What is a Roofing Membrane?

Roofing Membrane is a type of roofing system that creates a watertight roof covering for buildings and tanks to protect the interior of the building. Roofing membranes are usually made of modified bitumen, PVC, thermoplastic, synthetic rubber or similar materials. The most common feature of the roofing membrane is to provide a thin protective layer of material that prevents leaks. 

Roofing membranes of thickness 30 to 60 millimeters is usually used while installing. Thin materials are usually preferred over other materials as thinner material provides ease of installation and repairs. The main purpose of roofing membranes is to prevent water from leaking into your home. Roofing membranes are highly advised by contractors and architects as they are the most durable option in the market today. 

Roofing membranes are waterproof, inexpensive and are easy to install and repair. Roofing membranes prevent water from pooling on your roof and doing damage to the interior space. 

Types of Roofing membrane 

There are three main types of roofing membrane according to your specific needs are listed below.

• Thermoset membrane 

Thermoset membranes are generally made from synthetic rubber, although thermoset membranes can be made from other materials. Thermoset membranes set permanently after being heated. 

• Thermoplastic membrane 

Thermoplastic roofing membranes are made from compounds like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic olefin (TPO). Plasticizers are used to increase the flexibility of thermoplastic membranes. Thermoplastic membranes can be reshaped and resealed by simply heating as after cures it does not create a chemical cross-link.  

• Modified bitumen

Modified Bitumen Membranes is a cross combination of an asphalt roof and a rubber roofing membrane. Bitumen is a black and viscous compound used to create asphalt. Bitumen membranes are called modified as modifiers like polyester fibers are added to the compound to increase the strength, flexibility, durability of the material.  

Materials Life-Span

The Life-span of roofing membrane materials depends on a number of factors starting with proper installation, climate change, and accessibility. Below is what you can expect from the materials in terms of life-span.

Bitumen - 10 to 20 years

TPO - 7 to 15 years

PVC - 15 to 25 years

Spray on - up to 20 years

Build Up roof - 10 to 20 years

EPDM - 12 to 15 years 

Advantages of Roofing Membrane

• Cost

Roofing membranes are significantly more cost-effective than other materials. Roofing membranes are less expensive and the cost of repairing a commercial roofing system is also less expensive. 

• Durability 

Membrane offers excellent protection and durability. The membranes and flexible and can withstand chemicals, oils, and punctures. 

• Energy efficiency

One of the most important Advantages of membrane is their ability to control energy cost because of its heat resistance properties. Roofing membranes are highly reflective and repel UV rays away from the construction decreasing the cooling expenses.

• Weather resistance

Membranes can withstand extreme temperatures, winds, hail storms, heavy rain, and even debris that come with the strongest storms.

• Ease of installation

Roofing membranes are easy to install and can be ballasted, mechanically attached or can be adhered using adhesive. During installation, the sheets can be welded together to achieve a watertight and durable seal.  

• Flexibility 

Disadvantages of Roofing membrane

• Weak puncture resistance

There are high chances that material will have leaks if the material comes in direct contact with sharp objects and tools. Punctures can be easily repaired by patching up a small sheet of material.

• Adhesive degradation 

UV rays have a tendency to melt the adhesive attaching the membrane to the roof. This can affect the quality of insulation achieved by the material. 

How to Install Roofing membrane?