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What is Roll Roofing?

Roll roofing is a type of asphalt product that has multiple similarities to asphalt shingles including other variations such as thickness, durability, and price. It emanates from an oil-based mineral and is employed as a fitting alternative to asphalt shingles. It is preferable as it can be found easily in the local stores and other different platforms such as online stores for those people who opt to shop online expecting a delivery slightly afterward. Many people are still not fully aware of this type of roofing as it is yet to gain traction with regard to its deployment and application by many contractors. It is therefore only imperative that this article delves deep to unravel what roll roofing actually consists of, its use, perks and disadvantages, and finally, whether it is a viable alternative that should be amply considered whenever one is desirous of undertaking a certain construction project.

Fitting

Flat roof installation. Heating and melting bitumen roofing felt by flame torch at construction site

This is the most crucial part when it comes to roll roofing. It involves cutting the rolls into long strips, meticulously laying them down, and aligning them in a horizontal position. Some types of roll roofing might be too feeble thus creating the need for reinforcement in a bid to make them much sturdier. This is done through an infusion with asphalt and it enhances the strength of the roofing for guaranteed longevity. Rolled roofing is not usually installed in any kind of roof thus some feasibility checks have to be made before any installation occurs. The checks ought to precede any installation as rolled roofing is only perfect for roofs, which are slightly slanting and minimally sloped.

Use

Roll roofing can be used in new projects for instance roofing and it can be employed to re-roof an old roof that has been in use for an extended period. However, ample caution has to be exercised when using this type of roofing as it entails a relatively delicate process. Rolled roofing is quite prone and susceptible to damage. This necessitates prior cleaning to remove any dirt and debris on the already existing roofing to protect and guard the new rolled roofing against any potential damage upon installation. More so, this type of roofing is not strictly restricted to this kind of use as it can also be used in other distinct projects such as workshops, garages and gazebos. Ideally, it is also deemed a good fit for small buildings in case you have one that requires some roofing or make-over.

Approach

Dealing with rolled roofing is easy and much more convenient and this is in stark contrast to asphalt shingles, which are bulky hence requiring the use of machines to move and place them accordingly. Rolled roofs can be easily weighed and lifted hence handling is never an issue. They do not require the use of any forklifts and when you decide to DIY this project, it is seamless and only some slight assistance is required from a friend or close aid. It is not labor-intensive and it is often quite a simple and basic endeavor that is appealing to many who desire to avoid the hassles associated with the constraints and technicalities associated with asphalt shingles.

Advantages

Premised on the aforementioned, the benefits of rolled roofing are easily discernible upon a cursory glance and reading of what has been discussed in the foregoing. Rolled roofing is quite cheap compared to the usually pricey asphalt shingles where exorbitant prices are usually charged. They are also very easy to move from one site to another without the use of heavy machinery and further, they are ideal for low incline roofs where the use of asphalt shingles is considered an immense challenge. As highlighted earlier, rolled roofing is easy to handle and the implication herein is that they are therefore installed quickly and without any glitches. The fact that they do not entail intensive labor means that the whole process or endeavor is automatically made cheap and cost-effective.

Disadvantages

Just as any other commodity in the market, rolled roofs also possess some shortcomings. They are not desired by the affluent, as they are not aesthetically pleasing. They do not last long hence, their longevity cannot be compared to that of asphalt shingles due to this compromised durability. More so, they lower the resale value of any given house hence making them undesirable and unattractive to any prospective buyers. Finally, for something to be appealing to the masses it needs to entail variation in times of shape, design and color among others and rolled roofs always fall short in this regard.

Roll roofing is quite similar to asphalt shingles but with some slight differences. Although it is not a very common material in the roofing industry, it is still quite good and durable. Therefore, you might want to consider this type of roofing in your next project.