If you are looking into a roof replacement for your commercial building choosing a suitable roofing material is a crucial factor to consider for the long-term protection and performance of your business – and your valued team. It also pays to consider how your roofing choices affect your energy costs.
While a rubber roof may sound a bit wacky, it’s actually an amazing development being utilised around the country – everywhere there are flat rooves!
In this comprehensive buying guide, we will explore the benefits of rubber roofing and provide essential insights to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the world of rubber roofs and discover why they are an excellent choice for your commercial building.
Rubber Roofing Advantages
Rubber roofs offer many significant advantages, making them a smart choice for your commercial property upgrade, or new build.
Durability
The primary advantage is the durability of rubber roofing, this stuff is tough, and it’s able to withstand all sorts of extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail, and UV rays.
Flexibility
Because Butynol and TPO membranes are incredibly flexible, they can better expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing your chances of dealing with leaks caused by cracked roofing materials.
Eco-Conscious
Rubber roofing is an environmentally friendly option that has even been approved by Greenpeace! This rubber is constructed by recycling low-grade rubber and is fully recyclable at the end of its life – plus TPO is made with no plasticisers or chlorinated ingredients.
Cost Effective
Another excellent advantage to choosing a rubber roof is the exceptional longevity of this innovative material. These roofs are designed to last at least 20 years if properly maintained- making them a cost-effective outlay.
Installation & Maintenance
Any work on a roof should only be undertaken by a trained professional – including your rubber roof installation. Before laying the rubber roof, your roofer must prepare the surface by correctly installing a plywood substrate. This plywood should be of a minimum of 17mm in thickness and must be treated, structural plywood.
Laying your substrate correctly is essential; this must be done under suitable weather conditions, as you need to keep it dry. Proper installation will ensure that your new roof is free from gaps and seams, which is how you reduce the risk of leaks.
While rubber roofing is wonderfully low maintenance and super resilient, it still needs regularly scheduled maintenance – we recommend you book this quarterly so that the natural oxidisation process that occurs over the life of the roof is slowed down.
Regular checks will reveal the growth of moss and algae and ensure that dirt and debris don’t have a chance to build up on your roof. When damage does occur on a rubber roof, it can usually be mended easily.
Energy Efficiency & Insulation
Combining your rubber roof with proper insulation will help to reduce your energy bills. Butynol has a few features that can increase the energy efficiency of your commercial property. As a rubber roof will frequently comprise one large, seamless sheet, there will be less chance for heat to leak out of your building and cold to seep in.
This means that in the summer, your property will stay cooler, and in the winter, you will be able to retain any heat you have built up for longer. This translates to less energy used running heat pumps or AC.
Cost Considerations
While the initial cost of buying and installing rubber roofing may be slightly higher than some traditional roofing materials, the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront investment. Because rubber roofing is exceptionally durable, you will find that the lifetime of your flat roof will likely be extended.
This remarkable resistance to wear and tear means that, as a rule, you will have far fewer instances where you need to outlay big bucks on repairs, and you will also encounter fewer labour costs as most rubber roof repairs are relatively quick and straightforward.
Alongside these appealing factors, you also get reduced energy bills, so you are winning all around. If you add these savings, it’s probably going to save money in the long run. Just remember to book regular seasonal maintenance checks for your rubber roof. If any issues are developing, you can catch them quickly.
Get in Touch
If you already have a commercial property with a flat roof or are in the planning stages of building, rubber roofing may be an excellent option for you.
Get in touch to chat with the friendly team at Auckland Commercial Roofing to talk about hooking into this durable, cost-effective option.
