Roof Membrane Explained

Modified bitumen torch down roofing.

Roof membrane explained.

Although tpo is a vinyl type of material we will also include it as part of. 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. The roofing membrane is called modified due to the addition of modifiers such as polyester fiber which creates a strong durable and thin roofing material. It is used to create a watertight roof covering to protect the interior of a building.

Epdm is available in both black and white and is sold a broad variety of widths. 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. Bitumen is the black viscous compound used to create asphalt. Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system for buildings and tanks.

The materials on flat roofs are mostly rubber. The location of the roof its pitch baton gauge and the tile used are all important considerations and the best breathable roof membrane for one project may be poorly suited to another. Its two primary ingredients ethylene and propylene are derived from oil and natural gas. Tpo stands for thermoplastic polyolefin a single ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof.

Rubber membranes are part of most flat roofs. There are three types of roofing systems used for rubber membrane roofs. Written by larry bohan on 26 september 2018. Historically the most common type was a tar and pitch membrane but newer synthetic materials are quickly taking over.

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. For a flat roof these newer synthetic membranes offer a great leak proof option. Membrane roofing refers to a number of different roofing materials. While we cannot tell you what materials were used on the house of capulet in late 16th century verona we can explain the crucial differences between the breathable membrane and non breathable membrane used in today s roofing industry.

Flat roof materials explained. The good news is that we don t have to take a stab in the dark when it comes to selecting the right waterproof membrane. Membrane roofs are most commonly made from synthetic rubber thermoplastic pvc or similar material or modified bitumen membrane roofs are most commonly used in commercial application though they are becoming increasingly common in. Modified bitumen roofing is a cross between a rubber roofing membrane and an asphalt roof.

To breathe or not to breathe that is the question.