Pros and Cons of Various Roof Systems

There are several roofing system systems readily available in today’s market, each with various strengths as well as weaknesses. Listed below I will explain each system briefly, and then detail the advantages and disadvantages.

Thermoplastic and also PVC- Solitary ply, can be mechanically connected, totally adhered or ballasted.

Pros- Superior performance in ponding water scenarios. Really light-weight roof coverings, in the neighborhood of 30lbs. per 100 sq. ft. Comes in white if a great roof covering is desired, or in a number of various colors for aesthetic problems. Another plus with these roofing systems is that large custom made field sheets can be gotten from the factory, decreasing seams sealed by the crew on the jobsite. Resistant to ozone, algae and also field seams are 3-4 times stronger than EPDM submitted seams. There is additionally a tremendous quantity of adaptability in the material. As well as given that seams can be welded with hot air, there are no toxic fumes to deal with. Both 15 and two decades warranties available.

Cons- Being solitary ply, they are prone to disposed of cigarettes, sharp things dropped on the membrane, and broken glass from bottles thrown on roofing (this takes place a GREAT DEAL) I normally discourage clients from mounting these types of systems if the roof has a lot of foot website traffic or is easily available to unapproved employees. In the past, material shrinking was at times an extreme issue on Thermoplastic and PVC roof coverings, however changes in make-up and production has alleviated this problem. These roof coverings still diminish gradually, though not to the point of failure as in the past.

Profits- Great roofing systems, particularly on roofs that pond water greatly, as long as the roofing is generally easily accessible just to accredited personnel.

Asphalt Changed Asphalt- This roof covering is what a lot of individuals call a rubber roofing, when it remains in reality composed generally of asphalt. It comes in 3 ft. vast rolls as well as is typically torched down with an open fire, though they can be applied with hot air welders in particular conditions too.

Pros- In my viewpoint, the most significant strength of these roof coverings is just how well they withstand outside tensions. They deal with foot website traffic better than any other membrane layer, as well as are difficult to penetrate, particularly if they have a granulated surface. These roofing systems are so tough in fact, that the majority of insurance provider will not also acknowledge hail storm damages as they do on various other roof coverings (I have personally seen customized roof coverings absolutely pounded with hail storm as well as appear totally undamaged).

Cons- The most glaring drawback with these systems is that there is a joint every three feet, that makes for a LOT of joints. If you have a persistent crew with a qualified foreman that will certainly make certain that every seam on the roof covering is triple inspected, you’ll probably be fine with this system. If not, you can be quite sure you will certainly end up with leaks rather quickly, well before the service warranty ends in my experience. As well as huge ponding locations of water on these systems will certainly degrade the material prematurely.

Profits- With a great, experienced crew this can be an excellent roof covering on a structure that does not pond water excessively. And also if you have a building with a great deal of roof foot website traffic, this is probably the only means to go.

Foam roofs- This system is used with a large spray device, splashing two fluid elements (isocyanate as well as material) When the fluids are blended with each other, they broaden 20-30 times as well as will certainly stick to concrete, timber, steel as well as most current roofing systems, but according to the manufacturers, NOT to changed asphalt.

Pros- When total, the roof covering is monolithic without seams, completely stuck and also has insulating homes.

Cons- Complete disclosure, I have actually restricted experience with these roofs right here in NE Illinois. We do not mount them, yet I have actually gotten on 9-10 buildings with this system, and all of them dripped severely, in a number of cases within months of being mounted. Leaks are very hard to locate and difficult to repair also when found, as repair service products do not adhere to this surface area effectively.

Profits- Based on my admittedly restricted experience with this system, I would certainly not encourage my clients to go this route when a brand-new roof covering is required.

EPDM Rubber- Rubber roofings can be completely stuck, mechanically attached or bore down with ballast (Riverbed gravel or pavers) They are functional, proper for several setups as well as have a long performance history.

Pros- Rubber roof coverings are reasonably low-cost, very easy to install and fix. They are available in big sheets to minimize the number of field joints, and also there is fairly little flexibility in the membrane layer.

Disadvantages- Area joints on these roofing systems are not as strong as Thermoplastic roofings. Flashings and roofing system sides tend to wear out more quickly than the remainder of the roof. Contraction over extended periods can be dramatic in some applications.

Profits- Can be a great financial investment for a structure owner, however every one of the circumstances of a provided setup should be meticulously weighed. And great workmanship on the mount is crucial.

Spray used roof covering- These are not technically re-roofs, they are thought about finishes. Some companies describe them as “re-plys”, as you are essentially including a ply to the existing roofing surface. There are numerous manufacturers supplying various items with various make-ups as well as requirements, also various to enter into totally below. If an existing roofing system is experiencing leakages however has actually not advanced to the point of outright failure, them might be good candidates for this solution.

Pros- Can be extremely inexpensive, specifically on roofing systems that have a lot of estimates and also rooftop cooling and heating devices. The material is pure white, which sometimes (specifically on steel roofs) can considerably decrease a/c air conditioning prices. As this is thought about to be roofing repair work instead of a brand-new roof covering, there are tax obligation benefits as well.

Disadvantages- The existing roofing must still remain in somewhat suitable condition. If put on a roof covering that has already fallen short, your cash will generally be lost. Additionally, since this material is sprayed on, any kind of automobiles within 100 feet approximately must be relocated throughout the application process, as this material will be incredibly difficult if not difficult to eliminate from an auto’s surface. Some makers do not guarantee this material if there is ANY ponding water on the roof covering. Can not be related to a roof with an existing gravel ballast.

Profits- This service might conserve a building owner a great deal of cash, if the existing roofing system is in good enough condition to approve the finish. Excellent service for metal roof coverings specifically.

Roofing is a serious business, and it’s important to find a Smile Roofing you can trust.

When it comes to your home, the last thing you want is an inexperienced or unreliable contractor on your roof. That’s why we’re here – we have been providing quality workmanship for over 30 years! We offer free estimates and will beat any written estimate from our competitors by 10%. We are licensed, bonded and insured as well as being members of the Better Business Bureau.

Smile Roofing
1215 S Point View St, Los Angeles, CA 90035
(888)-334-1141
smile-roofing.com

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