Roof Membrane Explained

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

Roof membrane explained.

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. 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. Roofing breathable membranes or vapour permeable underlays can be airtight or air open and what that will have an effect on is the amount of ventilation or if ventilation is required on that particular roof. There are 2 types of mb rubber roof membranes.

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. Membrane roofing for flat roofs. Neoprene polychloroprene epdm ethylene propylene diene monomer pvc polyvinyl chloride chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated. The appearance is not as smooth and clean as epdm or tpo.

Existing flashing that s already in place eg where the roof. Its two primary ingredients ethylene and propylene are derived from oil and natural gas. Membrane roofs are most commonly used in commercial application though they are becoming increasingly common in residential application. Membrane roofs are most commonly made from synthetic rubber thermoplastic pvc or similar material or modified bitumen.

Known technically as elastomeric or plastomeric roof membrane depending on the material single ply roofs come in a few different varieties including. Unlike epdm or tpo. The torch down rubber membrane can be installed almost over any surface without much preparation. Because of the rubberized technology these membranes are referred to as rubber roofs or membranes.

After it sets a thermoset membrane will permanently retain its shape. For a flat roof these newer synthetic membranes offer a great leak proof option. They are usually categorized as thermoset or thermoplastic which indicate their properties. The modified asphalt feels like rubber and the material is manufactured in 36 rolls.

Historically the most common type was a tar and pitch membrane but newer synthetic materials are quickly taking over. Membrane roofing refers to a number of different roofing materials. 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. Tpo stands for thermoplastic polyolefin a single ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof.

Roofing membranes are generally made from large sheets of a thin material. 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.