EPDM Roofing Systems – Advantages & Disadvantages

EPDM Roofing – Advantages:

least expensive system to install per square foot
simple to install with the use of anchors, adhesives, and rollers
weighs less than the other single ply membranes
sold in wide rolls of 8-20 resulting in fewer seams
on the market for over 40 years

EPDM Roofing – Disadvantages:

harmful UV rays degrades adhesives used on seams and flashing causing them to separate
walk paths of protective mats are needed because the thin membrane is susceptible to punctures due to foot traffic on sharp objects left behind by maintenance crews.
repairs to seams and flashing is required long beforethe warranty of 15-20 years expires.
surface preparation; removing a system or installing over an existing one, can become an added labor cost.
all-black membrane absorbs ultraviolet light causing shrinkage and brittleness which decreases the life expectancy and absorbs heat which leads to superheating of the structure below raising a/c costs

EPDM Roofing – Rubber Membrane

EPDM rubber roofing materials are produced in different thicknesses. They are .045, .060, and .090 thousandths of an inch. Most contractors use the industry standard thickness of .060 thousandths of an inch, which is very near the thickness of a single quarter.

EPDM Roofing – Rubber Membrane:

EPDM is a thin synthetic rubber prone to punctures due to foot traffic from workman servicing units on a roof.

Although rubber mats are placed where foot traffic is likely to occur, they are seldom used consistently enough to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. The EPDM is compromised and small needed repairs can become structural leaks.

Summary

Although EPDM has been a popular single ply roofing system for over 40 years, the adhesives used in their installation, fail prematurely.

We Provide the Following Services to:

Residential and Commercial Flat Roof

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Naas Ferreira

I have been a Roofing Contractor for over 30 years. We have narrowed down the best roof system on the market. My three sons have now taken over the business, and I do the Roofing Consultation and Estimation for larger size roofs.