What Is an EPDM Roof?

An EPDM roof is made from a durable synthetic rubber. It’s a popular material for low-slope roofs. The two main materials used to make EPDM are ethylene and propylene. These come from oil and natural gas. EPDM roofing systems have been used for more than 40 years. This type of roof has proven its applicable reliability and resistance to a wide variety of outdoor elements.

EPDM roofing is most commonly black, but it can also be found in white instead. Depending on the job you need done, it can be easily shaped into a range of widths. There are a few different thicknesses available, depending on the climate and other factors. These things will have an effect on the cost.

How are Rubber Roofs Installed

When it comes to installation, there are several different techniques that can be used. It can be installed fully adhered, attached mechanically or ballasted. When it’s installed, EPDM roofing is rolled out and then attached to the roof. Since it’s installed along a large surface, you need multiple rolls like this to cover the entire roof. After the rubber is rolled out, the seams are sealed using a liquid adhesive or a special type of heavy-duty tape.

EPDM roofing works great for a number of different commercial uses. From huge warehouses to schools to office buildings, this roofing option is a great choice. It has an easy application, it’s reliable, and it will last a long time. When you own your own business or manage an organization, the roof of the building shouldn’t be something that you need to worry about.

Cost of EPDM Rubber Roofing System

With any big project for your business, the cost is an important factor. The price of an EPDM roofing system will vary depending on several factors. The thickness of the rubber, the color and even the time of year will affect its cost. When you’re planning a project like installing a new roof, you’ll compare prices between several different contractors.

Commercial Rubber Roof Lifespan

When you’re planning to install a new roof, the lifespan of the new roof is important too. Different roofing types use different materials and techniques. These differences mean that different types of roofs have different lifespans. With an EPDM roof, your new roof can last 30 years or more when you give it the proper maintenance.

A growing trend in the roofing industry is to use sustainable materials that will last a long time. With its resistance to a number of different elements and longevity, EPDM has proven itself as one of the best commercial roofing options available.

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Commercial Rubber Roof System

Each type of roofing system has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. When you’re looking for the right roofing option for your new build or re-roofing project, you’ll want to compare the pros and cons of each type of roof. EPDM rubber roofs are very popular for commercial buildings. And you won’t be surprised at why after you see all of its advantages.

Advantages of EPDM Roofs:

• Quick installation: This type of roofing system is also quick and easy to install. When a roof can be installed quickly, you can get back to business sooner. If it’s on a new build, your construction team can move on to other parts of the building sooner. And if it’s for a re-roofing project, it won’t act as a disruption for as long.
• Lightweight: EPDM rubber is lightweight, so you don’t have to reinforce the lower layers of the roof. But even though it’s lightweight, you don’t lose durability. The rubber resists scratches and scuffs and avoids damage from ultraviolet rays in sunny climates. Its long-lasting characteristics give it great longevity.
• Less likely to leak: It also has fewer leaks than other roofing systems. When the rubber is rolled out, it doesn’t have many seams. The seams that are there are sealed with a liquid adhesive. Even when leaks do appear, they’re easy to fix. You can apply a simple patch overtop the rubber.

Even with these advantages, EPDM roofing systems have a few disadvantages that you need to consider, too.

Disadvantages of EPDM Rubber Roofing System:

• Not as visually attractive: Some people think EPDM rubber gives their building an unattractive appearance. But depending on how the building is used, appearance may not be an important factor.
• Attracts heat: If you pick a black rubber, it absorbs heat and can warm up the building more. This can potentially raise your cooling costs during the warmer, sunnier times of the year. If you want to counter this heating by using a lighter color, you’ll pay more.
• Punctures easily: The last disadvantage is that the rubber can puncture easily with the right object and amount of force. If a lot of branches come down during a storm or if a utility worker is wearing the wrong type of shoes, you could get some holes in the top. These punctures can let in water if they’re not fixed right away, causing other types of damage.

If you’re looking for a new roof, call David Maines for a free estimate on an EPDM Roof on your commercial building. We understand each of our clients’ needs are unique, so we make sure to find the best solution for you. When you need a contractor to help with a commercial rubber roof repair or installation, please contact us today!

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