Roofs leak for many reasons, including defects in their construction, wear and tear from inclement weather conditions, or critical weak points in existing waterproofing. For these reasons, it’s vital to stay on top of your commercial property’s waterproofing by having the roof coated and performing maintenance on that coating.
There are many choices available when it comes to waterproofing the roof of a commercial property. However, one of the most cost-effective and durable options is a liquid-applied roof membrane. So what makes the liquid roof membrane such an effective roofing solution for commercial properties? Read on to find out more.
What Is A Liquid-Applied Roof Membrane?
A liquid roof membrane is made of a resin that is applied over a reinforcement material, usually fiberglass or polyester. Once it cures, the resin forms an elastomeric waterproof membrane that is similar to strong rubber or tar. This membrane can be applied to any building material, such as concrete, bitumen, and asphalt, sealing the surface underneath it and creating a watertight barrier.
What Are The Benefits Of A Liquid Roof Membrane?
A liquid roof membrane offers many benefits that traditional waterproofing methods do not.
- Once applied, a liquid roof membrane spreads and melts together to create a smooth, watertight seal with no seams, joints, or penetration of any kind. In addition, because of its liquid nature, a roof membrane can be used to waterproof areas such as pipes, drains, HVAC systems, walls, and other hard-to-reach places that make your roof difficult to waterproof.
- Because liquid roof membrane only needs to be sprayed on and left to dry, it doesn’t require a more complex application method such as a roof tear-off. This simplicity makes a liquid roof membrane far less labor-intensive and less disruptive to the building it’s being used for.
- Liquid roof membranes are designed to expand and contract with an even amount of tension across your roof. This makes liquid membrane a preferred waterproofing method because all roofs expand and contract depending on the weather conditions. In addition, roofs have nails and seams that absorb most of the pressure from the expansions and contractions, meaning those are the sites where leaks are more likely to occur. A liquid roof membrane can cover those seams, ensuring that they are adequately protected.
- Most roof installations require a lot of tools and machinery that can generate an inconvenient amount of noise. A liquid roof membrane just requires a spray, making for a much quieter waterproofing process.
- The waterproofing properties of liquid roof membranes last for a long time without a decrease in quality. Therefore, regular maintenance isn’t as necessary as it is with other waterproofing solutions.
- Liquid membranes are far lighter than other waterproofing options while still being durable. Being lighter means that liquid membrane puts less stress on commercial roofing over time, resulting in fewer repairs and replacements.
How Do Commercial Properties Benefit From Using A Liquid Roof Membrane?
There are multiple advantages of using a liquid membrane to waterproof your roof. And many owners of commercial properties in Denver are starting to see for themselves what liquid membrane can do for them. So what makes this waterproofing method so attractive to commercial properties? There are a few reasons.
Cost-Effectiveness
Expenses tied to roof maintenance and waterproofing can get fairly high at times, especially if you have a large building. In addition, there’s often the cost of construction to account for due to the need to completely renovate the roof when using traditional methods. And depending on how extensive the process will be, the building or parts of it may not be able to be occupied, which could cost any business money.
However, a liquid roof membrane doesn’t require costly construction methods. Instead, the liquid membrane is applied like paint. This simplified waterproofing process means that commercial properties don’t need to shut down or close off part of the building while it’s happening, preventing any loss of revenue from a disruption in business.
In addition to waterproofing, a liquid roof membrane can also increase the reflectivity of a roof and provide insulation without the need for a roof tear-off. These properties mean that a liquid roof membrane can lower energy bills for a commercial property during both the summer and winter.
Durability
Over time, a roof will require regular maintenance to stop the possibility of leaks forming. Other waterproofing methods only last for a handful of years before they need to be repaired, replaced, or updated. On the other hand, a liquid roofing membrane is designed to last for decades if it is applied and maintained properly, lowering the cost of regular maintenance over the long term. And the maintenance of your roof membrane entails inspection and occasional patchwork.
Spend Less On Commercial Insurance
Most commercial properties have insurance that covers the cost of repairs and maintenance. And one of the most common reasons for a business to take out a claim is roof damage. Whether damaged by the weather or an accident, your roof is expensive to repair. Furthermore, a roof that hasn’t been properly maintained is more likely to undergo some kind of damage. Roofs in disrepair often cause commercial property owners to end up paying higher insurance premiums, as an old roof is considered a greater risk to insure.
Because a liquid roof membrane is so durable, there’s no need to worry about extensive repairs or large insurance claims due to wear and tear. And because insurance premiums are affected by the material a roof is made of, keeping your roof in good condition will result in lower premiums as well as fewer large claims.
Commercial property owners turn to liquid applied membrane for waterproofing their roofs because it’s durable, cost-effective, and sustainable. But, these advantages are available to anyone who wants a waterproofing solution that won’t break their budget and will last for years and years. If it’s time for you to consider an upgrade to your roof’s waterproofing solution, get in touch with Denver’s best professional roofing contractors today.
