We may not think about it very much, but it is hard to think of a more essential piece of technology than a functioning roof. Maybe that is one reason why the United States roofing contractors industry is worth more than $57 billion each year! More than 264,000 people around the country work in the roofing industry.
With such a large industry, there should be no surprise that there are many options to choose between. When it comes to roof membrane options, many people are unsure which one is the best option for their unique situation. It is worth taking a little bit of time to understand your roof membrane options before deciding which one to buy.
So what are the different roof membrane types out there? Which kind provides the right combination of advantages for your building?
Read on to learn all about the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the right type of roof membrane!
Finding the Best Roof Membrane
The first thing everyone should understand about roof membranes is that there is no one best option.
Instead, there are several different kinds of roof membranes. Each of these kinds has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your building and your situation, the membrane roofing that is right for someone else may not be the right choice for you.
Instead of trying to figure out which membrane roofing is the best in general, it makes more sense to try to figure out which of the types of membrane roofing is the best fit for your specific situation. Some people may focus on lifespan while others place more importance on appearance.
Different Types of Roof Membranes
There are three main kinds of membrane roofing. The EPDM membrane roofing is made out of synthetic black rubber. This option is used almost only for commercial use.
It is not a common choice for housing because of how it looks. Its exterior surface can provide effective protection but looks most appropriate for a business or industrial building.
The second kind of membrane roofing is thermoplastic polyolefin membrane roofing. This is a flexible option that people use for a variety of types of buildings.
The last main option to consider is PVC membrane roofing. It is also an option for commercial and other kinds of buildings. So which of these options provides the right features for your situation?
The EPDM Rubber Roof Membrane
One of the main reasons this option is not used for some purposes is that it looks like a single smooth surface of black rubber. That disqualifies it from certain kinds of commercial use.
Not every commercial building needs to show off an appearance that looks good to passersby and potential customers. This might be a good choice for a warehouse roof or another building that people do not see as much.
Because the surface of this membrane is black, it has a tendency to absorb the heat of the Sun. That may be good in the winter months when absorbing heat will mean that it is easier to keep a building warm.
However, when it is hot outside, it will be more difficult to keep the building cool.
On the other hand, many people like these options because they do not develop a dirty appearance as easily. That can make them a good choice for a workspace where things can get messy.
The TPO Roof Membrane for Commercial Buildings
This roofing option looks like a smooth sheet of white plastic on top. Many people think it looks significantly better than rubber roof alternatives.
Because the surface is white instead of black, this roofing membrane has a tendency to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. That makes it a great choice for places looking to emphasize their thermal efficiency.
Many people have no idea how expensive air conditioning is. However, with rising energy prices, this might be the ideal time to lower your electrical usage and decrease your energy costs a little.
The PVC Membrane Roofing Option
PVC membrane roofing also provides a single-ply membrane in white. That means that it provides similar advantages when it comes to reflecting the energy of the Sun.
The main advantage that PVC membrane roofing has over TPO alternatives is that PVC options are somewhat more flexible.
How to Choose a Roof Membrane
Think through your priorities when it comes to your roof membrane. For some people, those priorities will include cost and durability. Other people will place more emphasis on the appearance and flexibility of a roof membrane.
Depending on what is most important to you, the right choice among these three roof membrane options will differ. You should keep in mind that it is just as important to find a great installation service as it is to make the right choice when it comes to your roof membrane.
Many people are unsure about how to choose among the many membrane roofing installation options out there. However, checking out reviews and ratings online can be a quick way to help you find a service that will do great work for you.
Make Sure to Choose the Right Kind of Roof Membrane for Your Situation
We hope that learning about your roof membrane options and how to choose between them has been helpful for you. The better you understand your options, the higher the chance that you will feel satisfied with your ultimate decision.
To learn more about how to get the right roof membrane for you, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!
