When you think about the roof on a home or business, you might immediately picture an array of asphalt shingles or the shiny glean of standing-seam sheet metal.
However, there’s another type of material that’s as durable and long-lasting as these traditional solutions, though you might not have heard of it. It’s called EPDM roofing material, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to solution for commercial and residential applications.
Today, we’re sharing what this substance entails and the benefits that it can provide.
What Is EPDM?
Before we dive into its application as a roofing material, let’s start with a basic question. What does EPDM stand for and what does it mean?
Put simply, this is an acronym for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It’s a type of synthetic rubber roofing membrane that contains two primary ingredients: ethylene and propylene. These materials are derived from oil and natural gas.
If you need a highly durable and rugged membrane that will extend the lifespan of your roof, then EPDM is an ideal place to start. Many residential and commercial roofing manufacturers offer EPDM membranes in a variety of colors and dimensions.
The most common colors are black and white. The width can range from 7.5 feet to 50 feet or more, while its thickness can usually fall between 45 and 60 mils.
The Use of EPDM in Roofing
While roofers can apply EPDM to a variety of roof types, it’s specially designed to facilitate flat or low-slope roofs. In addition, they also reach for it when they need to work on very steep roofs where other membranes might not work.
When it’s time to install the membrane, workers can do so in a number of different ways. The most common applications include:
- Fully adhered
- Ballasted
- Mechanically fastened
To seal the individual pieces together, they can use a special tape. Or, they may choose to apply a liquid adhesive for a stronger bond.
The Benefits of EPDM
Curious about installing an EPDM roof on your property? Let’s review some of the advantages of going this route.
Affordability and Longevity
One of the chief reasons why so many homeowners and business owners choose EPDM is that it’s affordable and widely accessible. Considering its low cost, the ROI is especially high. In fact, this material has an average service life of 25 to 30 years!
The bottom-line price for your new roof will depend on a variety of different factors. Some of these include:
- The type of installation you need
- The type of insulation you need
- The thickness of insulation you need
- The degree of pitch on your roof
- The accessibility of your roof
- The location of your property and roof
In addition, you may also need to pay more if you need the roofing contractors to tear out an old, existing roof before installing this new one. The membrane comes in bulk rolls that are usually priced by the square foot.
Flexibility
Just because EPDM is rugged and durable doesn’t mean it’s rigid. Rather, EPDM is known for being exceptionally lightweight and flexible. This is why it’s a preferred type of membrane for trickier roofs, from ultra-steep ones to completely flat ones.
Many commercial buildings have flat roofs that are directly exposed to the sun but aren’t visible to anyone walking below. This makes them ideal for EPDM roofing membranes.
Property managers looking to save money without sacrificing quality or performance should look into this material when updating or repairing their buildings. This blog post dives into some of the other common types of commercial roofing that work well in the property management space.
Resistant to the Elements
Another reason to invest in this type of roofing system? It’s resistant to all types of natural elements and is designed to keep your roof watertight for decades. If you’ve ever had to deal with the costly fallout of a leaky roof, then you know what a benefit this feature is.
Specifically, these membranes are highly resistant to:
- Wind
- UV radiation
- Hail
- Thermal shock
- Extreme temperatures
Whether you live in an arid and sunny desert or the rainy Pacific Northwest, you can rest assured that EPDM will keep inclement weather outside where it belongs. It’s designed to expand and contract slightly as the weather shifts, so you also don’t have to worry about it cracking or breaking over time.
While its simple look might not be as visually dynamic or aesthetically pleasing as conventional roofing materials, it’s perfect for roofs that require special attention, especially if you cannot see their top surface from the ground.
Ability to Cover
While EPDM membranes can work on their own, some homeowners or business owners choose to cover them. This is especially common if the top of the roof is visible from the ground level.
On a rooftop deck, for instance, you can cover EPDM with wood planks for a rustic and natural look. You can also cover it with an outdoor carpet or synthetic turf to emulate a grass-covered surface. If you don’t want to cover it but still don’t prefer the look of a solid black or white membrane, you can also paint it.
If you go this route, keep in mind that the paint will likely fade or chip over time. Most people find that they need to repaint theirs every three to four years or so.
Ease of Installation
With most types of roofs, crew members have to meticulously place each piece individually. This can take a ton of time and requires extreme precision to get just right.
With EPDM, all they have to do is roll out each sheet and adhere it using your preferred method of installation. This allows them to cover more ground and work more quickly. Note that while this method of installation is efficient, it’s still not a DIY solution.
Installing EPDM takes skill and experience, especially if you’re applying it on top of an existing roof. Always trust a professional roofing company to take the reins.
Ease of Repair
While EPDM is incredibly strong, it’s not totally immune to tears or damage. Thankfully, it’s one of the easiest types of roofing membranes to repair.
Most manufacturers sell rolls of EPDM that are both long and wide. This means there are fewer seams in between pieces, unlike other materials, such as metal roofs or asphalt shingles.
Not only does this help prevent leaks, but it also means that you don’t have to tear out multiple pieces to get to the damaged one. You can simply replace the portion of the roll that’s been compromised.
Reduces Energy Costs
Not quite ready to fully transition to a solar roof? You can take small steps toward a more sustainable, eco-friendly property by installing an EPDM roof, instead!
The solid colors of the membranes allow you to leverage your local climate to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your monthly utility bill. For instance, if you live in a cold region, then you can install an all-black EPDM roof to attract heat and lower your heating bill.
If you live in a warm region, you’ll take the opposite approach. These residents can install all-white EPDM roofs to reflect the sun’s heat away from their properties and reduce their air-conditioning bills.
Ability to Fire-Rate
Before you install an EPDM roof, ask your contractor about adding a fire retardant layer to the membrane. Known as AFR, this coating helps your roof maintain its structure and integrity in the event of a fire.
Installing EPDM Roofing Material
As mentioned, there are three distinct ways that a roofing service can install an EPDM membrane. Let’s take a look at each one in greater detail.
Fully Adhered
In a fully adhered EPDM roofing system, roofers will physically glue the membrane to the surface that lies beneath it. While this method of installation usually lasts the longest, keep in mind that it can also be the most laborious and time-consuming technique.
Ballasted
With a ballasted roofing installation, the roofing membrane lays loosely over the insulation in your roof. To ensure that it doesn’t wash or blow away, it’s held securely in place by smooth stones or concrete pavers.
Mechanically Attached
With a mechanically attached EPDM system, the membrane is screwed into the deck of your roof, right through the insulation. Special fasteners hold it in place. This is the most common type of EPDM system, offering a similar level of protection as a fully adhered system, but without as many labor hours.
Learn More ABout EPDM Roofing Material
When researching the best roof for your property, it’s important to keep your needs, budget, and necessary features in mind. As you do, don’t be afraid to look beyond common materials, including asphalt and metal.
EPDM roofing material offers a range of benefits, from durability and affordability to ease of installation and energy reduction. Ask your contractor if it would be a viable solution for your project, and then you can move forward in confidence. In the meantime, we’re here to share the home and property news you need! Check out our Lifestyle section for most guides like this one.
