Introduction:
If you are someone in search of alternative roofing options that are light on the wallet and do their job similar to that of an expensive roof, then you’ve come to the correct place as a rolled roof might be the type of material you are looking for.
What is meant by the term roll roofing?
Rolled roofing (also referred to as MSR) is a mineral-surfaced oil-based asphalt product. The length and weight of each roll are about 100 square feet and 75 pounds respectively.
As the name indicates, it comes in the form of rolls that can be cut as per convenience.
Although a rolled roof is similar to asphalt shingles, it is cheaper, thinner, and lasts shorter than asphalt.
What are the areas where a rolled roof can be used?
A rolled roof according to Low Cost Roofing can be added to a pre-existing roof with the condition that the roof has to be prepared beforehand by removing any sort of slag, gravel, debris, or residue. This would keep the roof preserved from damage and puncturing after installation.
Rolled roofs are mostly used for areas other than the roofs of houses including play areas, barns, shacks, workshops, smaller buildings, garages, lean-tos, gazebos, shops, etc.
Advantages and disadvantages of rolled roofing
Are you confused about whether you should go for a roll roofing or not? You can decide for yourself by going through the pros and cons listed down below:
1. Reasonable cost
A rolled roof can cost about $50 for each square which is immensely low-priced compared to asphalt shingles. In addition to that, there are no set labour costs as the installation of a rolled roof can be easily carried out by an amateur too. Also, the nails required for its fixation are quite affordable too.
2. Easy to transport
Well, no one wants to pay for the expenses of transportation of any roofing material. To transfer any roofing material from the ground up to any roof, enormous cranes or forklifts are needed, and calling for such machinery is expensive.
Compared to other roofing types, rolled roofing is easy to shift due to it being lightweight and it can be done by asking for a helping hand from a friend. Whereas every other roofing type can’t be handled manually.
3. Low-sloped roofs
Rolled roofing is specific for low-pitched roofs. Therefore, it is necessary to check if a roof is suitable for its installation before its purchase.
Roll roofs are the best match for rooftops with a low slope. However, they can’t be suggested for flat roofs. In the case of flat roofs, going for rolled roofing can enhance the probability of leakage.
4. Quick installation
You might have noticed that during the installation of roofs, shingles are placed one followed by the other with proper care and attention. Well, that’s not the case with rolled roofing as it does not contain shingles but rather rolls. These rolls can simply be placed within minutes as it only requires to be spread out. After this, lap cement is applied on the bottom to secure it which is an adhesive. Moreover, the rolls are cut into different sizes for the various parts of a roof and are placed horizontally during their placement.
Now let’s throw light on some of the drawbacks that come with a rolled roof:
5. Average lifespan
A rolled roof would not prove to be your friend in the long run as it can last for 5 to 8 years which is a short period in comparison with the estimated 20 or more years of asphalt shingles.
6. Few colour options
Rolled roofing cannot be recommended to people that wish to explore different colour options for their roofs as it comes mainly in black and white colours. Sometimes grey, tan, or green colours can also be found and thus keeping its owners bound with limited options.
7. Not durable
Normally, roofing materials contain a network of shingles that are interlocked during installation thus leaving room for expansion and contraction during its life.
On the other hand, a rolled roof cannot stand expansion and contraction as there is no space for it. As a result, bald areas and the loss of granules can be observed over time.
8. External appearance
Along with the many benefits that any roofing material offers, whether it would make the construction captivating or not is prioritized by owners.
A rolled roof pretty much adds up nothing to the overall look of any place thus not liked by people who wish to make their place alluring and pleasing to the eyes.
9. Effect on resale value
The purchase of a roof has an immense effect on the resale value of any construction but that’s not particularly the matter with a rolled roof as it does not make the view of any construction enchanting. Furthermore, any construction with a rolled roof is not appealing to buyers and thus does not increase its worth.
Conclusion
A rolled roof is mostly preferred by people who wish to replace their roof in a reasonable amount and whose installation procedure is trouble-free.
Therefore, keeping the low cost and ease of installation, rolled roofing would not sound like a bad idea to go for. Besides, a rolled roof prevents moisture and dust absorption during extreme weather conditions hence saving the roof from corrosion.
