As a property owner, roof shrinkage is a problem you will likely face at some point. Therefore, it is important for you to be able to recognize what it is, its causes, and what you can do to remedy it. Roof shrinkage is relatively common with roofs that have an ethylene propylene diene terpolymer roofing membrane. However, shrinkage can also happen to bitumen roofs. Due to constant exposure to the sun, these roofing materials gradually shrink. As a result, the flashing starts to pull away as the roofing materials crack and split, eventually leading to leaks. Fortunately, qualified roofing contractors are trained and experienced in solving this problem.
What Causes Roof Shrinkage?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) membrane roofs have a higher tendency to shrink, especially if the membrane is made of poor quality. The quality may be compromised if the mixing is not done well or if the mixture is exposed to too much sunlight. Such over-exposure results in the loss of oil.
Additionally, roof shrinkage may occur if the right roofing membrane installation procedure isn't followed. The purpose of the membrane is to help your roof beat the effects of regular expansion and contraction. However, if the installation process is not done professionally and correctly, the membrane may expand before its time, resulting in a shrunk roof.
Incompatible roofing design is another possible cause of roof shrinkage. This is because EPDM works best with certain roofing designs that your expert roofing contractor can advise you on. The professional roofer will also recommend how best to incorporate drainage vents that will further help to minimize shrinkage on EPDM roofs.
How Can You Protect Your Roof From Shrinking?
Choosing high-quality roofing materials can help protect your roof from shrinking. It is best to involve a roofing expert during your search in order to get more comprehensive information about your ideal roofing material options. Besides proposing what materials you need to buy, a roof repair expert can also reinforce the substrate to minimize the chances of roof shrinkage. They are also best equipped to perform regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that your roof's membrane is in optimal condition.
Installing ethylene propylene diene terpolymer membrane on your roof is highly beneficial. However, for it to work as it should, it requires the attention of a roofing contractor right from the selection stage and throughout its lifespan. A roofer will also ensure that your roofing system serves you for a long time.
For more information, contact a roofing contractor near you.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.