A roofing sheet can be glued to the roof surface using various methods, depending on the base materials.
A deck is a building material used in built roofs, or BURs. BUR applications are used for flat roof surfaces and consist of multiple layers of material designed to create a waterproof surface. Each layer includes layers of asphalt or tar coated fiberglass mats. The more layers, or tarps, used on constructed roofs, the more effectively the surface will be able to resist leaks over time. A surfacing component, such as roofing sheet, is used to cover and protect these lower layers and extend the life of the roof.
Over time, constant sun exposure weakens asphalt and causes it to dry out. As it dries in the sun, a BUR roof becomes brittle and eventually cracks. Rain seeps through these cracks and eventually seeps into the interior of the building, leading to leaks, mold, and rot. Roofing not only protects the asphalt from the sun, but also acts as an additional layer to further enhance the integrity of the roof.
A roofing sheet can be glued to the roof surface using various methods, depending on the base materials. Some installers rely on heat welding to permanently bond the sheet to the lower layers of the roof. Others apply a layer of cement or add a bituminous material, such as asphalt, between the sheet and the roof surface. Depending on weather and wind levels, some installers may add gravel or aggregate on top of the sheeting to help weigh it down and hold it in place.
Most sheet roofing resembles a rolled asphalt roof. They consist of fiberglass mats coated with mineral granules for strength and durability. A sheet of mulch is quite heavy due to the mineral surface and is widely known as 90-pound mulch in North America. A standard square of coverage of this material weighs 90 pounds (40.9 kg), although some lightweight materials are used in certain regions.
Some roofing sheets are used in retrofit applications to improve the energy efficiency of a building. These sheets feature a light-colored mineral surface that creates a white or off-white roof. This light color reflects sunlight to maintain the building’s temperature in hot, sunny weather. By reflecting sunlight, these tiles reduce the need for air conditioning to reduce utility costs and help protect the environment. In this type of application, the deck can be used with a standard BUR roof or a variety of other roof finishes.
