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Sheet Rubber Roofing
Flat or low sloping roofs are notoriously
prone to leaking. Traditional roofing shingles
cannot provide adequate protection from leaks
because they rely on rainwater quickly running
off the surface of the roof and not collecting
in pools that need to evaporate. Recently
developed single ply membrane roofing materials
can supply reliable permanent waterproofing
for flat roofs. They can insure that rooftop
decks and garden spaces will not lead to
expensive interior water damage. These membranes
are made from specially formulated compounds
that are usually synthetic rubber but that
can also be PVC plastics. They have been
designed to minimize shrinkage and to stand
up to adverse weather conditions.
If you are thinking of installing a sheet
rubber roof, consider the following:
- These sheets are either mechanically fastened
or glued down to the roof. Special adhesives,
solvents, and tapes are part of an installation
system that will also include termination
bars, flashing materials, and roof drains.
- The sheets can be manufactured in widths
up to 50 feet. This means that
any seams
which might leak water can
usually be eliminated
if there are no heating or
plumbing vents
or pipe openings.
- Installing these sheets can be an opportunity
to upgrade the building’s insulation,
as
a high performance insulating
material can
be laid under the membrane
before it is put
down.
- These moderately priced roofing systems are
generally warranted to last
for 20 years.
If you are thinking of incorporating a "green" roof in your building’s design, it will be necessary
to install a rubber sheet underneath it. |
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