Rolled roofing emerged during the late 19th Century and it became a common roofing material for low plane roofs. One of the best things about roll roofing is that it is a low cost option that you can use on small areas such as over sheds, garage, and a flat roof.
There are different types of rolled roofs that you can use depending on the square foot you are trying to cover and your area’s weather.
There are also plenty of things that affect the durability and lifespan of rolled roofs, and this guide will tell you all about the basics.
Let’s begin:
What Is Roll Roofing?
This roofing material consists of 2 or 3 layers with asphalt composite and a felt base. Some rolls are self-adhesive, some are nailed down on the roof, and some require heat welding during the installation.
The reason why most people go for rolled roofing over shingles when it comes to low plane roofs is primarily the cost.
Depending on the material, roll roofing can cost anywhere between $1.50 and $6 per square foot. Most architects recommend metal or rolled roofs for flat surfaces as it provides better insulation and coverage.
Rolled Roofing Materials
Flat roofs are available in rolls, which might make you think that their application is easy but handling them can be quite difficult. Typically, a roll is 6 to 20 feet wide and 100 feet long. Most of the rolls contain rubber or a combination of different materials.
Following are the most common types of roll roofing materials:
Rubber:
This is one of the least expensive roll roofing options. It is widely used in residential areas and is usually made from sawdust, slate dust, or recycled tires.
This roofing material is the easiest to install by overlapping the sheets on a flat roof. The three major benefits of rubber roofing are that it’s cheap, easily maintainable, and durable.
Asphalt:
This roofing has an oil-based, mineral surface. It is made of fiberglass mat or thick organic, felt. The roll itself is saturated with asphalt and then topped with mineral granules that offer benefits such as sunlight reflection and impact resistance.
While this roll roofing material is cheap, it is less durable than rubber. On the other hand, it can be installed pretty quickly, which saves you a lot of money on labor.
EPDM Roofing:
This roofing material comes at a spot above rubber roofing and is made by combining three materials — sawdust, slate dust, and recycled tires. The reason why EPDM roofing is better than rubber roofing is because it very lightweight but still durable. It is inexpensive and can be easily installed due to the adhesive seams. This prevents any leaks and makes the material last longer.
TPO:
This roofing material is popular due to its cost. It is made from a combination of ethylene-propylene and polypropylene rubber. However, its manufacturing differs from company to company, which is why its quality and durability vary greatly.
In general, TPO roofing is quite durable. It is cheaper than EPDM and its white color provides heat resistance. Moreover, it prevents mildew and algae growth and is corrosion-resistant.
Bitumen Roofing:
This roofing material is another form of asphalt roofing that has now become available in rolls. You can find it in cold-press adhesive or self-adhesive with the seams fused together. The right bitumen roll can outlast all roofing materials and if maintained properly, it can last for more than 20 years.
How Long Does Rolled Roofing Last?
As explained above, every rolled roof is made from different materials, which makes some less durable and others highly durable. Let’s have a look at the lifespan of each roofing material:
- Rubber: 20 years
- Asphalt: 5 to 15 years
- EPDM: 20 to 30 years
- TPO: 20 years
- Bitumen: 12 to 20 years
Pros and Cons of Rolled Roof
Pros
- Compared to shingles, rolled roofing is fairly less expensive and the installation comes at a low cost
- Roof rolls are the best way to cover flat and low-incline roofs
- Most of the rolls come with adhesives, which makes the application easier (avoid using nails on flat roofs as this can lead to leaks)
- Rolled roof is light in weight and easy to transport
- Rolled roofing is adaptable (it can be cut into strips for rakes and eaves)
- Rolled roofing can be easily laid down on existing roof (the extra layers works as insulation)
Cons
- Roll roofing is mostly available in black color. You might find green, gray, and tan colors in some materials
- Compared to shingles, rolled roofing is less durable
- It does not add any aesthetic appeal to your house
- Shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years if maintained correctly, whereas rolled roofs have a lifespan of 5 to 20 years
- It lowers the resale value of houses
In order to find out what material will work best for your roof, you need to delve deep into what is roll roofing. Now that you know the basics about this roofing option, you can make an informed decision when choosing it for your house. If you are looking for more informatory articles such as this, then visit Epic Home Ideas.
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