Tag Archives: EPDM Roof

What You Need to Know About EPDM Roofing

Posted on by
Reply

EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is very popular today when it comes to roofing, and it could be a good solution for your needs. It can work well with many different types of roofs, and you will find several EPDM options available to provide your roof with the added protection it needs. The material has been around since the 1960s, and it has proven to be very effective in a variety of capacities, not just for roofing.

Options With EPDM

The rubber is available in sheets in a range of thicknesses, vulcanized and nonvulcanized membranes, and as a liquid coating that can be applied similar to paint. The roofing material has become very popular with commercial roofs, as many businesses tend to have flat or low-sloped roofs. With so many options available, different types of buildings and buildings of different sizes can make use of the material.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

You will also find that EPDM roofing tends to be environmentally friendly. The material is very durable, and even a single coating or membrane can last for decades without the need for replacement. In addition, it can help with heating and cooling bills. The product comes in white and black.

Those who live in environments where it gets cold in the winter months and who have relatively short or mild summers may want to choose the black coating. This can help to absorb sunlight and will keep the heating bills down in the winter. In addition, those who live in hot environments, such as the southern part of the United States, will find that the white coatings can help to reflect the heat. This keeps the cooling bills down.

Other Benefits of Choosing EPDM

As you start to learn more about EPDM, you will find there are quite a few other benefits it offers. The material has the capacity to resist massive temperature fluctuations. It can expand and contract with the changing temperatures without any breaks or cracks in the material. It can last for up to 50 years when it is installed properly, and it is fire resistant. It is recyclable, and as you will see below, it tends to be easy to install.

One of the other benefits of the material is the fact that it is inexpensive. When you consider some of the other roofing systems out there that do not boast all of the benefits that EPDM offers, it’s amazing to see just how affordable the product can be. Even those who have large roofs can save a substantial amount of money when they choose the material.

Self-Installation or Professional Installation?

When you decide to go forward and get an EPDM roof, you will want to consider whether you will take care of the application on your own or hire a professional. For those who are choosing the large EPDM sheets that need to be applied, it tends to be much easier to have the professionals take care of the entire process. For those who are using a liquid EPDM instead, it might be possible to take care of the application on your own. This will depend on the size of the roof, along with your comfort in a DIY project like this.

Regardless of who installs the roofing system, you will find that it tends to be a relatively fast process. In very little time, you can have the peace of mind you need for your roof, and you will know that it can last for decades to come.

Need to Now Information Regarding Installation of EPDM Roofs

Posted on by
Reply

Many business owners who have flat roofs on their buildings have decided that getting an EPDM roof is the best option given the number of benefits it offers. This is a lightweight material that tends to be easy to install yet remains highly durable. In fact, the EPDM roof life tends to be several decades. You can choose between white and black EPDM, which can help with energy efficiency in the building, as well.

Although the installation is easy, and it could be done on your own, those having the membranes installed may want to work with a professional crew. This can make the installation go faster and easier, with no need to worry about whether it is done correctly.

EPDM Roof

EPDM Roof

How Are the Membranes Installed?

First, there are a number of materials required to install this type of roof. In addition to the EPDM membrane, the roofers will also use EPDM adhesive, a utility knife, broom, paint roller, and protection for their hands and eyes. The first step is to make sure that the surface of the roof is entirely clean and dry. They remove debris and any sharp edges that might be on the roof that could puncture the membrane.

The membranes are then laid in position on the clean roof and allowed time to “relax”, so the wrinkles can be easily removed. It is important to make sure that any wrinkles in the membrane are removed before using the adhesive. The EPDM adhesive is then applied to the roof. The adhesive should be put on smoothly, and there should not be any areas that are too thick. Wait until the EPDM adhesive is tacky – not wet – and the membranes are added. The push broom can be used on the membrane to help remove any wrinkles that may be present after laying it on the adhesive. The broom will also help to ensure that there is proper adhesion.

Keep in mind that it is very important to make sure the roof deck is completely clean before applying the adhesive and membranes. If there is grit, dirt, or small particles, it could get between the roof and the membrane, which will not allow for proper adhesion.

While it might be possible for you to apply the membranes on your own, it is tricky work that is best left to the professionals. They have experience to ensure it is done right the first time, and they will have the job done faster than you would be able to do on your own.

How Different is Installation for the Liquid EPDM?

The liquid is just as easy to install as the membranes. In fact, it tends to be even easier, and many choose to install this on their own. After cleaning the roof thoroughly and making any necessary repairs, the Liquid EPDM mixture will go on very smoothly, just like paint. You can apply it with rollers and a brush, and it does not take long to cover even large roofs with this product. You will not need a primer, and although you could only use a single coat, many people choose to add two coats, as this is a lightweight material. The second coat should not add too much weight.

Whether you choose to hire a professional or complete the installation on your own, you will be happy with the results that the roof can provide. You will have the peace of mind you need for your business, knowing that the roof is protected.

Top EPDM Roof Advantages

Posted on by
Reply

EPDM is one of the most popular types of roofing systems in use today. It can work well for businesses that have flat or low-sloped roofs, but it can also work for residences and outbuildings with these types of roofs. What is it about this type of system that makes it so popular? You will find that there are many EPDM roof advantages that can provide your roof with the protection it needs.

Fewer Seams Provide Better Coverage

The membrane sheets tend to come in large, wide rolls. This means that they will have fewer seams than other types of roofing materials. Fewer seams mean there will be less risk of an issue with those seams, such as leaks.

EPDM Roof

EPDM Roof

Quick to Install

While you will likely want to have a professional take care of the installation, one of the other EPDM roof advantages is the ease of installation. The contractors should be able to get your roof completed in far less time than it would take to install other types of roofing systems. This means less hassle for you.

Lightweight

The membranes are also lightweight compared with other roofing options, such as asphalt. This means there will be less weight on the roof, and it means that getting the materials up onto the roof for installation will be easier. It will also mean that your roof is under less stress than it would be with other types of roofing materials.

Potential Energy Savings

One of the EPDM roof advantages that many people never consider is the energy savings that can be had. This type of material comes in black or white. Since the roof is exposed to the sunlight throughout the day, this can affect how warm the building below gets.

Those who live in environments where it is often hot will want to use white EPDM, as this can reflect some of the light, keeping it cooler. It could mean that you use your AC less. If you are in an environment where you have cold winters, having black EPDM roofing can help to absorb the light from the sun and keep the building warmer, potentially reducing heating costs.

Highly Durable and Long Lasting

Of course, another one of the main reasons to consider using EPDM roofing is because of the durability. It can stand up to the weather and changes in the temperature very well. It won’t start to melt in high temperatures, as you might find with asphalt. It also has the potential to last for decades without needing replacement. If there are any minor issues that occur with the roofing, it tends to be very easy to repair without needing to replace the entire roof.

The Cost

One of the biggest advantages to this type of roofing is the cost. It happens to be the least expensive roofing system that you can install per square foot. The national average for the square foot price, before labor is added, is between $0.80 and $1.60. When compared with other options, you will save more when you use EPDM.

It Has Maintained a Good Reputation for Decades

This type of material has been on the market for a long time, and it has been able to retain its good reputation. It is a time-tested material that you can rely on to help keep your roof as safe as possible.

Of course, these are just some of the biggest EPDM roof advantages. If you would like to have this type of roofing installed, you can see why it can be a great option.

Why Choose EPDM Roof

Posted on by
Reply

EPDM has been the market leader for both low-slope and flat roof applications for more than 50 years. It is manufactured from oils, carbon black, zinc oxide, curing agents and polymers to enhance the membrane strength, durability and elasticity. The main polymers are ethylene, propylene and a small amount of diene. The common EPDM roofing materials provide a black finish, though some include dyes or pigments to provide a smooth white finish. The white finish helps the roofs to reflect back the sun rays and keeps the interior of the building cooler.

Continued QC (Quality Control) testing results prove that EPDM has the capacity to withstand the various climatic effects well beyond 30-years. Freeze/Thaw-Cycling (large and rapid fluctuations in temperature) is one of the most damaging environmental conditions roofing materials will face. EPDM is one of the very few materials proven to hold-up under such damaging conditions. In Northern America, EPDM accounts for over 52% roofing installations.

EPDM Roof Installation

EPDM roof installers may use one of the three installation methods – Ballasted, Mechanically fastened and Fully adhered. Because of its excellent flexibility, EPDM can be installed in any surface regardless of its shape, size and design. It can also be patched quite easily when damaged by tears or punctures. Also, it does not rely on plasticizers for its flexibility, so there is no danger of becoming brittle because of plasticizer loss in the long run. During installation, rubber is bonded at the seams to create continuous barrier. This allows EPDM-roofing to keep water from seeping into the roof structure and walls. Moreover, EPDM allows for ‘year-round’ installation because of its stability over a wide range of temperatures.

Benefits of EPDM

Even with the arrival of more technologically advanced roofing materials such as TPO and PVC membrane, EPDM has managed to maintain its advantages over other materials. Here is a list of the few key benefits of installing EPDM roof material.

• Easy to install
• Greater resistance to wind, water, and cyclic membrane fatigue
• High resistance to abrasion, weathering and ozone.
• Flexibility in even very low temperatures
• Resistance to extreme heat
• Thermal shock durability
• Restoration friendly
• Long life expectancies
• Ultraviolet radiation resistance
• Easier to install penetrations when needed
• Low maintenance required

There’s no question that EPDM holds its own advantage in service life, environmental sustainability and overall performance. EPDM has gained the popularity in the roofing industry since early1970s and will continue to be an affordable, dependable as well as efficient roofing solution for several years to come.