It’s essential to use the right material when adding a flat roof to your property. There are many different resources on the market for this style of roofing, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing which one would be most suitable for your roof will give you the best results for your money and ensure that you’re not confronted with unexpected roof repair expenses within a couple of years.
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What is EPDM Roofing?
Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) is a rubber composite commonly used in roofing applications, particularly in commercial and industrial installations where appearance isn’t as important as functionality. They’re perfect for flat- or low-slope roofs that are exposed to a lot of sun and inclement weather and are even gaining popularity in the residential space due to the eco-friendliness of the material.
Pros of EPDM Roofing
One of the most significant advantages of having an EPDM roof is that it’s cheap and straightforward to install. EPDM comes in one sheet that covers the entire roof space, preventing water from creeping in through any seams.
EPDM roofing comes in a variety of thicknesses, with the thickest capable of acting as an insulation layer, reducing cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. While EPDM is usually black, it can be painted with an acrylic coating to increase reflectivity and also add aesthetic value. When painted white, an EPDM roof will reflect the sun’s rays, further reducing the amount of heat that gets into the interior of the building.
EPDM roofing is both fire- and weather-resistant, functioning as a natural fire-retardant that can halt the progress of building flames. New formulations of the rubber used in EPDM roofing have made the product almost indestructible, with the ability to shrug off rain, hail, and wind. UV doesn’t damage this type of material, and if properly maintained, it can last up to 50 years.
Finally, EPDM is energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and fully recyclable, taking very little energy to manufacture. This, along with its energy savings and long lifespan, makes it the perfect material for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
Cons of EPDM Roofing
No roofing system is perfect, including EPDM. Unlike other roofing materials, EPDM can’t be installed by a DIY enthusiast; it requires a professional installer. If not fitted properly, it can leak around vents and chimneys, a problem which can be difficult to fix without removing and reinstalling the whole roof.
Many residential homeowners don’t like the look of a smooth roof, and a black roof can be aesthetically off-putting. This isn’t an issue for commercial properties, where the appearance of the roof isn’t of any particular value. New acrylic-coated EPDM roofing has also come onto the market, allowing for EPDM roofs that are more attractive on a residential property.
EPDM Roofing Installation and Repair
An EPDM roofing installation can be a quick and painless process if done by professionals who have experience working with the material. As EPDM is such a light material, the installation itself is easy on the contractors since they must do less manual labor to get the roof in place.
At Polaris Roofing Systems, our experts will make sure that they understand your needs and adhere to all building regulations while installing your EPDM roof. We know which manufacturers produce the best materials and will ensure that you get the best quality possible.
While EPDM roofs are incredibly durable when installed correctly, a poor installation can lead to a leaky roof and lousy insulation. Our team of specialists can easily do an EPDM roof repair, either by fixing the mistakes made by previous contractors or suggesting a new installation. Whatever your needs, we will ensure your peace of mind.
