Many homeowners are considering liquid membrane roofing because of the many advantages that it offers. This article will discuss liquid membrane roofing in detail, including what liquid membrane is and how liquid membranes work. We’ll also outline some of the disadvantages of liquid membrane roofs so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right option for your home.
Liquid Membrane Roofing: Advantages and Disadvantages
What is a liquid membrane?
A liquid membrane is a liquid applied to the surface of your roof that forms an airtight, waterproof barrier. Liquid membranes are typically composed of either tar or rubber-based chemicals with adhesive properties.
How does it work?
When a liquid membrane is applied, it seals the surface underneath and prevents water from penetrating through to your roof. Liquid membranes are typically more effective at waterproofing than traditional shingles because they fill in any small cracks or spaces that may have formed over time on your roof.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Liquid membrane roofs offer many benefits over traditional asphalt shingles including reduced weight, energy efficiency, fire protection, and resistance to harsh weather conditions like hail. It’s also one of the most affordable options for new construction roofs since it doesn’t require additional underlayment materials like plywood or felt paper which keeps costs down during installation. However, liquid membranes do have some drawbacks which you should be aware of before deciding if they’re right for your home.
One drawback is their limited lifespan (typically only lasting about 15 years).
Another drawback is liquid membrane roofs are only available in white. This means they require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance over time, especially if you live near the coast where the salt spray can be an issue. There’s also a chance liquid membranes could cause ice dams which leads to leaky basements during cold winter weather- however, this problem isn’t exclusive to liquid roofing products and can occur on any type of roof depending on how it’s installed.
To summarize: liquid membrane roofs offer many advantages but there are some drawbacks as well so make sure you weigh all your options before making a final decision.
Asphalt shingle roofs have several benefits including affordability, ease of installation/maintenance, fire protection, and resistance against weathering. However, there are also some potential pitfalls to owning an asphalt shingle roof including their flammability, problems with ice dams during wintertime, and susceptibility to damage from mildew/mold growth in humid climates.
In conclusion, liquid membrane roofing is a great option for homeowners who want an aesthetically pleasing roof that can also offer some fire protection. However, liquid membranes may not be the best choice in all climates and it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making your final decision!