EPDM ROOFING
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It is a synthetic rubber roofing material that can be used on both residential and commercial structures with low slopes. The material is comprised of two main ingredients, propylene and ethylene, both of which are derived from natural gas and oil. EPDM roofing can be installed in either white or black, as well as in a variety of widths between 7.5 to 50 feet. EPDM roofing is available in three thicknesses of 45, 65, and 90 mils, and can be attached through ballasting, adhesives, or mechanical attachment. Regardless of the installation method, the seams of the rubber roofing structure are sealed with a liquid adhesive, or in some cases, a specially formulated tape will be used for sealing purposes.
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Durability of EPDM Roofing
EPDM roofing installation results in a beautiful rubber roof that maintains superior durability. Due to its ability to expand and contract, EDPM is able to resist cracking in both extreme hot and cold temperatures. When it is extremely hot outside, EPDM roofing can naturally lower the temperature of your roof’s surface by as much as 80 degrees. To achieve optimal temperature regulation, it is recommended to paint a black EPDM roof with a white water-based acrylic paint.
The EPDM roofing material is also known to be extremely durable in harsh weather conditions like snow, ice, hail, and wind. When exposed to standing water for an extended period of time, though, damage can result; this is why we highly recommend to ensure your roof has proper drainage before installing an EPDM roof. A roof squeegee can be used to minimize standing water on roofs that don’t have a slope or pitch. And to speed up water evaporation, it is suggested to keep nearby tree limbs trimmed to allow the sun’s UV rays to dry the roof; this will enhance and extend an EPDM’s roof durability.
Lifespan of Rubber Roofing
Once you have an EPDM roof professionally installed, its lifespan will vary based on a few factors, the two most important being the thickness of material and weather exposure over time. Generally, if the EPDM roof you have installed has a thickness of 45 mils, it will last for a period of about 12 years. With a thickness of 65 mils, you can expect the roof to last 12 to 17 years. An EPDM roof with a thickness of 90 mils can last 25+ years.
Standing water is also a concern for EPDM roofs; if water accumulates and stays on the roof for more than 48 hours, this can result in damage. However, 95 percent of EPDM roof failures are actually attributed to poor installation. An EPDM roof with a thickness of 90 mils that has been installed by a competent and professional rubber roof installer can have a lifespan of more than 30 years.
Installation and Benefits of EPDM Roofing
A notable benefit of EPDM roofing is its simple installation process. When compared to conventional roofing materials, EPDM proves far less labor-intensive thanks to its ability to be installed in large sheets, which minimizes labor costs. When adhering the rubber membrane to the surface a variety of specialized tools are needed, so it’s highly recommended to have it installed by professional rubber roof installers. A commercial roofing contractor can best assess the building to determine which installation method is needed – ballasted, fully adhered, or mechanically attached.
Just like any roofing material, EPDM roofs may need occasional repairs and maintenance. With rubber roofing though, repairs are usually quick and inexpensive. Many times, a simple application of liquid rubber or special tape can be applied to repair a leak. Maintenance of an EPDM roof also tends to be very minimal, especially when compared to other roofing materials. In fact, some EPDM roofs require no maintenance whatsoever other than aesthetic upkeep, such as repainting with acrylic paint once every decade to keep the color of the roof vibrant.
Contact Skywalker Roofing, Your Go-To Rubber Roof Installers
Skywalker Roofing is a leader in the commercial roofing industry and has multiple years of experience in EPDM roofing installation. Through personalized attention and first-class customer service, we have been able to exceed the expectations of thousands of customers. Our strict attentiveness to the tiniest of details and commitment to provide high-quality roofing services has helped us lay a strong foundation as a company that values first-rate workmanship above everything else. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial EPDM roofing installation and repair services!
