Shrink Wrap Roof

A shrink wrap roof is a layer of plastic membrane. Manufacturers generally use low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the manufacturing of shrink wrap roofs. Since the roofs are designed to experience harsh climatic conditions, they ensure that the material can withstand such abuse for a temporary period.

The shrink wrap roofs may vary in thickness from one manufacturer to another. But in general, you can find shrink wrap roofs with a 300-micron thickness that is sufficient to cover the purpose efficiently. The membrane is a lightweight and flexible plastic that you can easily install on the roof frame.

Another important feature why LDPE is used is due to its weather-resistant capabilities. The shrink wrap roofs have a good impact resistance. So, they can offer significantly high strength. Moreover, the UV ray cannot damage the shrink wrap roofs due to the anti-ultraviolet components.

The common benefits of shrink wrap roofs are:

• With shrink wrap roofs, you can ensure a tightly sealed containment system. It will help you to seal any gaps to avoid dust, moisture, pests, etc.
• The shrink wrap roofs are made from high-strength material. So, you can get robust protection for your structure.

The consideration of weight is a big issue for any temporary roofing project. With very lightweight shrink wrap roofing, you can totally keep the thoughts off the weight.

Figure 2 – A Shrink Wrap Roof Adds A Pleasing View To Your Temporary Roofing System

• Shrink roofs are made from materials with anti-UV components.
• Shrink wrap roofs are super cheap to install. So, this should be your perfect choice for the temporary roofing solution.
• Installing shrink wrap roofs requires very little effort and labor.
• You can install shrink wrap roofs for awkwardly shaped roofs.
• From small to large size of roofs, you can use shrink wrap for all sizes of roofs.

Follow these steps to set up a typical shrink wrap roof on a scaffolding.

• Make sure that the roof frame or scaffolding is complete where you want to install the shrink wrap roof.
• Install a handrail at the border perimeter of the roof to ensure the safety of the workers.
• If you are installing from a shrink wrap roll, then you need to cut them.
• Start by cutting a single piece first. Measure the length that is of greater length on your roof. You should keep an extra of 30 cm to 40 cm extra at each side to overlap the edge and fold. So, add 60 cm to 80 cm with the measured length. Use this measurement to cut from the shrink wrap roll through the length.
• Cut several similar-length pieces until you get enough to cover the width of the roof by placing them side by side. Place them to cover the whole roof maintaining a minimum overlapping sheeting length.

Figure 3 – Temporary Roof Scaffolding Using Shrink Wraps

• Keeping the extension overlap, fold the shrink wrap over the horizontal scaffold rail at one side. Cut the shrink wrap at positions with the vertical rail posts and place the two ends at two sides of the rail post. Tape the ends that you have placed at two sides. Use a rail clamp to secure the connection between the shrink wrap sheet and the horizontal scaffolding rail.
• Pull the shrink wrap gently at the other end to flatten its surface. Then fasten the other side following the same techniques. Then batten the shrink wrap sheet on the roof at regular intervals.
• Heat weld the extended portion you left at each side of the interior wall where you made the fold. Tape the edge of the welded extension.
• Again, tape the base of the vertical rail posts and the sheets. You must ensure that you are not leaving any gap to avoid water penetration.
• Finally, heat shrink the roof sheets using a heat blowing machine to complete the setup of the shrink wrap roofing.

The installation procedure may vary depending on the type of roof you are installing. For example, if you install on a double-pitched roof, you need to follow some additional steps. But for any type of roof structure, you can follow these general steps with small modifications.

Shrink wrap roofs are made for temporary usage. So, you cannot expect very long durability from this material. How long your shrink wrap roof will last depends on the weather conditions, especially the wind. In general, the manufacturers offer a warranty for six months, with some conditioning on wind speeds.

But you can use the shrink wrap roofs for about a year or more if the weather conditions are favorable. One of the great advantages of a shrink roof is that it does not get fragile, wrinkled, or weakened under the sun, which is a common concern with many materials.

Moreover, the sheet will remain as tight as you installed it at first. It will not be sagging with the passage of time. So, if you do not face too harsh weather conditions, you may use it for a very long time.