Are waterproof roof membranes, a worthy investment, or just a money grabbing concept?

Are waterproof roof membranes, a worthy investment

, or just a money grabbing concept?

Firstly waterproof roofing is a type of roofing systems for buildings, which have a flat roof or a partially level roof. Its purpose it to prevent leaks and shift water off of roofs, in order to avoid water damage to the building.

Membrane roofing are more commonly known for usage on commercial buildings, however they are now becoming increasingly more common for residential homes.

There are three types of membrane roofing, and all bring with them their own benefits and drawbacks.

Synthetic rubber membranes are made of large flat pieces of synthetic rubber or similar materials. These pieces are welded together at the seams, overall giving you one continuous membrane ready for application.

Thermoplastic membranes are almost identical to synthetic rubber; however they do not weld the seams, therefore thermoplastic membranes are not a continuous membrane. The seams in this case are bonded, melted, with heat or solvents which strengthens the seam s so they are just as durable as the rest of the membrane.

Modified bitumen membranes are an evolution of asphalt roofing; combining asphalt with a variety of modifiers and solvents. Several techniques are used in connecting the pieces of membrane. In the heat application process, the seams are heated to melt the asphalt together, therefore creating a lock tight seal. Though there is also a cold-applied adhesive application process, which is equally as effective.

All three membrane roofing systems show distinct improvements over the previously more common flat roofing method of asphalt and gravel. For instance, when applying asphalt or gravel to the roof, it proves difficult to create seals at each seam and connection points, therefore leaving gaps for water to enter. The more water damage created, the more maintenance the roof requires, therefore costing a lot more than bargained for.

When installed correctly these membrane roofing materials are either seamless, or the seals are equally as resilient as the body, which in turn eliminates the leakage concern associated with flat roofing systems.

The common asphalt and gravels roofs can be difficult to maintain, as locating the exact point of a leak seems to turn into a messy hide and seek game. Whereas these new waterproof roof membranes can be patched relatively easily, and breaks and leaks are easier to locate.

Originally asphalt roofing required a layer of gravel above it for two reasons. First, asphalt with direct exposure to sunlight degrades much faster, mainly due to the expansion and contraction throughout a day, and also the damage created by UV rays.

Second, asphalt needs weight above to hold it down, because it sits on the top of a building, instead of being attached to it.

Each of the three newer types of membrane roofing systems contains materials that resist expansion and contraction, as well as reflect much of the UV rays. Also, because these membranes either lack seams or have strong seams, what expansion and contraction does occur does not create leaks and breaks at these seams.

Plus these newer roofing systems are also attached directly to the top of a building, which eliminates the need for excess weight above.

These are just the facts on waterproof roof membranes, however it is up to you whether you join the revolution, or whether you stick to what you know.

http://www.articlesbase.com/construction-articles/are-waterproof-roof-membranes-a-worthy-investment-or-just-a-money-grabbing-concept-4419400.html

POST COMMENT

Thinkpad Edge 11 by Lenovo reviewed Features of Single Strollers and a Brief Look at Inglesina Strollers CPA Saskatchewan Helpful in Financial Accounting City Mini Double Stroller: Safe and Durable Review of Glee Season 2 Episode 16 Original Song Quantum Click Method Review - CautionDo not buy Before You Read The Quantum Click Method Bonus! Canon Pixma IP90 Cartridge Review Skycaddie SGX Review Lower Your Score! The Right Way To Make Money Easy Is It Possible To Make Extra Money Fast? Truth About Abs Review-Truth About Abs System Torrent Synergy Spanish Review-Synergy Spanish Bola De Nieve Wealth Mindset: The Way To Attract Money Into Our Lives