Comparative review of materials for the roof of a flat roof: select the best option

For a flat roof to be durable, energy-efficient, and structurally sound, the right roofing material must be chosen. Considering the range of options available, each with specific advantages and factors to take into account, choosing wisely can have a big impact on the lifespan and functionality of your roof.

Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs need materials that can withstand water pooling and possible drainage problems. Because of their flexibility and ability to waterproof, materials like modified bitumen, EPDM rubber, PVC membranes, and TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) are among the most often used for flat roofs.

A variation on conventional asphalt roofing, modified bitumen offers long-term dependability and simplicity of installation. Because it is made of layers of bitumen reinforced with polyester or fiberglass, it is impervious to rips and tears. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) rubber is well-known for its affordability and toughness. It provides exceptional protection against UV radiation and high temperatures, making it the perfect choice for regions with a wide range of weather patterns.

Roofs made of TPO and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are popular because they are energy-efficient and beneficial to the environment. PVC membranes are appropriate for commercial applications because of their robust resistance to fire, oil, and chemicals. A more recent alternative, TPO, provides comparable advantages with improved flexibility and heat-welded seams that guarantee an airtight seal.

The best roofing material for a flat roof should be chosen after careful consideration of various factors, including climate, longevity, installation costs, and maintenance needs. Every material has advantages and disadvantages that affect things like lifetime, effect on the environment, and initial outlay. By comparing these elements to your particular needs and financial constraints, you can select a roofing material that not only satisfies your needs but also extends the lifespan and overall efficiency of your building.

Material Type	Advantages
EPDM Rubber Membrane	Excellent durability, resistant to UV rays and weathering, low maintenance
PVC Membrane	Strong resistance to chemicals, punctures, and fire, lightweight
TPO Membrane	Energy-efficient, highly reflective surface, resistant to dirt buildup

Option #1 – bitumen materials

These are materials, a robust base saturated with modified or oxidized bitumen, in the form of rolls. are provided in rolls that are 10–30 m long and roughly 1 m wide.

Bitumen materials come in the following varieties:

• roofing material;
• RUBMAST;
• glassizol;
• euro-ruble or bitumen-polymer membrane.

Ruberoid

One of the most popular waterproofing coatings, both during the Soviet era and currently, is ruberoid. It is actually a bitumen-saturated cardboard. The roofing material has a protective pouring (sand, asbestos, talc, etc.) on one or both sides. The roof’s lifespan made of roofing material is five to ten years.

Ruberoid’s waterproofing qualities are undeniable because of its low water absorption rate. It can tolerate rain, hail, and snow blocks because of its resistance to mechanical forces and atmospheric phenomena.

Unfortunately, the roofing material melts in heat above 50 °C and cracks in cold weather because it is not resistant to extreme temperature changes. You do not need to count in order for long-term operation to function without repairs. The typical "life" of a roof made of roofing material is five to ten years. To this material’s defense, though, keep in mind that it is reasonably priced and easy to install. All that needs to be done is lay out the rolls on the roof, apply bitumen mastic to the base, and carefully glue the seams together.

RUBMAST

In actuality, rubemast is merely an upgraded, more contemporary form of the same roofing material. Although it is constructed similarly to roofing cardboard, it differs in that the bottom layer of bitumen is thicker. As a result, the rubemast has greater flexibility and is less vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and mechanical stresses that could cause cracks to form. As a result, he has a roughly 15-year service life longer than a typical roofing material.

The term salary materials is RUBMASTA. Solvents or the lower layer of a propane burner are melted to style it.

Glassesol

Glassesol, which translates to "glass ruble, glass fruit," already denotes a few different materials, despite its superficial similarity to rubles and roofing material. The filling is the only thing that differs. Glass Churraeus is made of fiberglass or fiberglass coated in bitumen as its base material. The material is covered with a layer of granular pouring, and an easy-toe film is fixed from below. As a result, the method is used to install the glass.

Fiberglass does not decay like cardboard does. They serve as the material’s "reinforcement," holding the flexible bitumen in place and preventing it from breaking. As a result, glass insulation is more resilient than rubemast and roofing material. It can live up to 20 years.

Euro -Ruberoid

Even though each of the materials on the list has benefits, the euro-ruble—the most advanced and useful bitumen coating—is a cut above them. That being said, it would be more accurate to refer to it as bitumen polymer rather than bitumen. The bitumen in Euro-Ruberoid has been altered with different additives, like rubber fragments, to give the final product unique flexibility and waterproofing qualities.

The fundamental material of the euro-ruble is polyester (polyester) or fiberglass (canvas, fabric). These materials are long-lasting synthetics that do not decay. A bitumen binding made of bitumen, fillers, and additives is applied on both sides of the base. talco, sand, shale, or other bulk materials; or protective layers of polymer film on the top and bottom of the canvas.

Typically, the euro-ruble is installed by using a burner to melt the lower bitumen-polymer layer and then adhering it to the roof. This styling technique is specific to coatings that have an indicator film made of polymers. Material with an existing layer of self-adhesive makes installation easier. The canvas only needs to be glued to a previously prepared spot after the protective film is removed, making installation on the roof simple.

Watch this brief video to learn more about the features of the Euro-Ruberoid using Technonikol’s Technoelast material as an example:

Option #2 – polymer membranes

Though they are relatively new in our nation, these materials are already very well-liked. Polymer membranes represent a distinct category of roofing roller coatings, distinguished by their enhanced elasticity and unwavering resistance to temperature fluctuations and mechanical loads. Rolls of members up to 20 m wide and 60 m long are supplied. These remarkable dimensions enable the creation of coatings with fewer joints and seams—which may pose a risk for leaks.

The longevity of membrane roofs, which is far better than that of any other option, is a major factor in their appeal. They live for a minimum of 30 to 50 years.

Membrane roof installation is quick because it is a fairly straightforward process. Installing membranes is 1.5 times faster than applying bitumen roller coatings, according to experimental roofers (under the same conditions).

PVC, TPO, and EPDM are the three types of membranes, which are separated by the polymer that makes up the canvas’s base.

PVC membranes

Polyvinyl chloride serves as the foundation for the PVC membrane, and its armature is made of a polyester grid. About 40% of the PVC composition contains volatile plasticizers, which are progressively released after installation to improve the material’s elasticity.

Although PVC membranes come in a variety of colors, they regrettably have a tendency to gradually fade in the sun.

During installation, the PVC canvas is first fastened mechanically (using telescopic fasteners), and the joints are subsequently welded using hot air after the second overlap is laid over it. Diffusion welding is an additional choice. In this instance, the panels are seized and the load is positioned on top after a solvent is applied to the membrane’s surface (at the seams).

TPO-membranes

Thermoplastic olefins are the basis for the production of TPO membranes. Grid made of polyester or fiberglass is used as reinforcement. Nonetheless, these membranes can function without internal assistance, which is why non-articulated TPO canvases are available for purchase.

Because the material doesn’t contain volatile plasticizers, it’s regarded as more environmentally friendly than a PVC equivalent. Furthermore, it is the membrane that is most resistant to frost of all (withstands down to -62 ° C).

Usually, a hot air stream is used to connect the TPO rolls to the roof’s monolithic surface.

EPDM membranes

EPDM membranes are made of rolled rubber that have been strengthened with glass chloride or polyester grid. It differs from other membranes in that it is less expensive and has a 400% higher elasticity.

Apart from pure EPDM, which is a rubber-based material, composite materials are also made with a rubber top layer and a flexible bitumen-polymer bottom layer.

EPDM is not affected by bitumen or its alterations. As a result, membrane installation is permitted over the existing bitumen roof, eliminating the need to disassemble it and making repair work easier.

Using a double-sided tape, the seams are combined to lay EPDM. Because this method is not as dependable as welding, which is the method used for PVC and TPO membranes, more adhesive compositions must be used. There is also a version of the ballast installation where the membrane is covered with pebbles, rubble, etc., and fixed using telescopic fasteners.

The following video reception contains fascinating details regarding the traits, benefits, and features of EPDM membrane production:

Option #3 – mastic

It is not necessary to use rolled materials to create joints with seams in order to create a soft roof. Roofing mastics is an option instead. They can assist you in creating a roof that is completely seamless and monolithic, with a service life of three to ten years.

When mastic is applied to the roof’s surface, it is a viscous fluid mixture that solidifies in the presence of air. The end product is a seamless, uniform monolithic coating. Here, the application of mastics as building materials for mastic roofs is discussed. However, they are utilized as adhesives when putting in a roller-based roof carpet.

Mastics are made of special additives, organic binders, and mineral fillers that enhance the material’s properties. Within an hour of being applied to the roof, the mastic freezes and transforms into a smooth, elastic film.

Mastic can be used in both hot and cold conditions. Cold ones don’t require any prior preparation and can be applied directly to the roof. Hot: 160–180 °C is the required temperature for heating. The increased use of cold mastics is attributed to their ease of application and lack of burn risk. Hot mastics, on the other hand, freeze more quickly—almost instantly.

Mastics vary depending on composition and can be:

• bitumen;
• bitumen resin (with rubber crumb);
• bitumen-polymer (with polymer components);
• Polymer.

Bitumen mastic, comprising oil bitumen, filler, and an antiseptic substance, is the most basic composition. The limited temperature range of this type of material makes it unsuitable for use on mastic roofs.

Manufacturers obtain a different material—bitumen-resistant mastic—that is better suited for roofing by mixing rubber crumbs with bituminous mastic. It develops into a robust, elastic coating that is resistant to harsh operating environments and high temperatures after drying. Bitumen-resin mastics can be used to create mastic roofs as well as repair a variety of other roller roof designs.

By modifying oil bitumen with different polymers—rubber, oil-polymer resins, artificial waxes—bitumen-polymer mastics are obtained. They create a continuous, flexible membrane with excellent waterproofing qualities after drying. They are also employed in the repair and adhesion of roller bitumen materials.

Polymer compositions are the final type of mastic that can be used to repair rolled roofing and large roofs. They contain no bitumen; instead, the amount of synthetic resins and polymers determines their functional characteristics. The roof membranes made with polymer mastics stand out for their durability, elasticity, and UV resistance.

It is reasonable to say that polymer compositions are the most persistent. What characteristics do they possess? And how should they be used to get a trustworthy mastic roof? Watch the video; the following questions have answers:

Selecting the appropriate material is essential for a flat roof’s longevity, usability, and general effectiveness. Depending on your needs and budget, each material option—EPDM rubber, PVC membrane, and TPO membrane—offers unique advantages.

EPDM rubber is renowned for its affordability and resistance to weathering. It is a well-liked option since it can tolerate high temperatures and UV rays without experiencing noticeable deterioration over time. It might, however, require more upkeep over time and be more prone to punctures.

Conversely, PVC membranes have a high level of resistance to abrasions, oils, and chemicals. They are a popular choice for many flat roof applications because of their great flexibility and ease of installation. In warmer climates, their reflective qualities also help with energy efficiency and lower cooling expenses.

TPO membranes combine the advantages of EPDM and PVC, providing strong chemical and UV resistance along with being recyclable and environmentally friendly. They are simple to handle during installation and maintenance because they are robust but lightweight.

In the end, the ideal option for your flat roof will rely on elements like climate, cost, and particular needs like chemical resistance or simplicity of installation. Speaking with a roofing expert can assist you in making an informed choice that takes into account your particular situation.

The best roofing material for a flat roof should take into account a number of important factors, such as maintenance requirements, cost-effectiveness, and durability. This review provides an analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of a number of options, including modified bitumen, EPDM rubber, built-up roofs, and PVC membranes. Property owners can ensure long-term protection and value for their flat roof investments by making informed decisions based on their understanding of these materials’ performance in terms of weather resistance, lifespan, and ease of installation."

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