Skip to content
Menu
DIY Projects for Home
DIY Projects for Home

Different Types of Membranes for Commercial Flat Roofs

Posted on February 20, 2015

Eco friendly roofing options

Flat roof types are commonly used as commercial roofing solutions. There are several different types of commercial roofing materials that can be used as a membrane for a flat roof. Here are just a few:

  • Built Up Roofing

    Built up roofing (BUR) involves placing either asphalt waterproofing or coal tar pitch between piles of felt that reinforces the roof. These materials prevent flat roof leaks when installed properly, and there are pros and cons to both types of commercial roofing materials used in BUR.
  • Modified Bitumen

    Modified bitumen membranes are similar to built up roofing, but they’re pre-manufactured and come in rolls. Usually they use coal tar or modified asphalt as a waterproofing membrane. Rubber is used to protect the roof from lows temperatures and stretching. Modified bitumen membranes can be installed on top of a built up membrane and adhered with a torch, mop or other adhesive agent.
  • Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

    Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or EPDM also comes in large sheets, but it’s applied to a roof’s insulation. EPDM is often held in place using rock or paver ballasts, though it can be adhered as well.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride

    Polyvinyl Chloride (or PVC) sheets come in rolls as well and are attached to the roof deck mechanically using plates and screws. Seams may be heat welded and sealed depending on the roof.
  • Single Ply

    Single ply roofs are among the simplest types of commercial roofing materials. They consist of a single layer of roofing material composed of rubbers and polymer plastics.
  • TerPolymer Olefins

    TerPolymer Olefins or TPO are sheet membranes with a fleece backing that are adhered to the insulation of a roof.
  • Overburden Systems

    Overburden systems usually require some form of topping to hold the membrane in place. These toppings can be ballasts, paver systems, river rocks coated in adhesives, or some form of coating. All of these protect the system from light and damage.

Each system has different advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to consult with flat roof specialists before you settle on a membrane.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Easy Home Projects

There is so much you can do with your old house. Let us guide you through a variety of inexpensive, easy home improvement projects with informational articles, home improvement product reviews, up and coming design trends, even build a home greenhouse!

Recent Posts

  • Master Bedroom Must Haves to Brighten Your Space
  • Keep Warm and Stay Safe With These House Projects
  • 10 Practical Solutions for Your Kitchen Problems
  • The Journey of Groundwater
  • How to Update a Traditional Living Room

Archives

January 2023
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Dec    
©2023 DIY Projects for Home | WordPress Theme: EcoCoded