How to Choose the Right Roof Membrane for Your Commercial Roof

The selection of the best material to cover a roof will probably be the biggest business decision any business owner will make. Your building, staff, and gear are all protected from the elements in New Zealand by your roof. In so many materials available, membrane roofs have been one of them for the company as they are elastic, durable, and also possess other water-proofing features.

But how do you choose the right membrane roof type for your business? Let us walk you through the key considerations to remember when you make the ideal commercial roofing membrane choice for your building. 

Learning About Membrane Roofs

Membrane roofs are low-slope or flat roofs made of flexible material for the sake of a water seal. Membrane roofs are used most commonly in commercial construction because they provide an equivalent leak, UV, and temperature protection. Membrane roofs, when well-installed, will endure 40 to 20 years based on material type.

Membrane materials come in different forms, and each material has its benefits. TPO, PVC, and EPDM are most typically used in commercial developments. It is interesting to learn how they differ when it comes to deciding on which membrane roofing system to use for your application.

Types of Membrane Roofing Systems

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin):

TPO membranes are UV reflective and cost-effective. They are energy-efficient because they reflect the sun, perfect for Auckland's sunny summer weather. TPO is puncture-proof, mould-proof, and UV-proof—perfect for busy high-traffic commercial environments.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

PVC membranes are highly resistant to fire, water, and chemicals and are very hard. To such an extent, they can be used properly in factories, restaurants, or structures subject to oil and harsh environments. PVC is energy efficient and is not affected by temperature change nor will it break.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer):

It is also referred to as "rubber roofing." EPDM is very elastic and best suited for cold or wet weather climates. It's famous for being very long lasting and of minimal maintenance requirements. EPDM is very suitable for enormous areas of roofs as it can be installed in massive sheets with fewer seams and weak spot areas for water loss.

These all have their uses, so your ultimate choice will then necessarily have to be made in accordance with your building's individual requirements and Auckland climatic requirements.

Things to Consider in Making a Choice for a Commercial Roofing Membrane

When making your choice of the optimum commercial roofing membrane, the following must be taken into account:

• Climate Conditions: Auckland weather, rain, and sunlight require the roof to be rain-proof and UV-proof.

• Building Type: Industrial buildings can accommodate a chemically resistant material such as PVC, and commercial offices can accommodate energy conserving with TPO.

• Budget and Longevity: Some of these things cost more initially but longer in duration value.

• Maintenance Needs: Select a system to be best suited to your equipment and schedule maintenance.

• Energy Efficiency: Reflective membranes are energy efficient as they will not allow the absorption of heat.

Having a professional commercial roof installer with the knowledge of installing membrane roofs will enable you to consider these factors adequately and make an informed choice.

Why Hire the Professionals

Securing the right commercial roofing membrane is just the beginning—installation is important, as well. Trained professionals you contract for the work ensure your membrane roofing system is correctly installed for the best performance and longest life.

Your professional roofer also helps you schedule maintenance and inspections to make your roof as durable as possible.

Conclusion

A high-quality membrane roof system is well worth every dollar you spend on any business building. Whether you do or don't do use TPO, PVC, or EPDM, the better system will pay its own way for decades with energy savings and fewer headaches.

Understanding your options and having certified contractors will allow you to give your commercial roof membrane long-term value to your business.