| Installing a roof is a very important aspect of home | | | | existing built-up roofs. This adds redundancy to the |
| and building construction since almost all structures | | | | roofing as well as some flexibility. |
| need something to serve as protection from the | | | | Metal Roofing |
| elements. So it is not surprising how roofing has | | | | Metal roofing is no longer limited to those leaky sliding |
| developed over the course of history and even just | | | | panels attached together rather insecurely and then |
| over the past two decades. As more homes are | | | | screwed or nailed to a frame. Today, there are metal |
| being built, more options of roofing have sprouted as | | | | roofs that have more secure concealed clips that can |
| well. This fills several requirements, not only of function, | | | | be expanded or contracted. |
| but also of aesthetics. Following are some of the | | | | Perhaps the most important factor for choosing metal |
| roofing options that a home owenr can select from. | | | | roofing is its life expectancy: metal does not |
| Single-Ply Roofing Systems | | | | decompose or break down even with exposure to |
| Singly-ply roofing, as its name suggests, is comprised | | | | extremes in weather. Some metal roofing may have |
| of a single layer make of plastic or elastic material. | | | | warranties of up to 50 years. The disadvantage with |
| Because there is only one layer, this type of roofing is | | | | metal however is the greater possibility of leaks |
| thick. There are two types of single-ply roofs, first, | | | | compared to other roofing options. If metal is not |
| thermoset membranes whose seams are sealed | | | | installed properly, leaks are likely to occur. |
| using adhesives and second, thermoplastic membranes | | | | The Built-up Roof |
| whose seams are welded using heat or a solvent. | | | | If there is one roofing option that is considered a |
| There are three types of attachment for single-plys - | | | | classic, it would most definitely be the built-up roof |
| ballasted, loose-laid and fully adhered. Because of its | | | | system. Developed for over a century ago, this type |
| light weight, the single-ply is often used for re-covering. | | | | of roof has a time-tested reputation that makes it |
| They are also quite inexpensive. | | | | almost an automatic choice for a lot of home builders. |
| Single-ply roofs may be sensitive to certain | | | | Of course, this is not a perfect roofing option as it can |
| substances and great care should be taken when | | | | pose some considerable limitations, but a lot of those |
| choosing from different kinds of single-plys. EPDM and | | | | who chose this type have seen it work quite well. |
| PVC-based materials can be damaged when | | | | The built-up roof is generally preferred in places of high |
| exposed to oil, jet fuel, and cooking grease. When | | | | traffic and when there is a possibility for the roof to be |
| there are such emissions in the area, the chemical | | | | subjected to mechanical abuse. The built-up roof's |
| composition of the single-ply membrane should be | | | | membrane is generally thicker and stronger compared |
| checked carefully. | | | | to most other roofing options with its multiple layers |
| Modified-Bitumen Roofing Systems | | | | and gravel surfacing. Since this is a popular choice, it is |
| Modified-bitumen roofs have similar advantages and | | | | usually easy to find a contractor who can handle both |
| disadvantages as built-up roofs. However, one great | | | | installation and repair of this roof type in most locations. |
| advantage of this roofing option is that it performs | | | | The main disadvantage with built-up roofs is inflexibility. |
| significantly better during cold weather. This type of | | | | The roof may be subject to damage due to structural |
| roofing has been developed to become flexible when | | | | or thermal movement. A long building would need |
| the temperature is low. They can adapt to | | | | additional roofing support to prevent the roof from |
| temperature changes better than the built-up roof. | | | | damage due to contraction. The compression due to |
| There are two type of modified-bitumen roofs - the | | | | cold temperatures or stretching due to hot |
| plastic-based ones (APP) and the rubber-based ones | | | | temperatures may also take a toll on built-up roofs. |
| (SEBS and SBS). The plastic-based membranes are | | | | Much care is needed if these factors are pronounced |
| usually installed using torches while the rubber-based | | | | in a particular area. |
| membranes are installed using cold adhesives or hot | | | | There are several other roofing options these days. It |
| asphalt. Most modified-bitumen roofs already have | | | | is just important to choose the right type for the right |
| granulated surfaces so they are lighter than built-up | | | | structure. Whether it is new or traditional in style, good |
| roofs that have gravel surfaces. Modified-bitumen | | | | roofing should serve its purpose of providing good |
| roofs may also be added as cap sheets on top of | | | | shelter and protection. |