoset membrane will permanently retain its shape. Existing flashing that s already in place eg where the roof.

The torch down rubber membrane can be installed almost over any surface without much preparation. Membrane roofing for flat roofs. Membrane is easily punctured 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. The modified asphalt feels like rubber and the material is manufactured in 36 rolls.

Membrane roofs are most commonly used in commercial application though they are becoming increasingly common in residential application. Membrane roofing refers to a number of different roofing materials. The 2 ply membrane is made of reinforced fabrics covered with asphalt which consists of modifiers that give the asphalt its elastic properties on both sides. Its two primary ingredients ethylene and propylene are derived from oil and natural gas.

Unlike epdm or tpo. 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.