Roof membrane repair

Category Roofing

14 March 2024,

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Cost of a Roof Membrane Repair in 2024 - TPO, Elastomeric, and More!

Are you worried about the condition of your flat roof? A roof repair or replacement can help you reduce your energy bills, insurance premiums, and more expensive future repairs!

As a responsible homeowner, you need to consider the safety and value of your property and not just the cost of a roof repair.

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to a flat roof membrane repair, you have come to the right place!

We can help you save money on a roof repair or replacement with efficient quotes from our roofing partners at no cost and no obligation!

Just fill out the short online form on this page to connect with top roofing contractors in your area.

Why do many homeowners choose a flat roof?

Many homeowners who want to be practical choose a flat roof for the following advantages:

Cost-efficient: Flat roofs are usually cheaper compared to other roofing types.
Simple: A flat roof is simple in design and easier to install and maintain.
Additional space: A flat roof can offer more usable space for storage or recreation.
Energy efficiency: A flat roof is energy-efficient and can help to lower energy bills.
Versatility: A flat roof can be customized to meet your needs or preferences.

A flat roof may not seem as visually appealing compared to other roof types but they have unique features that are advantageous to residential and commercial properties.

Are you looking for the best price for a flat roof? Compare multiple quotes from reputable roofing professionals in your area at no cost.

Connect with the top roofing specialists anywhere in Ontario using our short online form!

Flat Roof Types, Benefits, & Costs

Flat roofs are practical and are easy to install. No wonder many homeowners who wish to reduce roofing costs go for a flat roof.

A flat covering offers several advantages which include easy installation and maintenance.

You have several choices for a flat roof: PVC, TPO, and EPDM. They may seem confusing at first but they are materials that are suitable for the roof.

Read on to learn more about these different materials so you can find the right roofing membrane for your home.

Elastomeric Membrane (Modified Bitumen Membrane)

The double-layered elastomeric membrane is efficient and practical for homeowners who are repairing or renovating themselves.

It is also suitable for new home construction or for reconstructing old roofs.

This material is roll-type and has an adhesive strip protected by polyethylene. This allows the material to be installed without the use of glue.

An elastomeric membrane has advantages and disadvantages as you can see below.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Little or no maintenance	More expensive than other options like asphalt roof
Does not tear off or wear off	Installation can pose a fire hazard

An elastomeric roof coating can last 10 to 20 years but it depends on the thickness of the coating applied.

If you hire a roofer to install this type of roof, make sure that the company has the required insurance coverage.

TPO Membrane

A TPO membrane is a polymer material for flat roofs. The membrane’s seams are installed with welding machines. It is similar to EPDM roofs but many say they have more aesthetic value and easier installation.

The reinforcing layer of polyester net is also resistant to fire and mechanical stress but is not as elastic. The membrane has a high resistance to chemicals due to its high polymer content.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of a TPO membrane.

Advantages	Disadvantages
High resistance to heat, ultraviolet rays, fire, and extreme weather conditions.	Less elastic because only 1 layer is applied. The surface can deteriorate more easily.
Easy and quick to install	Unpredictable lifespan as the material is relatively new
Comes in various colours	Less resistant compared to other roofing options

A well-maintained TPO roof can last from 20 to 30 years but on average, they have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

To extend the lifespan of a TPO roofing system, silicone and acrylic coating systems can be used to restore the roof. A TPO membrane has to be at least 5 years old to be coated.

The most common cause of leaks in TPO roofs is when the membrane is damaged. Water can penetrate when it rains. To repair it is simple and can be done with a patch.

A TPO roof can easily be fixed by recoating the damaged area.

PVC Membrane

PVC membranes are waterproof and suitable for residential or commercial use.

They are made with elastic polyvinyl chloride and applied as a single layer. Welding and hot air are used for tightness and integrity. Because of its elasticity, it is more resistant to fire, water, and extreme temperatures.

Compare its advantages and disadvantages as enumerated below.

Advantages	Disadvantages
High thermal and impact resistance	Does not resist oils, solvent, or bitumen materials
No special maintenance is needed
Has excellent waterproof qualities

With the climate conditions in Ontario, a PVC roof membrane has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. They last far longer than a TPO membrane and can be the strongest single-membrane roof.

EPDM Roofs

EPDM is short for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer and is under the group of polymer roofing and waterproofing materials classified as synthetic rubber.

It is suitable for waterproofing underground structures in industrial or commercial buildings and on a large surface that needs high-quality and durable materials.

Also called a rubber roof, it is an eco-conscious option as it is recyclable. Refer to the table below for a comparison of its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages	Disadvantages
100% recyclable	The installation can only be done by skilled professionals.
High resistance to extreme weather conditions, fire, heat, and ultraviolet rays.	Can be difficult to spot damage.
Elastic even at a low temperature.	Prone to damage or perforation.

Tar and Gravel Roofs

This multi-layered roofing material consists of a felt sheet reinforced by asphalt. Its multiple layers serve as water barriers for the roof. This is also referred to as Built-Up Roofing or BUR.

The last layer is coated with tar (bitumen) and gravel for protection from UV rays and resistance to impact.

A tar and gravel roofing system is durable if installed by skilled roofers and can last as long as 25 years. However, the surface can be worn out over time and can develop leaks.

To repair a tar and gravel roof, ask a professional roofer to conduct a roof inspection and repair leaks, gaps, or holes to extend its lifespan.

Check out its advantages and disadvantages in the table below.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Cheaper than other roofing systems	More difficult to install compared to other roofing materials. Can only be installed in certain weather conditions.
Can be easily repaired if problems are minor	The tar can shrink due to the sun’s rays
Durable and lasts a long time	Needs more maintenance compared to other roofing materials

Partial or Complete Roof Replacement

It can be possible to replace only a part of the roof. Doing so is less expensive than a complete replacement of the roof.

Consider, though, that a partial replacement may cause more problems as old and new materials may not perfectly match. Sometimes, the damage is severe and requires a complete roof replacement.

The best thing to do is to speak to a qualified roofing contractor in your area. He can perform a roof inspection to determine the damage and the best solutions for your roof repair.

Roof Installation Costs in 2024

Skilled roofing professionals can install all kinds of flat roofs. You can get a free and no-obligation quote from our roofing partners by simply filling out the short online form on this page.

But to give you a good idea of the costs of a roof membrane repair or installation in 2024, please refer to the comparative table below.

Type of Roof	Average Price	Lifespan
Elastomeric Membrane	$10 – $15 per sq. ft.	20 – 30 years
TPO / EPDM	$8 – $12 per sq. ft.	25 – 30 years
PVC Membrane	$10 – $15 per sq. ft.	25 – 50 years
Tar and Gravel	$12 – $15 per sq. ft.	15- 30 years

The cost of repairing a flat roof varies depending on the severity of the roof’s condition, the size of the roof, the material used, your location, and other factors.

As you compare roofing quotes, you will find that prices also vary among the different roof contractors.

Minor repairs such as patching hotels or fixing leaks can cost $800 or less. Know that these quick repairs must use materials that match your current roof. They may also not be permanent solutions.

On average, the cost of a flat roof repair can be for a few hundred dollars to around $5,000 to $20,000 for a replacement.

When preparing your budget for a flat roof repair, consider the material, complexity of the work, size of the roof, and your location.

Find a reputable roofing contractor to get the best results and ensure a long-lasting roof installation.

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