The option of membrane roofing has long been favored for commercial buildings. However, a lot of folks are now also utilizing it in their houses. Describe EPDM roofing. What information about installing one do you seek? We will discuss the pros, cons, and other frequently asked topics of this roofing membrane.
Flat roofs can be covered with a roofing membrane called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Despite the fact that homeowners might not choose it for its aesthetic appeal, it is sturdy and protects your house from the elements. It works best for residential and commercial structures with small slopes.
These kinds of flat roofs often persist for two to three decades. They are light and flexible and have extraordinary resistance to cold, heat, hail, thermal shock, wind, UV rays, and other things.
The black membrane EPDM absorbs heat as opposed to white membrane roof systems. It is not suggested to use it to cover your bedroom or living room in a hot climate due to this attribute.
Only take into account the heat absorption that comes with a black EPDM membrane roof system when making your final decision.
Systems with EPDM roofing offer the finest defense against bad weather. They provide protection from the sun, hail, wind, rain, and extreme heat. If your roof has a low or flat slope and requires a lot of protection, this material is recommended.
Although ugly, functionality comes before beauty.
On rooftop decks, cover the membrane with an outdoor carpet, a wood deck, or AstroTurf. Although you might have to repaint every three to four years, it blends well with Hypalon paint.
What benefits come with installing EPDM rubber roofing?
Regardless of whether you live in a hot or cold climate, EPDM is a great solution for energy conservation. Given that it maintains heat, black rubber might be the ideal choice for chilly locations. The ideal EPDM roofing for hot regions is white because it reflects the heat of the sun and lowers cooling costs.
Hailstones will bounce off of this material because it resembles rubber. However, if you live in an area where hailstorms occur frequently all year round, you should pick a thicker membrane. Ask your local roofing contractor about the various EPDM rubber roof thicknesses.
In the event that an AFR layer is put to an EPDM roofing product, the system will be fire-resistant.
Commercial roofing systems made of EPDM, PVC, and TPO should have a long lifespan. If their roofs are well-designed, homeowners may expect utilizing it for more than 30 years. Its durability and resistance to strong winds, hail, fire, and chilly temperatures are the reason for this.
Due to its flexibility to expand or contract as necessary, EPDM resists cracking in harsh climates. It is incredibly durable when compared to other kinds of roofing membranes. Furthermore, it endures adverse weather well, including hail, wind, snow, and ice.
The weight of EPDM is superior to even asphalt shingles. Fully adherent EPDM weighs only approximately 0.5 pounds per square foot, compared to the usual asphalt shingle’s weight of about 2.3 pounds. For flat and low-slope roofs, this is ideal.
The least expensive roofing material you can install is probably EPDM. Frequently, the cost will be less than that of PVC and TPO. The typical installation costs, excluding material, are listed below:
TPO and PVC are more expensive than $5.50 and $8.50 per square foot, respectively, than it.
Roofs made of EPDM can be easily restored and repaired. Because of their rolls’ big and wide seams, they are less prone to fail than those of metal sheets and asphalt shingles.
This normally implies that it’s less likely that leaks of this kind will occur than leaks of other kinds.
An EPDM roofing membrane may be swiftly and simply installed by roofing contractors. This is due to the fact that it is supplied in large rolls or sheets. It is spread out more quickly by rolling it out than by placing shingles one at a time.
Consider a few drawbacks of EPDM roofing before you make any decisions.
Even though installing EPDM roofing may seem straightforward, consumers shouldn’t do it themselves. If the roof is not installed properly, especially over materials like asphalt shingles, it could collapse. If possible, let professionals handle the installation.
Despite being useful, EPDM lacks aesthetic appeal. It is nothing more than a sizable sheet of unballasted white or black rubber. As a result, it has a plain appearance that is not particularly interesting.
EPDM roofing may pierce, depending on the object and the thickness of the membrane. The good news is that an EPDM roof that has been ballasted and completely fastened is nearly impervious to these defects. If you live in an area where there is a chance that debris will fall from the sky, a thicker membrane, such the 75 mil, is the best choice for your roof.
Furthermore, this material is not resistant to petroleum-based substances like grease, oil, solvents, etc. After coming into contact with these compounds in any way, it could start to deteriorate. Fortunately, these don’t frequently apply to residential roofs.
Even though installing a roof with an EPDM roof membrane can seem straightforward, there are several different methods. The three installation methods are ballasting, adhering, and mechanical fastening. If you lack the required specialized gear or installation experience, you should hire a team of professionals to complete the operation. By doing this, the installation will be flawless and the roof’s lifespan will be maximized.
For assistance from knowledgeable roofers in Columbia, SC, contact us. We will carry out the installation technique that you decide is best for you.
An EPDM roofing system with mechanical fasteners is the most common installation method. Here, the roofing expert inserts the hardware through the insulation and screws it into the deck. The installation is most effective when carried out in frigid temperatures.
Over the insulation, a loose roofing system with ballasts is installed. Such installations are supported by concrete pavers or river-washed stones. Branch, hail, and UV damage to the membrane are all prevented by the ballast. Although the maintenance costs may rise over time, it is the least priced roof installation currently available.
The longest lasting but most time-consuming item is this. Finish this installation process by applying glue to the sheets’ contact with the roof’s underside.
This strategy often costs the most money, but it also leaves the fewest gaps.
The final and most important aspect of EPDM roofing that you need to know is cost. Please be advised that exact pricing cannot be provided due to the multiple cost variables.
Simply use the information below to determine the budget required for EPDM roofing. In light of this, the cost of EPDM roofing will range from $14 to $17 per square foot for smaller projects and from $12 to $13 for slightly larger projects.
But a few important cost factors control which price bracket you fall into. The type of insulation employed beneath the EPDM roofing membrane itself is the first factor.
Utilizing insulation that is thick enough to completely surround the building is more expensive than using fabric insulation and applying glue to it. The second factor is the size of the roof on which EPDM roofing will be placed.
Remember that if your project is smaller, the cost per square foot will be higher. Contrary to what happens with smaller projects, the cost per square foot drastically drops for larger projects.
There are numerous alternatives to EPDM, but the two most prominent ones are thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and PVC.
The popularity of TPO has increased recently due to a number of variables.
First, it conserves energy by reflecting sunlight away from a structure, which increases the efficiency of air conditioners in hot weather. In comparison to EPDM, it offers superior puncture resistance.
PVC is another popular alternative to rubber roofing (polyvinyl chloride). It is one of the strongest types since its breaking point is 50% higher than typical norms. It can withstand stifling heat, the sun, and powerful winds.
There are various factors to consider whether you select EPDM or another kind of roofing material.
For the time being, concentrate on EPDM. Should you configure it?
If your roof had a slight slope or wasn’t flat, EPDM wouldn’t be the ideal choice.
For flat or low-slope roofs, it is one of the most often used rubber roofing membrane alternatives. It might be time to schedule an appointment if you believe the benefits exceed the drawbacks. Our staff will provide you with a free estimate for new roofing.
If you have any general inquiries concerning Charlotte, North Carolina commercial roofing systems or roofing installation, give us a call right away.
