Choosing Fully Adhered vs. Mechanically Fixed Membrane Roof Systems
“Fully adhered” (fixed with adhesives) and “mechanically fixed” (fixed with screws) are two different methods of installing roofing materials and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The choice between the two depends on various factors, including the type of roofing material, climate, budget, and building structure.
We explore the distinct advantages of each roofing method to help you decide what’s the best option:
Advantages of a Fully Adhered Roof
–Wind Resistance: Fully adhered roofs are generally more wind-resistant than mechanically fixed roofs because the roofing material is securely glued or adhered to the substrate, reducing the risk of wind uplift.
–Watertight Seal: The adhesive used in fully adhered roofing systems can create a continuous seal under the membrane, minimising the risk of water travelling through the roof from leaks and any water infiltration.
–Aesthetics: Fully adhered roofs often have a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing appearance because there are no visible fasteners or penetrations on the surface.
–Noise Reduction: The adhesive layer can help dampen sound, making fully adhered roofs quieter during heavy rain or hail while also preventing and flapping of the membranes in windy conditions.
–Enhanced Insulation: Fully adhered roofing systems can provide better insulation properties due to the absence of fasteners that could create thermal bridges.
–Durability: The adhesive bond helps distribute the weight and stress evenly across the roofing material, potentially extending the roof’s lifespan.
–Low Maintenance: Fully adhered roofs typically require less maintenance over time because there are no exposed fasteners or seams that may degrade.
-Reduced Installation Time: The installation process for fully adhered roofs is typically, but not always, quicker than mechanically fixed systems. This is especially true on concrete roof decks where mechanically fixing a roof membrane and insulation involves pre-drilling thousands of holes.
Advantages of a Mechanically Fixed Roof
-Cost-Effective: Mechanically fixed roofing systems are often more cost-effective to install because they require fewer materials and less labour than fully adhered systems.
–Easier Repairs: If a portion of the roof is damaged, it can be easier and more cost-effective to repair or replace individual sections in a mechanically fixed system.
–Flexibility: Mechanically fixed roofs are more adaptable to a variety of substrates and can accommodate changes in building structure or expansion more easily.
-Reduced Installation Time: The installation process for mechanically fixed roofs is typically, but not always, quicker than fully adhered systems, which can help reduce labour costs.
Ventilation: Mechanically fixed roofs can allow for better ventilation under the roof membrane, which can be important in some climates to prevent moisture buildup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between a fully adhered roof and a mechanically fixed roof depends on the specific needs and priorities of the project.
Factors such as climate, budget, building structure, and roofing material will all play a significant role in the decision-making process.
Take Your Project to New Heights with Tecron
For more in-depth roofing consultants, Tecron’s Technical Team can aid in the design and delivery of the optimum roofing solutions for your upcoming roofing project. Contact us at sales@tecron.ie, by phone on +353-91-353545 or follow us on LinkedIn.
Behind the Scenes at Tecron: Meet John O’Malley, Our Operations Manager
At Tecron, we believe that the strength of our brand isn’t just in the quality of our products, but also in the talent and dedication of our team. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture where every individual is valued, and their unique skills and perspectives contribute to our collective success. Today, we’re excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the key figures in our team: John O’Malley, our Operations Manager.
Introducing John O’Malley
John has been an integral part of the Tecron family, ensuring that our operations run smoothly and efficiently. With a role that spans across various departments and interfaces with our valued customers, John embodies the spirit of collaboration and professionalism that Tecron stands for. He’s some guy for one guy!
A Day in the Life
When asked about what a typical day looks like for him at Tecron, John says, “No two days are the same for me. My role involves working with every department of the business and our customers. I very much enjoy the interactions and seeing tasks completed in a professional and timely manner.”
The Joy of Diversity
For John, the best part about his role is its multifaceted nature. “It’s diversity,” he shares. “My role is much like a jigsaw; there are many components to blend together, and there is a great sense of satisfaction once the final piece is added.”
Tell Us, John: Why Tecron?
For those considering a career at Tecron, John has a simple message: “Tecron is a growing and dynamic company with a great atmosphere. We have a friendly and energetic team, and there is always someone on hand to lend assurance on technical matters when required.”
Getting Personal with John
Outside of his professional life, John has a range of interests that keep him busy:
-Hobbies: “Cooking, Fishing, Kayaking, Soccer. I enjoy keeping up to date on current affairs and spending quality time with family and friends.”
-Dream Living Location: “I like the idea of living in a warmer country, but in reality, I love living in Ireland. I’d possibly move back over the border to Mayo, though I think my better half has other ideas.”
-Dream Job: “Cartoon Voice Actor.”
-Skill Aspiration: “I’d love to learn how to play the Banjo.”
-Favourite Quote: “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
-Go-to Song: “Bruce Springsteen – Mary’s Place.”
-Ultimate Meal: “Homemade chicken & mushroom vol au vent, homemade fries, and salad.”
-Dream Dinner Guest: “Roy Keane, for his one-liners!”
-First Purchase if He Won the Lottery: “Land Rover Discovery.”
-Desert Island Entertainment: “Fishing rod – practical and fun!”
Thanks to John for joining us on this behind-the-scenes journey. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from the team at Tecron!
Join Our Team
John’s journey at Tecron is a testament to the opportunities and growth that await those who join our team. If you’re inspired by John’s story and are looking for a dynamic, collaborative, and rewarding work environment, we invite you to explore career opportunities at Tecron. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future in the world of construction.
Sustainable Roofing: The Benefits of Green Roofing Systems
Over recent years, Irish construction professionals have become increasingly aware of the benefits of green roofing and how they can lead the future in sustainable roofing projects. In the latest blog from Tecron, we examine three key types of green roofing system and the positive impact they can have on our environment and local communities.
Unlike any innovation in modern construction, green roofing systems have transformed how building professionals in Ireland and beyond approach building design and environmental sustainability. Indeed, the Global Green Roofing Market is projected to reach USD 2.25 billion by 2028, as summarised in a recent report by BusinessWire. Here at Tecron, we’ve witnessed a growing interest in these systems through the many companies and roofing professionals we work with.
Green Roofing: Simple Concept, Complex Advantages
Growing interest in sustainable roofing has seen a market explosion, with dozens of green roofing products available to environmentally-minded construction professionals and their customers. However, whilst the options are numerous, many of these systems narrow down to one simple concept: a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium.
Many of these systems can also be categorised into three groups:
-Green roofs
-Brown / biodiverse roofs
-Modular green roofs
Let’s take a look at each of these systems in detail and how they offer a multitude of benefits that extend beyond traditional roofing methods – keep reading to learn more.
Green Roofs
Also known as living roofs, green roofs are characterised by their lush vegetation and plant life covering the rooftop surface. The build-up of a green roof typically includes layers such as the Fatra membrane, sacrificial/protection membrane or geotextile fleece, drainage layer, geotextile filter fleece, growing substrate, and a sedum vegetation blanket.
The Advantages of Green Roofs
Green Roofs: Environmental Benefits
-Improved Air Quality: Green roofs act as natural air filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. This contributes to cleaner air in built-up urban areas.
-Stormwater Management: By absorbing rainwater and reducing runoff, green roofs alleviate stress on stormwater systems, preventing flooding and erosion.
-Urban Heat Island Effect: Green roofs combat the urban heat island effect by reducing the absorption and reflection of solar radiation, helping regulate city temperatures and reduce energy demand.
Green Roofs: Energy Efficiency Benefits
-Thermal Insulation: The vegetative layers of green roofs provide additional thermal insulation, reducing heat loss during cold seasons and heat gain during hot summers; leading to energy savings and reduced HVAC usage.
-Extended Roof Lifespan: The green roof acts as a protective barrier for the underlying roofing materials, shielding them from harsh UV rays and extreme temperature fluctuations, thereby extending the lifespan of the roof.
Green Roofs: Biodiversity Benefits
-Green Roofs as Habitats: Green roofs offer unique opportunities for urban biodiversity by providing habitats for insects, birds, and other small animals.
-Biodiversity Conservation: By supporting local flora and fauna, green roofs contribute to the preservation of native plant species and the conservation of urban biodiversity. Indeed, by installing green roofing systems, companies and organisations can make serious pledges to their environmental commitments.
Brown / Biodiverse Roofs
Brown or biodiverse roofs share several similarities with green roofs but have a distinct focus on creating ecosystems that mimic natural habitats. Instead of specific vegetation, they are often left to allow the germination of wind-blown seeds or seeded with local flora. Tecron believes that this is an innovative way of partially mitigating the loss of ecosystems from existing brownfield sites that have been redeveloped.
The Advantages of Brown / Biodiverse Roofs
Brown / Biodiverse Roofs: Biodiversity Conservation Benefits
-Ecosystem Restoration: Brown roofs play a vital role in ecosystem restoration by providing a platform for diverse plant and animal species to thrive in urban environments.
-Wildlife Support: By attracting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, brown roofs actively support urban biodiversity and contribute to broader ecological resilience.
Brown/ Biodiverse Roofs: Sustainable Redevelopment Benefits
-Rejuvenating Brownfield Sites: Brown roofs play a significant role in sustainable urban development by reimagining brownfield sites and utilising previously disturbed or underutilised land for ecological restoration.
Modular Green Roofs
Modular green roofs are designed with pre-grown trays featuring different vegetation types, such as Sedum and wildflowers, providing a flexible and convenient green roofing option.
The Advantages of Modular Green Roofs
Modular Green Roofs: Installation & Maintenance Benefits
-Streamlined Installation: With pre-grown trays, modular green roofs offer a more straightforward installation process compared to traditional green roofs, making them a practical option for various building types.
-Reduced Maintenance: The integrated drainage and water reservoir systems within the trays minimise the need for regular upkeep, making these roofs ideal for commercial and residential applications alike.
Modular Green Roofs: Customisation Benefits
-Versatility: Modular green roofs present a wide range of customization options, allowing property owners to choose between Sedum, wildflowers, or a blend of both to suit their preferences and site requirements.
-Enhanced Aesthetics: By integrating visually appealing plant varieties, modular green roofs elevate the overall aesthetics of buildings, contributing to a greener urban landscape.
Green roofing systems serve as a powerful testament to the possibilities of harmonising architecture with nature. As we embrace these eco-friendly alternatives, we can collectively work towards creating greener, healthier, and more livable urban environments for generations to come.
Tecron: Your Trusted Partner for Green Roofing Projects
Here at Tecron, we’re passionate about driving sustainability in roofing by providing a range of green roofing systems. To get started, contact us or book a CPD in seconds.