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