Also known as “rubber roofing,” EPDM is widely favored in the commercial roofing industry for its long useful life, low carbon footprint and inherent resistance to damage of all kinds. While it’s mostly used in commercial applications, EPDM is also ideal for use in some residential applications, such as carports, roof patios or other flat roofs with minimal protrusions. Regardless of the building it’s installed on, EPDM rubber roofing has great potential as a roofing membrane due to its cost savings, energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements.
Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber that is a popular material for roofing membranes for low-slope or flat roofs throughout the US and abroad. The material’s low carbon footprint and variety of customizations make EPDM an attractive choice in commercial roofing applications as well as low-slope or flat residential roofs. EPDM roofing is also:
EPDM rubber roofing comes in sheets that can be laid or rolled out in sections over the roof and is available in a range of widths and thicknesses. The sheets themselves are composed of several layers:
These layers work together to create a versatile, durable membrane that will protect the roof for 25–50 years with proper maintenance.
EPDM that has been coated with white acrylic paint containing titanium dioxide has greater UV reflective ability than uncoated EPDM. This coating helps to keep the building cool, increases energy efficiency and adds to the length of the useful life of the roof. Furthermore, EPDM is able to stand up to extreme weather variations ranging from -40℉ up to 300℉.
EPDM’s layered composition makes the membrane remarkably durable, giving it a high amount of resistance to fire, thermal shock, punctures, rain and wind. If damage does occur, it’s fairly easy to fix using a patch or a layer of liquid membrane.
There are a few assembly methods to choose from when installing an EPDM roofing membrane. The needs of the building owner and the conditions related to the geographical location should be considered when choosing the assembly method to be used. All of the assembly methods use large sheets of EPDM to drastically reduce the number of edges and eliminate nearly all possibility of wind penetration, meaning the edges stay flat and uplift force is not a problem.
Fully adhered systems are versatile; they are recommended for buildings of all sizes and configurations, including high-slope applications. The fully adhered system is lightweight, strong and has greatly advanced technologically in recent years, making the system one of the most popular roofing choices in many regions.
Mechanically-fastened EPDM roofing systems are preferred when a lightweight system is desired. They can be installed on almost any type of building as long as the decking is strong enough for the fasteners to be attached through the membrane or to the side laps. Many types of buildings can benefit from using this type of system due to its strength and versatility.
The ballasted system is preferred by some building owners for its durability, ease and speed of installation and cost-effectiveness. The ballast adds fire resistance to the system, as rocks don’t typically burn. The ballasted system has EPDM sheets laid over insulation, unadhered and held in place by smooth river stones, gravel or concrete pavers. Ballasted systems are limited for use on structures that can support the additional weight of the stones and are typically best used on flat roofs that have minimal penetrations, such as carports or warehouses.
Choosing the right roof for your building considers many factors, including the size of your roof, your area’s climate and your planned budget. AKVM can help you go through the options available and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Our roofers are experts at all roofing types and installation methods, and we guarantee our workmanship as well as the materials we use. Our goal is to give you a roof that you love, is safe and lasts a long time.
Contact us today to learn more about EPDM roofing membranes
If you are in need of a knowledgeable roofing contractor that specializes in modified bitumen roofs, the industry-leading team at AKVM can help. We offer competitive pricing, financing options, and free in-person evaluations and quotes. Contact us with any questions you may have, we will be happy to assist you.