Membrane roofing is becoming quite popular in the Agricultural sector.
Building covers are used for buildings and tanks. It is used to move water off the roof. Therefore, there is no pooling of water. As a result, the roof lasts longer and is more reliable.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common roofing membrane materials:
Most common Roofing Membrane types:
Three main categories of membrane materials in South Africa, namely:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer)
- TPO ( Thermoplastic Polyolefin )
We are taking the time to look at some of the pros and cons of each material. These membrane covers are widely available. Therefore, you need to ensure that you know all the facts regarding each material. We are here to help you with that!
EPDM Roofing Membrane Covers:
EPDM is made from ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It is a synthetic rubber-type roof membrane. Its two primary ingredients, ethylene, and propylene are derived from oil and natural gas. Most commonly, these roofing membranes are available in either black or white.
Most common EPDM material uses:
- Seals (Fridge door seals)
- Hoses/ Tubing
- Insulators
- Roofing Membranes
- Pond Liners
Pros of EPDM Roofing:
- Cost (EPDM is not expensive)
This roofing membrane is relatively inexpensive when compared to others. However, always ensure that you are getting a warranty with the price of purchase.
- Lightweight
This roofing material usually comes in a thin, rolled-up bundle. And can be unrolled and installed by installers or as a DIY project. This product is lightweight, which means you do not need any additional support structures to install it.
- Can last up to 20 years
Depending on the area, the colour of the roofing material and other weather factors, it can last up to 20 years. However, we recommend you ask regarding the warranty of your products when making a purchase.
If you are looking for the cheapest way to put up a roof, this might be your go-to material. However, make sure that you know all the cons before making your purchase.
There are some major drawbacks to using EPDM roofing membranes.
Cons of EPDM Roofing:
- Appearance
EPDM is most commonly black. Therefore, the appearance is not favorable. Especially when used for bigger areas like residential homes, storage sheds, garages, etc.
However, you can request EPDM in white, but that will add a significant amount to your cost. Additionally, you can also paint the roofing. But this will also incur extra costs and labor to you.
- Colour/ Conditions after installation
As mentioned above, the most common color is black. therefore, when coving a space with black EPDM roofing material, you are attracting sunrays. Therefore, the building will need additional cooling (storage, residential) in the spaces where it is installed.
- Punctures fairly easily
While it is cost-effective (initially) to install EPDM roofing, you may come to regret it. Unfortunately, due to the fact that it is so lightweight and thin, it punctures fairly easily. This means birds with sharp claws sitting on your roof can create havoc.
Falling branches, or people getting on the roof without the proper boots, can easily crease tiny tears and punctures in the roofing material. Therefore, repairs might have to be done regularly.
- Cleaning is a mission
Cleaning your EPDM roofing is no walk in the park! It requires specialized cleaning products, sweeping, bending down to look for any splits in the seams or places where there might be problems.
This has to be repeated (at minimum) once a year to ensure the integrity of your EPDM roof.
TPO Roofing Membrane Covers
TPO ( Thermoplastic Polyolefin ) roofing is mainly made out of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber polymerized together. This roofing membrane is single-ply and reflective. It is usually installed completely adhered or mechanically attached system, allowing the white part of the membrane to remain exposed.
Most common TPO material uses:
- Widely used in Automotive market
- Used in batteries
- Roofing Material
Pros of TPO:
- It’s Cheap!
Yes, TPO is another roofing material that is relatively cheap. But there is a reason for it! We won’t discuss costing extensively. You can contact TPO installers and manufacturers and inquire regarding their pricing (Remember to ask regarding warranties)
- It’s white
Having a white roofing membrane reflects the light away from the building, Therefore, the building is cooler and in most cases, you will not need additional cooling inside the building/storage unit.
- Cleaning
TPO doesn’t promote mildew or algae growth and doesn’t require intense washing.
Cons of TPO:
- Not temperature resistant
TPO roofs do not do well with high temperatures! Frequent high temperatures can cause your TPO roof to rapidly degrade and become ineffective.
- Widely varied qualities
Each manufacturer of TPO products can make wildly different products. You never really know what quality you are getting unless you have a full record of previous clients etc. This can be extremely frustrating when shopping around for TPO roofing!
- Changes in TPO in recent years
There have been various changes made to TPO in recent years. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to say how long they will last. Most manufacturers claim that it will last between 10-20 years, however, there is no substantial proof that this is, in fact, the case.
- It is Laminated
Laminating anything introduces weak spots, joints and can cause the material to shrink, crack, craze, and deteriorate over time. Most cheap TPO roofs develop cracks fairly quickly after installation
- Hard to repair
TPO comes in relatively small widths and lengths. Unfortunately, this means more seams, which means more possibilities of damage, tearing, and puncturing.
On top of this, TPO is very difficult to repair and for severe damage, the whole section might need replacement.
As can be seen from abovementioned cons, TPO is a daunting material to take on. Make sure you do proper research before investing in TPO roofing!
PVC (Vinyl) Roofing Covers
Last, but not in the least, is PVC (Vinyl) Roofing.
PVC roofing is made of Polyvinyl Chloride. These materials are of high quality and offer a wide range of benefits.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of Vinyl roofing (Vinyl Roofing supplier by Aquadam, in conjunction with the AgriDome):
Cons of PVC (Vinyl) Roofing:
- Cost
PVC roofing can be slightly more expensive than the other two materials mentioned above. However, at Aquadam, our PVC Membrane covers with frame structure’s cost are less than lower and non-rated conventional shelters. Therefore, the benefits justify the cost!
Pros of PVC (Vinyl) Roofing:
- Fire Resistant
Vinyl roofing is fire-resistant. therefore, you never have to worry about fires destroying your barn/ storage (AgriDome).
- UV Stabilized
The sun will not degrade our membrane cover! Our Vinyl covers are UV stabilized which means UV rays will not damage your cover.
- Less stretch
Stretches 7 times less than other conventional covers! Which means less tears and damage
- Cleaning
The Vinyl roofing will never need cleaning (except for maybe a quick spray with the hosepipe). The membrane cover does not attract dirt and other pollutants, therefore, it easily washes off with just water (or even rain).
- Ripstop
The Vinyl covers are created with a “woven” pattern. Therefore tears won’t rip the whole cover apart. You never have to worry about your vinyl cover ripping from one end to the other!
- Strength and Durability
The Vinyl Membrane covers at Aquadam is made of 700 gsm. This ensures that the cover will not easily puncture or rip apart. Furthermore, our AgriDome comes with a 10-year warranty, no questions asked!
Now that you know all the facts regarding the various roofing materials, you can get shopping!
Contact us on Facebook, or on our website to enquire about our AgriDome with Vinyl Roof Membrane Covers.