Rolled roofing installation involves hot and cold asphalt or fiber glass mineral surfaced rubber roofing. It is also possible to install a saturated felt roofing system.
Rubber roofing
Roll roofing is a relatively easy way to add a layer of protection to your home. It is perfect for low-sloped roofs, sheds, garages, workshops, and outdoor structures. However, it requires a few steps to get it right.
First, you will need to prepare the roof deck. Make sure it is clean. This means sweeping off any debris or dust from the area. Next, remove any existing shingles or roofing materials. A flat pry bar is an excellent tool for this job.
Before you install the roll roofing material, you will need to attach it with roofing cement. You can use a caulk gun or a brush to spread the cement. Be sure to follow manufacturer-specific instructions when installing this product.
After you have removed the old roofing material, you should also inspect the seams. These are the areas that are most vulnerable to damage. If they are not clean, your new rubber roof will not be as durable.
Depending on the manufacturer, you may also need to install an insulation layer. Some materials require heating with a torch. Others are peel-and-stick systems.
Once you have completed this task, you will need to secure the roof to the decking with nails. For a long-lasting roof, you will want to consider concealed nailing.
The rolled roofing material should be at least 36 inches wide. Overhang the drip edges by about a quarter of an inch. Also, be sure to fold the edge of the sheet under before you slap it on the roof.
Finally, you’ll need to check for air bubbles and cracks. Ideally, you’ll have a clear day and good weather. To be safe, you’ll want to have a qualified roofer do the installation for you.
EPDM roofing
EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is a synthetic rubber that’s used for roofs. This material is highly durable and can be installed in many applications, including residential and commercial.
Most EPDM roofs are designed to last for over 20 years. However, they can require occasional maintenance to keep them in good shape. It’s recommended to perform some basic roof repairs and check your roof at least once a year.
EPDM is a light-weight, low-cost roof that can be installed quickly. But installing it correctly is essential. A poorly installed roof can lead to leaks and other problems.
The most common method of installing EPDM is mechanically fastened. With mechanically attached installations, metal screws are screwed into the insulation, which is then secured to the surface.
For fully adhered installations, the EPDM membrane is glued to the substrate. This requires experience and skill. Fully adhered installations offer the longest life expectancy.
In addition, it is important to keep the roof clean and free of debris. If water can get into the adhesive, it may damage the membrane.
If you’re considering installing an EPDM roof, start by determining the size of your project. Typically, half a sheet of the product is sufficient for the job. Depending on the climate and weather, the lifespan of your roof can be affected.
EPDM roofs can also be installed on top of other materials. They aren’t intended for walkways, but they work well as a substrate underneath rooftop decks.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to follow manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re unsure, seek professional help. You may even want to invest in a field guide from your EPDM manufacturer. These will provide detailed instructions on how to install the product.
Fiberglass mineral surfaced rubber
Roll roofing installation is not a complicated task. It can be done in just minutes. There are different methods of applying rolled roofing, depending on the type of roof you have.
The first step to installing roll roofing is to prepare the surface of the roof. Make sure it is dry, clean and free of debris. If the roof has any existing coverings, remove them before starting to install the new material.
Next, install the roll roofing material in a vertical fashion. The material should be nailed at regular intervals. Do not nail it down too tightly, as it can cause leaks. Nail it at least an inch from the edge of the roof.
Next, place the roll roofing at a right angle to the slope of the roof. This is to prevent stress cracks, which can cause the roof to break.
If you are not comfortable completing the rolled roofing installation yourself, you can hire a professional roofing contractor to do the work. You will pay an additional fee for the service. Professionals use cranes and forklifts to perform the installation. They also charge a bit more than the average homeowner.
For the best results, roll roofing installation should be performed during warmer weather. Ideally, the ambient temperature should be 50 deg F or above.
Whether you are installing a fiberglass mineral surfaced roll roofing or another type of roll roofing, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions and installation guidelines, and your roll roofing will last for years to come.
Before removing the old roofing, it is a good idea to apply a drip edge to prevent water from leaking underneath the new roof. The drip edge should be attached with roofing cement.
Saturated Felt
Asphalt-saturated felt is the oldest type of underlayment. It is typically used on low slope roofs. This roofing material is made from asphalt and cellulose. Although it does provide a waterproof membrane, it is not as durable as other underlayments.
Felt is generally available in 15 and 30 pounds per square foot. There are also non-bitumen synthetic underlayments, which are usually a mixture of fiberglass and polyester. They have increased durability over time. But non-bitumen is often more expensive than asphalt-saturated felt.
The other roofing material that is a good choice is roll roofing. Unlike composite shingles, this roofing material is less bulky and can be installed in long strips.
It can be installed on painted wood sheathing or over bare wood sheathing. Rolls should be nailed at 10-inch intervals. Make sure the ends of the rolls are sealed with roofing cement.
Asphalt-saturated felt is easily torn and can be damaged by water. Because it is prone to damage, this roofing underlayment must be replaced frequently. In addition, the material breaks down quickly in warm weather conditions.
Synthetic underlayments are a newer option. They are better than saturated felts for a variety of reasons. These include the ability to be exposed for many months before requiring coverage. And they can offer a more attractive appearance. A good quality synthetic underlayment can be less expensive than asphalt-saturated felt.
Roll roofing is a cheaper alternative to asphalt and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers. It can be installed over shingles, but it is not recommended.
When installing rolled roofing, make sure the material is at least 1 meter wide. It should be nailed vertically or horizontally. If you are not sure, talk to a local expert.
Hot and cold asphalt methods
There are two primary types of roofing systems that are used in the United States. These include the traditional asphalt-impregnated felt roof and the modified bitumen system. Depending on the type of roofing material, one or both of these systems may be used to waterproof a home.
Traditional asphalt-impregnated felt roofing consists of a three-ply roof, overlapping approximately 16 inches. It is typically installed on a flat, smooth, sound roof deck, affixed to the substrate with mechanical fasteners. The shingle layer is then applied over the underlayment felt impregnated with coating asphalt. Cold-applied solvent-based asphalt adhesive is also used.
Typical manufacturing lines for asphalt-saturated felt include a dry felt feed roll, wet looper, saturator, hot air still, and finish looper. Asphalt-saturated felt is often produced as a single-ply or two-ply roof.
During the manufacturing process, the asphalt flux is blended with petroleum refinery residuum to form the “asphalt flux.” Once the asphalt is saturated, the products pass through the wet looper, allowing the saturant asphalt to penetrate the felt. In some cases, the product is texturized.
The saturant asphalt is heated to a temperature of varying degrees, depending on the manufacturer. This process is used to soften the asphalt, lower the viscosity, and raise the softening point.
The process is usually carried out using a commercially available asphalt heating equipment. Temperatures are maintained by cycling through external heat exchangers or directly by heating tanks. Depending on the nature of the asphalt flux, temperatures may range from 200 to 400 deg F.
Modified bitumen systems are based on membranes. Unlike saturant asphalt, these membranes are oxidized, giving them improved physical properties for industrial and hydraulic applications. They are also torch-applied.
