EPDM Rubber Roofing: Advantages and Disadvantages | Naples Roofing

EPDM rubber is a synthetic rubber that is made from ethylene propylene diene monomer and ethylene-propylene die. It's incredibly resilient and flexible, so it's utilized in a variety of places, including cars (where it's used for window and door seals as well as cooling system hoses), cold rooms, non-slip deck, and playground coatings, and more. Simply said, pure rubber gets brittle as temperature changes, but synthetic rubber (EPDM) remains flexible and can resist temperature changes for decades. Let’s understand how EPDM may be used for roofing. Due to its unique blend of material qualities, EPDM roofing in US lends itself quite well to roofing systems.

EPDM is a viscous and elastic copolymer. It will snap back to its original shape if stretched. Ethylene and propylene, the two primary components, both of which are generated from oil and natural gas.

What Is EPDM Roofing?

EPDM roofing indicates a wide range of roofing systems. These systems include a single-layer rubber membrane, as well as additional components like vapor barriers and thermal insulation, as well as accessories (drainage, gravel guards, pipes, and so on), and, in the case of green roofs, plants.

EPDM sheeting may be utilized in a number of ways but it's particularly well-suited to flat and low-pitched roofing due to its strength and weather resilience, as well as the fact that EPDM sheeting allows for thickness and consistent application throughout the whole roof surface.

While EPDM is tear-resistant and has a high tensile strength, what makes it ideal for roofing is its ability to endure everything the environment can throw at it, from extreme heat and cold to ozone and UV radiation. This gives it unrivaled weather protection, which is why it's so good for roofing.

Advantages of EPDM Roofing

EPDM roofing provides the most cost-effective benefit over other flat roofing materials. This is one of the cheapest roofing materials available. It's also really simple to install, so whether you do it yourself or hire an EPDM roofing contractor, you'll save money.

EPDM rubber roofing is also very light, therefore no reinforcing is required on the roof deck. In reality, the ideal method for installing this roofing is to remove everything off the roof, apply an adhesive, and then roll out the roofing. Leaks are uncommon due to the lack of seams, and an EPDM roof of excellent quality can last up to 20 years.

Installers can also choose how they want the material to be installed. There are fasteners that may be used to secure it in tough to reach spots in addition to utilizing adhesive to adhere it to the roof. It may also be ballasted with stone, which can make it look better.

This style of roofing is rather sturdy, does not readily scrape or scuff, and maybe quickly repaired if a leak does develop. To repair and patch leaks that may occur over time, liquid roofing membranes, latex tape or adhesives, and various types of rubber shingles can be used over EPDM roofing. While the material is black and absorbs heat, it isn't readily harmed by UV rays, so it can withstand exposure to the sun.

Disadvantages of EPDM Roofing

The look of this form of roofing is the most significant disadvantage. EPDM resembles a stretched-out inner tube when unrolled on the roof due to its rubber composition. This may not be a huge disadvantage if you're searching for roofing material for a garage, shed, or any other commercial purpose, but it can reduce curb appeal when used on a home's main structures. EPDM is mostly available in a black roll, which absorbs heat quickly and can cause the structure below to overheat. Lighter hues are available to assist reflect heat in hotter climes, but they cost around 30% more per square foot.

EPDM roofing is also readily punctured, so falling branches or workers using the wrong sort of boots might punch a hole in the roof rapidly. While this is a simple fix, any form of water intrusion into the building can cause further issues and should be avoided at all costs.

Naples Roofing is a commercial and industrial roofing contractor based in the USA providing roofing installation, repair, and replacement services for different types of roofing material including EPDM rubber roofing. Contact them today for further queries, information and to request an estimate for your roofing services!