What Are Your Roofing Options?

Installing a roof is a very important aspect of homewell as some flexibility. Metal Roofing Metal roofing is
and building construction since almost all structuresno longer limited to those leaky sliding panels
need something to serve as protection from theattached together rather insecurely and then
elements. So it is not surprising how roofing hasscrewed or nailed to a frame. Today, there are metal
developed over the course of history and even justroofs that have more secure concealed clips that can
over the past two decades. As more homes arebe expanded or contracted. Perhaps the most
being built, more options of roofing have sprouted asimportant factor for choosing metal roofing is its life
well. This fills several requirements, not only ofexpectancy: metal does not decompose or break
function, but also of aesthetics. Following are somedown even with exposure to extremes in weather.
of the roofing options that a home owenr can selectSome 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 layerthe greater possibility of leaks compared to other
make of plastic or elastic material. Because there isroofing options. If metal is not installed properly, leaks
only one layer, this type of roofing is thick. There areare likely to occur. The Built-up Roof If there is one
two types of single-ply roofs, first, thermosetroofing option that is considered a classic, it would
membranes whose seams are sealed using adhesivesmost definitely be the built-up roof system.
and second, thermoplastic membranes whose seamsDeveloped for over a century ago, this type of roof
are welded using heat or a solvent. There are threehas 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 lightcourse, 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 maywho chose this type have seen it work quite well.
be sensitive to certain substances and great careThe built-up roof is generally preferred in places of
should be taken when choosing from different kindshigh traffic and when there is a possibility for the
of single-plys. EPDM and PVC-based materials can beroof to be subjected to mechanical abuse. The
damaged when exposed to oil, jet fuel, and cookingbuilt-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 membranewith its multiple layers and gravel surfacing. Since this
should be checked carefully. Modified-Bitumen Roofingis a popular choice, it is usually easy to find a
Systems Modified-bitumen roofs have similarcontractor 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 optiondisadvantage with built-up roofs is inflexibility. The
is that it performs significantly better during coldroof may be subject to damage due to structural or
weather. This type of roofing has been developed tothermal movement. A long building would need
become flexible when the temperature is low. Theyadditional roofing support to prevent the roof from
can adapt to temperature changes better than thedamage due to contraction. The compression due to
built-up roof. There are two type ofcold 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). TheMuch care is needed if these factors are pronounced
plastic-based membranes are usually installed usingin a particular area. There are several other roofing
torches while the rubber-based membranes areoptions these days. It is just important to choose the
installed using cold adhesives or hot asphalt. Mostright type for the right structure. Whether it is new
modified-bitumen roofs already have granulatedor traditional in style, good roofing should serve its
surfaces so they are lighter than built-up roofs thatpurpose of providing good shelter and protection.
have gravel surfaces. Modified-bitumen roofs mayVisit to learn more about roofing options and standing
also be added as cap sheets on top of existingseam roofing.
built-up roofs. This adds redundancy to the roofing as