What is a Concrete Roof?
After looking at EPDM and TPO in our most recent blogs, this week we answer the question, “What is a Concrete Roof?” A concrete roof is exactly what it sounds like: a concrete slab capping the top of your house or business. It’s that simple!
Concrete roofs are typically extremely long-lasting. But they also carry some stumbling blocks. This blog will look at the advantages and disadvantages of concrete roofs and how Progressive Materials can provide solutions when concrete – like all other substrates – fail.
Advantages
Arguably, the biggest advantage of concrete is its durability. Concrete has been a solid choice for generations on many projects, from sidewalks to bridges, roads, and roofs. Made up of a combination of sand, cement, and water that dries into a solid and durable material, a concrete roof, if properly assembled, can easily last decades.
Additionally, concrete isn’t flammable, so a concrete flat roof can help prevent a fire that reaches the roof from spreading.
Another advantage is that concrete flat roofing typically involves lower maintenance, especially compared to some other flat roofing options. Power-washing an asphalt roof can be tricky, for example, because the powerful spray can ruin that surface. There are no such concerns when power-washing a flat concrete roof, however.
Disadvantages
One major disadvantage is that concrete absorbs moisture over time. That could lead to leaks and other water damage. Concrete surfaces also retain water. That makes it possible for plant, fungi, and molds to grow, which could further damage the roof. As root systems begin taking over concrete roofs, it’s only a matter of time before small plants turn into big problems.
Additionally, concrete is much heavier than other substrates. You need to get a structural engineer involved because, without the proper roof decking reinforcement, the entire roof could cave in because of the enormous weight.
Finally, concrete roofs can absorb heat in warm climates, increasing the building’s internal temperature and raisins energy costs.
How PM Can Help
One of the top benefits to restoring a concrete roof with PM Silicone is that it creates a completely seamless and waterproof membrane on the roof. Since concrete roofs can be prone to water absorption, PM silicone is a perfect fit to maintain the roofs’ durability while becoming completely waterproof.
Another benefit to coating a concrete roof with silicone is that PM Silicone is anti-fungal. This means plant life cannot grow on it. Even in ponding water areas, PM Silicone does not break down or allow plant life to start growing.
PM’s white silicone can also reflect up to 80-90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This means property owners can save money by cutting their cooling costs during the hot summer and reducing HVAC system workloads.
In conclusion, concrete has proven to be extremely long-lasting and can serve as a solid roof substrate for decades. But it will break down, and PM can help restore and make your concrete roof even stronger.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned! Our next blog in our “What is a Substrate?” series will look at spray foam.