If you are considering EPDM rubber roofing for your home, then this article is for you. EPDM Rubber Roofing: Facts and Guidelines discusses what EPDM rubber roofing system is, the benefits of EPDM roofing, and when to use it. This blog post also offers guidelines on choosing the right EPDM Rubber Roofing System for your needs!
- What is a Rubber Roof?
- Are EPDM Roofs Any Good?
- What is the Best EPDM?
- EPDM: Heat and Steam Resistance
- How Much Does EPDM Cost?
- What do You Put Under Rubber Roofing?
- Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing
- How Long Does EPDM Rubber Last?
What is a Rubber Roof?
Rubber roofing is a material made up of recycled tires, slate dust, and sawdust. These materials are combined to create long sheets installed on flat roof or shingles that resemble slates tiles. Rubber roofs are one of the more inexpensive and durable options for flat roofing. They’re also highly resistant to leaks, making them an ideal choice if you want something that provides long-lasting protection against water damage. When used in conjunction with a flashing system designed to seal any penetrations through your roofline (preventing moisture from seeping back into your house), they can last up to 20 years!
Additionally, Rubber roofing is a great option for flat roofs because it lasts longer and requires little maintenance. If the rubber does develop cracks or leaks, these are easy to fix with liquid latex tape! You can also try installing a shingle-style roll roof over your old one to extend its life further.
Are EPDM Roofs Any Good?
EPDM rubber roofing, developed by scientists in the 1960s, is a green alternative to traditional metal roofs. This type of roofing system is mostly used for commercial building owners or residential roof. The rubbery material has all the physical properties for long-term performance at a low maintenance cost, and it’s also environmentally friendly because of its non-toxic chemicals that create no pollution or toxic substances when being produced. EPDM is also known for its flexibility, puncture resistance and durability, which means it never needs to be replaced because of cracking or weather damage.
EPDM rubber roofing looks just like EPDM rubber flooring – but the material used in a roof system has different properties than that used on the ground. EPDM Rubber Roofs can withstand snow loads up to 40 pounds per square foot! It features excellent waterproofing abilities and UV resistance (so you don’t have to worry about discoloring).
There are two types of EPDM systems: solid membrane and built-up system (BUR) with single-ply membranes on top. The difference between these two options is how they’re installed. EPDM built-up systems are installed in layers, while EPDM solid membrane is installed as one layer.
What is the Best EPDM?
An EPDM Rubber Roofing System is best for you if you live in a climate where the temperature ranges from -20°F to 120°F. EPDM rubber roofing also requires no maintenance because it doesn’t need painting or re-coating and has a lifespan of up to 20 years! EPDM can be installed over most surfaces, such as wood shingle roofs, asphalt roofs, concrete slabs with steel reinforcement rods (for wind resistance), plywood decking, which has been prepared by an EPDM adhesive like “SURFACE SEAM SEALER.” Here are the different types of EPDM roofs to choose from:
- EPDM Rubber Roofing System: a single layer of EPDM membrane underlayment, or EPDM “felt.”
- EPDM Solid Membrane Systems: consists of an EPDM liner with more than one protective layer. These are made from different types of rubbers and can be applied to sloped roofs (to allow the water to runoff). They’re also suitable for wet environments because they prevent ponding water on the roof surface – which means less risk of decay due to mold and mildew build up!
- EPMD BUR System: EPDM Rubber Roofing which is installed as built-up layer membranes.
- EPMD BUR System with Single-Ply Membranes on Top: EPDM rubber roofing system that combines the two types of EPDM systems mentioned above (solid membrane and EPMD BUR).
EPDM: Heat and Steam Resistance
Key characteristics of the EPDM rubber roof include excellent resistance to fresh and seawater, oxidation, ultraviolet, ozone aging, and weathering. This high-grade material stands temperature: -40 ° C to +130°C; even short-term exposure at up 150°C will not destroy it! Beyond traditional rubber materials (which can’t withstand temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius without melting), this is an excellent choice for seals in mediums that reach beyond 120 degrees Fahrenheit due to its durability.
Additionally, EPDM rubber roofing is resistant to heat and steam. EPDM can withstand temperatures up to 250°F, as well as the pressure from a fire department’s hose! EPDM also resists chemical spills that are on your rooftop.
How Much Does EPDM Cost?
For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roofing project, you can expect to pay between $3-7 per square foot for the materials and labor and a higher price if there is significant damage such as bad decking that needs to be replaced or asphalt on top of concrete. This cost may be cheaper at $3/square feet in 100,000 square ft projects with little work involved other than putting down the cover board and rubber membrane, which are often performed by industrial machines rather than workers who will need less time completing this task.
What Do You Put Under Rubber Roofing?
There are a few options when it comes to what you put under EPDM rubber roofing. The first is asphalt shingle which will cost around $20-$50 per square foot. You may choose wood shake, metal, or plastic; these surfaces will run about $30-$80 per square foot and last the same 20-year lifespan as EPDM! In order to install an EPDM Rubber Roofing System, please follow these steps:
First, lay down your surface of choice (asphalt shingle, plywood deck with EPDM adhesive like SURFACE SEAM SEALER), making sure there is no vegetation underneath for at least six inches up from lack edge; cover boards can be used if needed). Next, lay down the EPDM rubber membrane and cover board. Note that EPDM won’t adhere to asphalt shingle, so you need to use a SURFACE SEAM SEALER. Finally, seal the seams with an EPDM liquid seam sealer.
Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing
Pros
The latest roofing trend in the trade is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). But what’s so special about it? It can be summed up with three simple words: durable, easy to install, and economical. Yes, you read that right – this cool material does not come at a high price! With its durability of 50-year lifespan (or even more), which means less frequent repairs or replacements needed over time; plus being resistant to UV rays from the sun and able to withstand extreme weather conditions like storms without losing performance – why go for anything else?! Get your hands on some rubber today before supplies run out!
Cons
EPDM is more expensive than other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. The expense can be minimized by using less EPDM rubber membrane in your project if you’re not worried about wind resistance but may need to use cover boards for protection against UV rays. EPDM also requires the most time when installing due to its thickness (typically ¼ inch). Finally, while EPDM should last up to 20 years with little maintenance, it will eventually break down through oxidation; this process takes place faster at higher temperatures, so make sure that you take care of leaks quickly before they lead to worse problems later.
How Long Does EPDM Rubber Last?
EPDM rubber roofing is a fantastic investment that is available in the market for anyone who wants to enjoy minimal maintenance and long-lasting durability. With an expected lifespan of over 50 years, you will be able to spend your days in peace, knowing that there’s little risk of costly repairs on the horizon. In addition, EPDM manufacturers offer warranties between 25 – 30 years, so you have some assurance that any unforeseen issues can easily be fixed along the way!
Summary
If you think that the durable EPDM membrane is the best option for your residential roof and commercial building and it’s essential to work with a professional roofing contractor that can install it. The installation process of this longest lasting roof material isn’t easy and requires some training and experience to ensure long-lasting or leak-free status.
Contact RoofingBronxnyc.com to get your entire roof inspected or if you decide to change your existing roof to EPDM roof. The expert roofers from RoofingBronxnyc.com can also help you understand the difference of single ply membrane systems, TPO roofing systems, and EPDM roofing systems.
