Roof Membrane Explained

Tpo stands for thermoplastic polyolefin a single ply roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof.

Roof membrane explained.

Written by larry bohan on 26 september 2018. Modified bitumen roofing is a cross between a rubber roofing membrane and an asphalt roof. For a flat roof these newer synthetic membranes offer a great leak proof option. Membrane roofing refers to a number of different roofing materials.

Single ply membrane roofing does not have a hard top layer to protect the synthetic rubber from dropped tools gravel or loose screws from being pushed into the rubber. Epdm is available in both black and white and is sold a broad variety of widths. The materials on flat roofs are mostly rubber. This coating made of felt saturated with asphalt or a synthetic fabric protects the shingles against resin released by the wood decking and protects the decking itself against bad weather.

Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system for buildings and tanks. While we explained in the paragraph above that single ply membrane roofing is lightweight and flexible that also leads us to our first con the thin layers are easily punctured. Its two primary ingredients ethylene and propylene are derived from oil and natural gas. Epdm is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane ethylene propylene diene terpolymer widely used in low slope buildings in the united states and worldwide.

It is used to create a watertight roof covering to protect the interior of a building. The name is a bit misleading because rather than being a plastic tpo is actually one of a few different types of rubber usually a blend of polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. While we cannot tell you what materials were used on the house of capulet in late 16th century verona we can explain the crucial differences between the breathable membrane and non breathable membrane used in today s roofing industry. Although tpo is a vinyl type of material we will also include it as part of.

The good news is that we don t have to take a stab in the dark when it comes to selecting the right waterproof membrane. Modified bitumen torch down roofing. Historically the most common type was a tar and pitch membrane but newer synthetic materials are quickly taking over. There are three types of roofing systems used for rubber membrane roofs.

The location of the roof its pitch baton gauge and the tile used are all important considerations and the best breathable roof membrane for one project may be poorly suited to another. To breathe or not to breathe that is the question. Ice damming on roofs. Rubber membranes are part of most flat roofs.

Flat roof materials explained.