Nailing This Down

Posted on: 1 February 2022

Choosing a new roof for your commercial building isn't always easy because you have to consider cost, amount of disruption, anticipated longevity, and the need for ongoing repairs. Membrane roofing is often chosen for flat roofs, and when it comes to membranes, rubber is a popular choice. However, plastic is an option too. Here's why membrane roofing is so popular for commercial roofing projects.

Water Can't Get Under an Intact Membrane

Flat roofs have enough of a mild slope that rain should roll towards a roof drain or gutters. Still, this slope is not enough to make shingle roofing an option for many commercial buildings. There are too many seams with shingles, and the seams are not always sealed.

Metal roofing is often used on commercial buildings, but these need a low slope for drainage. That leaves membrane roofing that can tolerate being on a flat roof and stand up to occasional water puddles. While a membrane roof has some seams, the seams are welded or glued together so rain can't get under the roofing.

Membrane Roofs Are Easy to Repair

The membranes used for roofing material are tough, so they don't damage easily. However, punctures are possible if the roof gets a lot of foot traffic. Fortunately, both rubber and plastic membranes are easy to repair. A commercial roofing contractor cuts a patch out of a spare piece of membrane and covers the puncture. The patch is secured with adhesive or it's heat-welded in place to create a watertight seal.

Membrane Roofing Is Easy to Install

Membrane roofing is easy to install and it doesn't create a lot of noise and fumes like some types of roofing do. The membranes are spread over insulation boards so they have a smooth surface to adhere to. The membranes might be nailed in place and then seamed together. Sometimes, membrane roofing is held down with gravel, and that gives your roof an attractive finish.

Membrane Roofing Can Be Covered Over

Membrane roofing lasts a long time, and when it's worn out, it can be covered with a new membrane or coating. This makes membrane commercial roofing a good long-term investment for your building. Of course, your roof will have a much longer life if you have it checked for damage regularly and have repairs done to keep rain from getting under the roofing and soaking the insulation boards.

A commercial roofing contractor can explain the good and bad points of each type of membrane so you select the best one for your roof. You'll also get to choose the installation method that works best for your building and budget. You might want gravel installation, but you may prefer having a white membrane surface so it can reflect the sun and help with your utility bills. Contact a company such as Greenstreet Contracting & Restoration to learn more about commercial roofing.