Stay Informed with Chisholm Roofing's Blog

Stay informed by reading the blog from your trusted Vancouver roofers at Chisholm Roofing. Check back often for the latest posts. If you have questions about something you read here, contact us for more information.

Is Membrane Roofing a Good Choice for Residential Projects?

Originally, the benefits of membrane roofing were enjoyed only by businesses. Now, owners of residential homes are discovering that membrane roofing is well worth the investment too.

What is Membrane Roofing?

Membrane roofs are built for flat roofs and are especially designed to prevent leaks and water pooling.

There are 3 types of membrane roofs:

Synthetic Rubber (Thermoset):

Sheets of rubber are laid across the roof’s surface and the seams are melted together to form an unbreakable chemical bond. Rubber membrane roofs are very thick—between 30 and 60 mils.

Thermoplastic Membrane:

Thermoplastic membrane roofs are similar to synthetic rubber, although PVC is used instead of plastic. The sheets don’t bond chemically, but they do form a seal. This type of roof is less expensive than synthetic rubber but may require more maintenance.

Modified Bitumen:

This is the most common and affordable membrane roof style, made from asphalt and other materials. Like the other membrane forms, the material is typically melted together to create a seal.

Why Choose Membrane Roofing?

There are many reasons why someone would choose membrane roofing. Here are just a few:

• It keeps out leaks. Since the materials in a membrane roof are fused together, you’ll be hard pressed to find a roof leak. In contrast, asphalt and gravel roofs are not sealed and are more likely to leak.
• It resists sun damage. Membrane roofs don’t reflect the sun’s rays and resist expansion and contraction in the sun, which allows them to avoid degradation and sun damage.
• It’s durable. There are repairs needed, meaning you won’t need to spend endless weekends fixing shingles and other problems.
• It’s easier to repair. It’s much easier to locate the exact point of a leak with membrane roofing than it is with asphalt roofing.
• It’s weatherproof. Membrane roofing includes weatherproof materials that can easily withstand freezing and thawing temperatures.

Should You Choose Membrane Roofing?

When choosing a roof for your home or business, it’s important to consider your budget and needs. At the same time, be aware that membrane roofing may save you a lot of money in the long run because you won’t need to pay for as many repairs. Experts have calculated total life costs of membrane roofing versus asphalt roofing and have found that membrane roofing is less expensive over time.

We want you to make the best choice for you and your home, so call us at 604-325-8099 if you have any questions about membrane roofs.