What are the pros and cons of rubber roofing?
Rubber is an amazing elastic and water proof material that has always shown a lot of potential in a wide range of applications. Roofing is one of the areas rubber has proved effective. The popularity is probably due to the use of a single layer without the need for jointing. Despite being elastic, it’s also a strong material making it the perfect solution for roofing. This rubber roofing resembles the inner tire tubes that have been treated to resist sunshine damage. Installation of this roofing material can be done by use of fasteners or glue. Although it is possible for you to install rubber roofs in DIY, it is important to go for an expert to improve on efficiency. But are there upsides and downsides of this type of flat roofing? Of course yes.
Upsides
- A wide range of applicability – getting the matching roof is never easy. However, rubber roofing makes a good choice for a number of circumstances. If you are looking for a green roof, a strong roof, a flexible roof, a lightweight roof or what have you, rubber roof can get your job done. You don’t need for naked flames hence the best option for simple shape roofs.
- Easy installation – picking rubber as your roof is one thing, getting it installed is another thing. Rubber roofing however goes easy on you. You don’t need rocket science to have it in place. Anybody can do it on themselves. However, this is not an excuse not to hire a roofer. Of course you require top performance and quality that you may not guarantee on your own.
- Lightweight yet strong – this is part of what makes rubber roofing easy to install. When you don’t need so much loads on your roof, rubber can do just fine. And your roof strength is not compromised. Rubber will withstand tears, vandalism and scuffs. Heavy and pointed items falling on the roof however can easily damage it.
- Lengthy lifetime – no roof can guarantee over 50 years of functionality unless it’s of course rubber roof. That however will depend on how your system is installed and by who.
- Easy repair – who can’t repair a bike tire? I guess many can. Well, it’s the same way. Same material, similar process.
Downsides
- Higher cost – it can be argued that rubber roofing cost is competitive but you will have to pay a little bit higher than other options e.g. felt roof.
- Not best for – curved upstand walls\complicated details, complicated gutters or valleys
- Not best for looks – its rubber as you know it. You can like it if you wish but to many, rubber does not present a lovable outlook.
- Plenty of fake installers – the fact that rubber roofs are friendly to install with is the reason why there are so many sham roofers claiming to be installers for rubber roofs. Don’t fall for the trap.
Once again, the choice is yours to make guided by both sides of the rubber roofs and if you have any questions please contact Dryfix Telford.
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