Using a ballasted roof can be an effective way to protect your home from the elements. Unlike traditional roofing methods, which are prone to leaks and deterioration, ballasted roofs are built to last for decades. These roofs are made from a variety of materials, including EPDM, gravel, and other composite materials. These roofing materials are durable and easy to install, and many offer a lifetime warranty.
Gravel ballasted roofs
Generally, the advantages of a gravel ballasted roof are: it’s durable, easy to install and it’s a noncombustible roofing system. Although this kind of roofing system isn’t suitable for all kinds of structures, it’s an attractive option for warehouse owners and flat buildings.
The top layer of a gravel ballasted roof is typically made up of aggregate materials. This provides a protective barrier against the elements and prevents blistering. It also anchors the underlying roofing material. The top layer can be applied to single-ply EPDM membranes. It’s important to choose the right size gravel to ensure optimal performance. The diameter of stones used in a ballasted roofing system is usually between 1.5 and 2.5 inches.
Depending on the type of building or the roofing spec, the weight of the gravel used in the system can vary. However, it’s important to keep the total weight of the material within 10 to 25 pounds per square foot. The excess weight of the gravel can cause structural problems. It’s best to consult a professional roofing contractor before installing the system.
In addition to its durability, a ballasted roof system is also energy efficient. Because the mass of the roofing material absorbs heat during the day, the system doesn’t need to use electricity or heating. It can also be installed in almost any weather. The installation process is also faster. Compared to a traditional single-ply roofing system, a ballasted roofing system requires less fasteners. It’s also much easier to repair.
Ballast systems can also be installed in less time than traditional single-ply roofing systems. It’s especially beneficial to buildings that require frequent service access. It’s also less expensive to apply.
The weight of the system is also important. It’s hard to find a leak when there’s a sea of gravel to work with. It can also be difficult to patch a hole in the ballast because the stones can be moved by the wind.
The ANSI RP-4 document (co-authored by the US Rubber Manufacturers’ Association and the Single-Ply Roofing Institute) addresses design considerations for loose-laid gravel stone ballasted roofs. It’s worth noting that these roofs aren’t covered by the National Building Code. Rather, the commentaries in the NBC Supplement address this issue.
The bottom line is that a ballasted roof system is one of the most fire-resistant roofing systems available. It’s also more attractive to the eye. It’s easy to install and it doesn’t smell during installation. This makes it a popular choice for commercial structures. In the long run, though, it might not be a cost-effective solution. It’s also difficult to maintain. It’s easier to damage than a single-ply roofing system, which is why it’s recommended that you contact a reputable roofing contractor to install your system.
EPDM ballasted roofs
Using EPDM ballasted roofs is an environmentally friendly way to protect your home or building. They offer improved energy efficiency, fire protection, and impact resistance. They are also quick and easy to install. Unlike other roofing systems, they require little or no upkeep. They can be used on both new construction and roof replacement projects.
Whether you’re constructing a new home or replacing an existing one, it is important to consider the types of roofs available. Many roofing systems fail earlier than they’re designed to last, and they can be damaged by foot traffic, sharp objects, and other environmental factors. In addition, poorly maintained roofing can be subject to a number of damaging chemicals.
The best way to avoid these issues is to choose a system that is built to last. EPDM rubber is a durable material that has a long life expectancy. In fact, some EPDM roofing membranes have a lifespan of over 20 years. They are a great option for homes in areas with low temperatures.
Ballasted EPDM roofing systems are an ideal solution for building owners who want to minimize heat loss during the winter months. They also offer UV protection and are considered to be an eco-friendly option. They provide an extra layer of insulating protection and act as a shield against flying debris. In addition to providing excellent insulation, ballasted EPDM roofs can also help reduce the amount of noise transmitted through the roof.
As an added benefit, ballasted EPDM roofs can be modified to accommodate stormwater retention. This helps to reduce the need for expensive collection basins. These systems can also help to reduce the amount of land required for a roof.
Another benefit of ballasted EPDM roofs is their ability to resist hail damage. Compared to white membrane systems, ballasted EPDM roofing systems have lower peak temperature. In fact, according to a study by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the peak temperatures of ballasted assemblies were 30-40 percent lower than those of black membranes.
Although ballasted EPDM roofs are relatively inexpensive, they are not recommended for hurricane-prone areas. They are also not an ideal choice for tall buildings. Their installation process requires the use of large panels and the weight of river-washed stone pavers. In some cases, these pavers can puncture the EPDM membrane, which can cause leaks.
In order to prevent these problems, a PVC roof membrane needs to be installed before any damage occurs. This protective layer must be coupled with a good rooftop grease containment system. If a leak is detected, a thorough inspection and repair should be performed. In addition, a stormwater retention system can be added to improve wind uplift resistance. This adds 2 to 3 pounds of weight per square foot when the roof is fully saturated.
Retrofitting a ballasted roof
Roofing retrofits have received national attention recently. This is due to the fact that metal retrofits offer the benefits of improved energy efficiency, increased insulation, and better ventilation. There is also a lower upfront cost and less invasiveness compared to other types of retrofits. It is important to have a licensed professional engineer evaluate your existing structural system before deciding to install a metal retrofit.
Ballasted EPDM roof systems have been around for some time, and they offer a number of advantages. These include durability, longevity, low maintenance, and a low warranty claim rate per square foot. In addition, ballast helps keep the membrane’s surface temperatures in the 90-103 degree range, which can save the building owner money on heating costs. This is especially useful in cold climates.
Other benefits of a ballasted EPDM roof include its ability to act as an additional insulating layer, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes during winter. In addition, it helps to reduce the risk of damage from flying debris. Having ballast also helps to improve the wind-uplift resistance of the membrane.
Adding ballast to the roof also helps to reduce the cost of the retrofit. This is because it adds between 10 and 25 pounds per square foot to the building load. However, there are some drawbacks to installing ballast, including the need to move it in sections over time and the added weight that can cause deformation of the roof.
Another benefit of a ballasted EPDM roof is that it is recyclable. This allows the old ballast to be used in a new installation. The membrane is also reusable. It can be repurposed as a slip sheet between the membrane and the ballast. In addition, the membrane is designed to be re-used if the roof is removed. This can be helpful in situations where the existing roof is not appropriate for the proposed use.
A ballasted EPDM roof is also easy to install. It has a low installation cost, and it can be installed in a variety of weather conditions. Besides, there is no need to coat the membrane or clean it on a regular basis. In addition, the ballast helps to prevent the membrane from absorbing reflected heat. In addition, the membrane acts as a shield against inclement weather, such as rain and hail, and provides excellent fire protection.
Despite the many advantages of a ballasted EPDM roof, it is not recommended for tall buildings. In fact, if you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes, you might not want a ballasted EPDM roof at all. In such cases, a more appropriate choice would be a reflective or white membrane. A white membrane has lost its reflectivity as it is exposed to pollutants, and it does not perform as well as a ballasted membrane.
