Asphalt Roll Roofing: A Look At Frequent Questions And Answers
When you think of roofing materials, what is it that comes to mind? If you are like most people, you will conjure up a clear image of things like shingles and metal roofing panels, and maybe even wooden shakes. However, there is one other form of roofing that you probably do not know a great deal about: asphalt roll roofing. Asphalt roll roofing is only used in specific situations, but it is actually fairly common in some places or settings. Here is a look at some of the most common questions about asphalt roll roofing and the answers to soothe your curiosities.
What is asphalt roll roofing?
In general terms, asphalt roll roofing is just like asphalt shingles but in the form of a rolled-up sheet. You have an underlying membrane material that is coated with asphalt and then topped with the sand or granules just like shingles usually are. So if you can imagine what it would look like to have one giant asphalt roofing shingle rolled into one piece, you can envision asphalt roll roofing.
What is asphalt roll roofing used for?
Asphalt roll roofing is typically used on buildings that have a low slope, which basically means the roof is flatter than usual. However, this form of roofing can also be used on other types of roofs as well. For example, if a roof is particularly hard to access, roll roofing may be used because it goes into place at a faster pace and doesn't necessarily require someone to access every point of the roof.
Where can you find asphalt roll roofing?
Asphalt roll roofing can be found just about anywhere roofing materials are sold. However, not all roofing contractors will install rolled roofing, which is sometimes referred to as an asphalt roofing membrane. The single-sheet design goes into place with either nails or staples or an adhesive, which sounds pretty simple, but it must be done in a precise way to prevent the roof from leaking when the project is complete. It is best to only entrust a contractor who is really familiar with the process to install this rolled roofing material onto a building because of that fact.
Is it true rolled roofing can be a lot cheaper than shingles?
Because of the one-piece design, rolled roofing can definitely be less expensive than shingles. Plus, it goes down faster, so installation costs can be considerably lower. While cheaper, there are limitations to rolled roofing, which may not route water off of the roof as good as shingles would. Therefore, it is not good for all buildings in spite of the lower cost.
For more information, contact a local roofing contractor.