Today’s roofing market offers homeowners many options for roofing their homes in terms of style, material type, and design. The endless options sometimes create a challenge for homeowners when it comes to understanding what’s what.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore roll roofing and how it is used, its advantages and disadvantages, the types of roll roofing materials available, methods for installing roll roofing, and maintenance considerations. Roll roofing is a perfect option for budget-conscious homeowners and businesses who still want that quality and enhanced durability in their roofing structures.
Common Applications of Roll Roofing
Roll roofing is typically applied on low-slope roofs and structures that don’t require the same curb appeal and engineering as a traditional pitched roof. It is suitable in the following settings—
- Sheds and workshops
- Garages
- Porch and patio
- Low-slope residential extensions
- Commercial outbuildings
Roll roofing designs are ga reat alternative option where protection is a bigger priority than curb appeal. The simple designs, weather resistance, and easy installation process make roll roofing a suitable option in situations where cost effectiveness and simplicity are the focal point.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Roll Roofing
Like other roofing materials, roll roofing offers several advantages that are hard to resist when they are working on small structures that have very specific requirements. At the same time, it is important to remember that it isn’t an option for some roofing projects.
Pros
Whether you are roofing a smaller building like an outhouse, shed, or patio, roll roofing might just be the perfect option to go with for its cost effectiveness, easier installation, and simpler maintenance requirements.
Perfect for Budget-Conscious Homeowners
Roll roofing is not as expensive as other roofing materials like asphalt shingles or metal roofing.
Easy Installation
Because of its ease of installation, roll roofing often becomes a DIY project, allowing homeowners to save on labor costs.
Lighter than Other Materials
This material is less durable than other roofing materials but is known for putting less stress on your structure’s framing. This is why its applications are limited to lower-profile places like the garage or patio.
Easy Aftercare
When installed properly, roll roofing requires less maintenance than roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, tiles, and shingles.
Cons
Though roofing rolls are great for low-slope roofs, their quick installation and cost effectiveness aren’t always a selling point for homeowners. It is important to consider the shorter lifespan, their lack of curb appeal, and their general application.
Shorter Lifespan
Beware of the limited lifespan of this type of roofing, which typically lasts 5–10 years, depending on any harsh weather conditions in the region and the homeowner’s maintenance practices.
No Curb Appeal
Roofing rolls are not the most beautiful option for your roof, which is why they are often used for areas that aren’t seen right away.
Not Ideal for Steep-Slope Roofs or as Main Roofing Structures
Roll roofing is not a suitable option for the main structures of a home as the roofing material is a cheaper alternative that wouldn’t hold up for the entire home.
Types of Roll Roofing Materials
Roll roofing comes in a variety of materials, allowing homeowners a generous selection of options to choose from. We break down each type and the specific needs they are used in—
Asphalt-Saturated Felt
Similar to underlayment, it is used more in temporary settings before a more permanent roofing system is installed. They provide basic waterproofing to prevent flooding and leaks during the construction period of developing a home or commercial building.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is a more durable roll roofing material. Many customers love that it provides weather resistance and protection for their spaces. It is common to see this material being used for commercial buildings, low-slope roofs in residential areas, apartment complexes, and other multi-family properties.
Rubber Roofing (EPDM)
Rubber roofing is commonly known as a synthetic rubber membrane. It is a favorite material among commercial buildings. Rubber roofing offers very reliable weather resistance and durability and can last up to 30 years, withstanding high winds and UV rays.
Mineral-Surfaced Roll Roofing (MSR)
Mineral-surfaced roll roofing is also known as a type of asphalt roll roofing, but it also comes with a protective coating of mineral granules. This material is used for patios and porches but is also commonly seen in construction zones, providing a protective barrier from the elements before the permanent roofing structure is installed.
Each type comes in a roll, usually about 36 inches wide, designed to be rolled out, nailed, or adhered directly to the roof deck.
Installation Methods for Roll Roofing
Roll roofing is installed in various ways, depending on the material. Sometimes you can do it yourself, but other times it is best to call a professional roofer to have it properly installed.
- Nailing Down: The most common method is nailing down the rolling material, especially for sheds and garages. After the nailing is done, the seams will need to be sealed with roofing cement.
- Applying Adhesive: Gluing down the rolls is perfect for low-slope roofs where nails may cause leaks.
- Torching Down: Typically used with modified bitumen rolls. Requires professional installation due to the open flame involved.
Pro tip: It is important to always check local building codes and slope recommendations before choosing your preferred installation method. What works for a backyard shed might not fly for a flat-roof home extension.
Maintenance Tips and Lifespan Expectations
Unlike the more traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles and tiles, roll roofing isn’t designed to be a permanent solution. Homeowners are encouraged to follow routine maintenance recommendations to maximize their limited lifespan.
- Inspect roofing roll regularly – Be sure to look for cracks, bubbles, or loose seams after strong rains, high winds, and monsoons.
- Clear debris from the roof surface – Leaves and branches can hold moisture and speed up deterioration.
- Reseal roof surface as needed – Use roofing cement to patch minor issues before they grow.
If it appears that your roll roofing is at the end of its limited lifespan, re-roofing would be the best bet before leaks start to cause structural damage.
All Your Roofing Concerns Handled by the Best Roofers in Northern Arizona
Are you embarking on a new roofing project? Regardless of the complexity, you can trust that the roofing experts at Legacy Roofing will help you every step of the way. Our superior contractors are always available for roof repair, roof replacement, and even roof rejuvenation.
Contact Legacy Roofing today to begin and try our free Roof Estimator Tool.
