Different Types of Rubber Roofing, With Pros And Cons

For waterproofing flat roofs, recommended rubber roofing Atlanta specialists can provide you with waterproofing systems with different types of durable materials.

rubber roofing Atlanta

There are several types of rubber membranes, each with its advantages.

PVC membranes

  • Verified technology
  • High degree of fire resistance
  • The possibility of obtaining customized architectural solutions (colors, profiles and roof logos)
  • Easy to handle and install
  • Suitable for different climatic conditions
  • Fast installation, independent of climatic conditions (it can be installed at low temperatures, and even when it is raining)
  • Good vapor permeability
  • Great flexibility

Con: over time, the additives in the polyvinyl chloride evaporate and the membrane can become brittle.

TPO membranes

  • High chemical resistance
  • Suitable for direct application to substrates such as bitumen, EPS insulation and XPS
  • No plasticizer (no migration/contamination or transpiration)
  • Easy to maintain
  • Suitable to be used and exposed in severe climatic conditions
  • Installation without the use of fire sources
  • Environmentally friendly product
  • Proven performance and durability for 35 years

Con: TPO is a fairly new coating solution, so manufacturers are still working on improving the formulas in its composition. Consequently, not all TPO membranes have the same qualities.

EPDM membranes

  • Excellent stability against the influences of weather, sunlight, acids and caustic solutions
  • Long lasting flexibility and elasticity
  • Traction resistant
  • Suitable for uneven substrates
  • Membrane adjustment is possible up to 30 minutes after fixing
  • Easy application in the corners
  • It does not require additional mechanical fixing
  • Resistant to ozone and UV rays
  • Durability 50 years

Con: They are more expensive than other types of rubber roofing

 

Related Posts

How Long Do You Have to Wait Until Your New Rubber Roof Is Installed?

flat roofing Atlanta

Although the exact amount of time it takes for a new roof to be installed depends on certain factors, 1 to 3 days is the general average time for rubber roof installation.

Among the several factors which influence the time it takes to install your rubber roof we could mention the size of your building, the weather conditions during that time and the degree of professionalism and experience of the flat roofing Atlanta team that you decide to work with.

If the team you hire has a lot of experience working with rubber roofs, then the job can be finished even faster. This type of roofing certainly is easier to install than architectural styled roofing systems. Flat roofs require fewer materials than sloped roofs. Because they usually hold water, these roofs require proper drainage systems.

Rubber roofs have fire resistance and they are installed with fewer seams. Roofers typically lay down the rubber membrane in big sections. Because of the size of the rubber membrane, the costs and time of installation are greatly reduced.

Despite the fact that it seems easy to install, rubber roofing should be dealt with by professional roofers, to make sure it lasts for a long time and that the work is done safely.

Best Materials For Commercial Roofing In Atlanta

EPDM roofing Atlanta

Bituminous membranes are materials for waterproofing that are used quite often for commercial roofing in Atlanta. They are made of modified bitumen to which elasto-plastomer polymers are added, and they are manufactured with different finishes on the upper side (sand, aluminum foil, mineral slate, etc.)

Different uses include:

  • Preventing water infiltration through the roof
  • Restoration of flat commercial roofs
  • Waterproofing circulating or non-circulating flat roofs

Careful!

According to trusted EPDM roofing Atlanta contractors, before purchasing bituminous membranes, the complexity of the work to be performed must be taken into account, in order to choose the right membrane from the point of view of the quality-price ratio (do not to buy membranes for roads and bridges if you have to insulate the roof!).

Tips

Bituminous membranes can be put into operation at an ambient temperature between +5 degrees C and +35 degrees C.

  • The most important advantages of the membranes made from additive bitumen are the cold flexibility (up to -25 degrees Celsius) and the hot stability, between 110 and 130 degrees Celsius. These two technical characteristics differentiate additive membranes from oxidized bitumen membranes. Unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, snow or humidity of the surface to be insulated can compromise the quality of the work.
  • Keep in mind that the required materials must be 1.12 / 1.15 times larger than the measured surface, due to the longitudinal and transverse overlaps when applying the membranes, and the losses that occur at the joints.

How the Atlanta Climate Can Damage a Low-Quality Roof

commercial roofer Atlanta

The Atlanta climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and occasional severe weather events, can pose significant challenges to low-quality roofs in the region.

Atlanta experiences high temperatures during the summer months, which can cause the materials in a low-quality roof to deteriorate quickly. Intense heat and prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to cracking, warping, and fading of roofing materials. Over time, this can compromise the roof’s integrity and leak.

The humidity in Atlanta can be quite high, especially in the summer. Moisture can seep into the cracks and gaps of a low-quality roof, leading to mold, mildew, and rot growth. Moisture damage can weaken the roof structure and contribute to the development of leaks and water infiltration.

At the same time, Atlanta is prone to heavy rainfalls and severe storms, including thunderstorms and tropical systems. Low-quality roofs may have inadequate water resistance and poor drainage systems, making them vulnerable to water pooling, leaks, and potential water damage. Strong winds, which sometimes accompany storms, can dislodge the loosely attached roofing materials, compromising the roof’s integrity.

Because Atlanta occasionally experiences hailstorms and strong winds, especially during severe weather events, hailstones can cause dents, punctures, or cracks in low-quality roofing materials.

Consult with a trusted commercial roofer Atlanta area expert to determine the best roof needed to protect your commercial building.