If your home or business is in need of a new roof, you may be wondering if rolled roofing is a suitable option for your property. As with other types of roofing, there are pros and cons to the use of rolled roofing, and the more you know, the easier it will be to make a smart decision.
Rolled roofing
First, it is important to know that rolled roofing is still a fairly new option. The concept has been around for quite some time, but rolled roofing is only now starting to gain popularity with ordinary homeowners and the owners of commercial buildings.
The fact that rolled roofing has a limited track record makes your choice of contractor even more critical. Choosing a contractor who specializes in rolled roofing is important, so shop around carefully and check the reputation of any contractor you are considering.
Seams
It is also important to know that, while rolled roofing materials are designed for durability and long life, there are some potential points of weakness. The weakest point on any rolled roofing installation is the seams between the rolls. If your home or business is small enough to cover with a single roll, this seam problem will not be a problem. If your roofing project requires multiple rolls, the potential weakness in the seams becomes a much bigger deal.
There are ways to make those seams more stable and less prone to fail, and that is why the choice of contractor is so important. An experienced rolled roofing contractor will seal the seams between rolls with quality materials, greatly reducing the risk of leaks and other problems.
Roofing contractors use a number of materials to seal the seams where two rolls meet. Depending on the contractor and the roofing installation, those materials may include a special latex tape or a tar adhesive.
Another thing to know about rolled roofing is that it will expand and contract in response to weather conditions, especially changes in temperature. This cycle of shrinkage and growth can reduce the stability of the roof over time, making the quality of the seams and the materials used to seal them even more critical.
Installation
One of the reasons rolled roofing is such a popular choice is its relative ease of installation. The fact that rolled roofing comes in large sheets makes it easier to install, which in turn can reduce the cost of the project. Most rolled roofing can be easily applied to the roof deck, either directly or with a specialized adhesive. Other types of rolled roofing must be nailed or otherwise fastened into place, but the large rolls still make the installation easier than a traditional roof.
Lifespan
While manufacturers of rolled roofing often tout its durability and resistance to leaks, the actual lifespan of a rolled roof varies greatly depending on the quality of the installation and the types of materials used to create the rolls. For the most part, owners of homes and commercial buildings can expect their new rolled roofs to last between 10 and 20 years, although some can last even longer.
You have a lot of choices when it comes time to replace the root and it is important to weigh your options carefully. For owners of flat-roofed buildings, rolled roofing can be an inexpensive alternative to other types of materials, and knowing what to look for can help you make a wise decision.
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