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Consumer Alert: Some Facts About Membrane Roofs

Consumer Alert: Some Facts About Membrane Roofs

Consumer Alert: Some Facts About Membrane Roofs

“Single ply roofing, also referred to as TPO membrane roofs, offers a number of benefits over traditional BUR (built up roofs). It is has a long life span (up to 40 year life expectancy), provides strength, durability, is Eco-friendly, and is available in a variety of materials and colors.”
“IB Roof Systems has had roofs installed for over 30 years without one material failure”.

The manufacturer of most membranes warranty the roof for 20 years. As for IB Roof, just one of many single-ply membrane manufacture offers the following for warranty”…offers up to a 25-year warranty on commercial buildings and a lifetime warranty on all  projects.”

Check the following websites for each manufacturer’s warranty offerings:

  • Mule-Hide Products
  • Genflex Roofing Systems
  • GAF Roofing Products

The use of thermoplastic roofing membranes has grown dramatically over the past years… the proven track record of some products, the move to light colored “cool” materials, and the variety of systems available.

The TPO is flammable claim…When in fact “TPO sheets contain colorant, flame retardants, UV absorbers and other proprietary substances to achieve desired physical properties.”

“…roofing and decking membranes are engineered to exceed ASTM Standards … are tested for aging, chemical degradation, fire-resistance and microbiological resistance, etc.”

Roof membranes can save “Over a 10-year period, TPO roofing systems have been shown to save as much as $250,000 in warmer climates like Florida and Texas. Even in colder regions such as Pennsylvania and Ohio, the savings is approximately $35,000”.

In terms of energy savings for your home, if you use a white roof and you have air conditioning, you can save as much as 20 to 30% on energy bills by just simply having a white roof. Because white roofs reduce the use of air-conditioning during the day’s hottest periods, the energy savings occur when electricity demand is at its peak.

Exposed reflective metal roofs usually have a lower thermal emittance than other choices.

Licensed contractors

  • Apply for permits and never ask the customer to apply.
  • Never do a job without a permit, unless city/county does not require.
  • Carry liability and workers compensation insurance.
  • Do not hire unlicensed or uninsured contractors/subcontractors as installers.
  • Have their license numbers posted on all vehicles, correspondences, and advertising as required by law.
  • Maintain a physical address, do not accept a p.o. box.
  • State licensed contractors are rated by the better business bureau.
  • Make sure you are dealing with a contractor that is fully licensed and insured.
  • www.myfloridalicense.com