Polymer roof: overview of materials for the pitched and flat roof

Here at "All about the Roof," we cover all the information you require to understand roofing materials. We explore the topic of polymer roofs today and consider whether they are appropriate for pitched and flat roofs.

Synthetic or polymer roofs are becoming more and more common due to their adaptability and longevity. PVC, TPO, and EPDM are just a few of the synthetic materials used to make these roofs. Various materials present distinct benefits based on the type of roof and surrounding circumstances.

Polymer shingles for pitched roofs provide additional advantages while simulating the appearance of more conventional materials like wood or slate. Because of their light weight, they are simpler to install and put less strain on the roof structure. In addition to being weatherproof and resistant to UV rays and moisture, polymer shingles have a longer lifespan than natural materials.

However, polymer membranes—which offer superior flexibility and waterproofing—benefit flat roofs. Heat welding is used to create a seamless barrier against water infiltration at the seams of materials such as PVC and TPO membranes. EPDM rubber membranes are resilient and elastic, adjusting well to temperature fluctuations and fending off damage from debris or hail.

Your roof’s polymer material of choice will rely on a number of factors, such as climate, financial constraints, and aesthetic preferences. With the range of hues and textures that polymer roofs offer, homeowners can customize their roof’s appearance without sacrificing its structural soundness.

Come discuss the benefits and drawbacks of polymer roofs for both pitched and flat roofs so you can decide wisely on your next roofing project.

When it comes to roofing materials, polymer materials provide flexible choices for both flat and pitched roofs. These contemporary materials, which are renowned for their adaptability and durability, suit a variety of architectural designs and environmental circumstances. Knowing the advantages and differences of these materials is essential, whether you’re thinking about a polymer shingle roof that replicates the appearance of more conventional materials like wood or slate, or investigating the seamless application of polymer membranes for flat roofs. In order to assist homeowners and builders in making well-informed decisions regarding their roofing needs, this article offers an easily understood summary of polymer roofs, emphasizing their advantages, composition, and suitability for various roof types."

For what buildings is a polymer roof suitable

Polymer roofing materials are lightweight, immune to rust, impervious to moisture and biological agents, simple to handle and install, and typically low-cost. Additionally, a large number of them pass to 90% of the world and are nearly entirely transparent.

As a result, the polymer roof is excellent for:

• gazebo;
• terraces;
• veranda;
• greenhouses;
• greenhouse;
• visors;
• covered transitions;
• public transport stops;
• galleries;
• awnings.

Additionally, for other projects where the roof’s transparency is crucial.

That’s not all, though. There are several types of polymer roofing materials available that can be utilized for flat roofs on buildings, ranging from shopping centers to residential structures. While they are uncommon, these coatings are utilized on the great majority of polymer roofs.

Polymer coatings for pitched roofs

The majority of polymer coatings for pitched roofs are transparent to some extent. Though they are far less common, matte options do exist.

Such a different polycarbonate

When it comes to roof polymer coatings, the first material that springs to mind is polycarbonate. Because of the extraordinary qualities of this polymer, three different kinds of materials are made from it.

Ultra -resistant monolithic polycarbonate

Midway through the 20th century, monolithic polycarbonate was created, and it was he who gave rise to an entire family of polymer roofing coatings.

This material combines remarkable strength and transparency: a 10 mm-thick polycarbonate sheet can contain a bullet with a small caliber. Additionally, some of the common strength tests for polycarbonate are completely ineffective because the material just cannot be destroyed.

Among the best polymers for the roof is monolithic polycarbonate:

• lasting;
• translucent – misses up to 90% of sunlight;
• resistant to temperature differences -withstands from -50 ° C to +120 ° C;
• aesthetic – it is often used as a safe alternative to glass;
• easy to process;
• Flexible – minimum bending radius of less than 500 mm;
• well protecting from noise;
• durable-the life of thick sheets reaches 40-50 years.

For these properties, "Plat" refers to the high cost, difficult installation, heavy weight, and drop formation during burning.

Since these flaws are typically not life-threatening, monolithic polycarbonate is used in large quantities for the atriums and roofs of shopping malls, train stations, airports, museums, and other public buildings. Transparent roofing for residential cottages is one of the active applications of it in private construction.

In actuality, the only polymer roofing material that can be used to create a transparent roof for any type of building is monolithic polycarbonate.

Light and cheap cellular polycarbonate

Israel developed cellular polycarbonate, also known as cellular polymer, as a polymer for greenhouse walls and roofs. Since then, it has established itself as a true standard for agriculture and other fields as well. One of the most widely used transparent building materials is this one.

Cellular polycarbonate is essentially two extremely thin sheets joined together by vertical partitions. The material, so to speak, is thus made up of numerous cells, each of which has a rectangular section. The second name follows.

This arrangement results in cellular polycarbonate:

• cheap – its price starts from 150 rubles per 1 m 2;
• Light – thin sheets weigh less than 1 kg/m 2;
• extremely easy to process – it can be cut with an ordinary construction knife;
• elastic – the shock strength of the sheet starts from 21 N · m;
• warm and absorbing sounds – In each cell there is air, and this is the best thermal insulation.

The complete analogue of a monolithic is cellular polycarbonate in terms of temperature and chemical resistance. Although it bends slightly more, it is still fixable on arched structures.

Nevertheless, cellular polycarbonate is only used in small buildings, despite all of its benefits. It is very uncommon to use this polymer roofing material for private homes or any type of capital building. Not only that, but cellular polycarbonate as well:

• short -lived due to the small thickness of the sheets;
• Quickly covered with dust due to the tendency to accumulate static electricity;
• light transparent, But the rays inside him are refracted, so the contours of objects are distorted;
• demandingto compliance with installation technology, and any of its violations leads to the settlement of the sheet cells with green algae.

It also exhibits the drawbacks of polycarbonate as a compound, including burning when droplets form and sensitivity to alkalis and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Almost like corrugated board: profiled polycarbonate

The idea behind profiled polycarbonate is the same as that behind corrugated board: a flat sheet is applied to a trapezoidal or wavy shape to significantly increase its bearing capacity.

This polymer roofing material:

• easy to install;
• easy;
• self -cleaning (even with a small slope);
• relatively inexpensive;
• withstands a distributed load up to 350 kg/m 2;
• strong enough;
• Compatible in profile with popular roofing materials: profiled sheet, onilin, slate.

The final feature lets you use profiled polycarbonate to create odd "windows" in the building’s roof or walls. In order to save electricity, these transparent inserts are frequently installed in the roofs of warehouses, farms, workshops, and other industrial buildings.

But profiled polycarbonate is still not used as a polymer coating for residential building roofs. For three reasons:

• The material is relatively fragile – a strong blow, for example, when the icicle falls, can make a hole in it;
• Profiled polycarbonate almost does not delay heat and easily misses sounds due to small thickness;
• Its service life exceeds 20-25 years only for premium brands.

Thus, but not more than, profiled polycarbonate is a great coating for awnings, arbors, terraces, and pools.

Roofing polymer materials based on PVC

This kind of polymer coating for roofs looks a lot like profiled polycarbonate. There is only one compositional difference. Additionally, since the composition differs, so do the properties.

In contrast to polycarbonate sheets with profiles, PVC

• more resistant to aggressive compounds, including alkalis and aromatic hydrocarbons;
• It gets older, since the layer of protection against ultraviolet radiation is melted into the sheet;
• does not form drops during burning;
• differs in a wide variety of profiles.

Two-axis structured profiled PVC is more elastic and even stronger. However, standard sheets that are stretched along a single axis are not covered by this.

Low temperature resistance is dioxide PVC’s primary flaw. It starts to lose its strength at -15 to 20 °C, and it won’t stop until it reaches the specified minimum operating temperature.

Polymer coatings for flat roofs

For pitched roofs, polymeric isolation is far more common than plastic materials. Since polymer waterproofing is more dependable and long-lasting than conventional materials, it is already used in the majority of newly constructed flat roofs in Europe. This trend also applies to Russia.

The following polymers are most frequently utilized to coat the flat roof:

1. Bitumen-polymer mastics, which create a much more elastic and durable layer of waterproofing than ordinary bitumen materials.
2. Polyurethane mastics – Such waterproofing is applied with a thin layer, but at the same time gives a solid, resistant to mechanical damage and ultraviolet, coating with a service life of up to 50 years.
3. PVC membranes – Popular material for the installation of unexploited flat roofs. This is a polymer soft roof in rolls. They are welded to each other to get a completely sealed joint.
4. TPO-membranes – The next generation of polymer roofing materials for flat roofs. They do not have the main drawback of the PVC membrane-they are compatible with bitumen materials and heaters based on polystyrene foam.
5. Polymochevin – sprayed waterproofing material that gives an exceptionally sealed coating. So sealed that polymochevin is used to waterproof artificial reservoirs and pools.

The material of the base has a major influence on the polymer coating that is selected for a flat roof. Different mastics are used in concrete more frequently; polymochevin is used less frequently because of its high cost. Corrugated board is used to lay membranes.

Selecting the appropriate roofing material is essential for both flat and pitched roofs. Polymer roofs provide a robust and adaptable solution that suits a range of requirements and design tastes.

Polymer shingles for pitched roofs have additional advantages while still emulating the appearance of more conventional materials like slate, wood, or tile. Because of their light weight, they are simpler to install and are less likely to need extra roof support. Additionally, polymer shingles are insect, mold, and mildew resistant, which preserves the roof’s integrity over time.

Polymer membranes are beneficial for flat roofs because they offer superior durability and waterproofing. Usually constructed of PVC or TPO, these membranes provide flexibility as well as resistance to weathering and UV radiation. They are a sensible option for contemporary residential and commercial architecture because they require little upkeep.

The sustainability of polymer roofs is one of their best qualities. In order to lessen their impact on the environment, many polymer materials are recyclable, and some even contain recycled material. Furthermore, they require fewer replacements over the course of the roof’s lifespan due to their durability and damage resistance, which further reduces waste.

All things considered, polymer roofs for conventional homes, contemporary buildings, or commercial buildings offer a combination of sustainability, durability, and visual appeal that makes them an appealing option in the current roofing market.

Video on the topic

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