EPDM Roofing System 101: A Guide For Business Owners
- solvistaroofing2
- Aug 10, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 20, 2022
Are you a business owner based in Denver, the state's capital? If so, read the blog that follows very carefully. Employers need to think carefully about their clientele, workers, and business operations. You may not be paying attention to the roof of the location where you will be doing all of this during these activities. A poor commercial roofing system can seriously hurt both your company and the personnel. This is why you should choose high-quality materials, like EPDM roofing. Numerous company owners in Denver, Colorado have expressed satisfaction with this roofing system's performance. You will discover a little bit more about the EPDM roofing material today.
What Kind Of Material Is EPDM?
It's vital to start with the material itself in order to begin our journey toward learning more about an EPDM roof. Describe EPDM roofing then. Rubber that is synthetic or man-made and has been utilized for a very long period in the building sector is called EPDM.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer, also known as EPDM, is a kind of synthetic rubber that is frequently used in roofing. It is produced via a chemical process called polymerization to create lengthy molecular chains.
This is frequently utilized in the automotive and other manufacturing industries, among other uses.
Advantages Of EPDM Roofing
It's likely that an EPDM roofing system will be present if you visit a commercial sector in Denver, Colorado. This is so because having an EPDM roof has several advantages for you. For your convenience, we have included a list of some of these.
Low Maintenance
An easy-to-maintain roofing system will allow you as a business owner to concentrate more on running your enterprise. A rubber EPDM roof requires relatively little upkeep. You won't have to worry about doing any regular maintenance or repairs. This is because the substance is water-resistant and does not deteriorate quickly over time.
Due to its flexibility and durability, if a section of your EPDM roofing is damaged, it may be readily changed without requiring much work or money.
One of the market's most weather-resistant materials is weather-resistant EPDM roofing. It can withstand snow, rain, and freezing conditions without icing over. It also performs admirably in hot environments thanks to its remarkable heat-resistant capabilities, which extend to 150°C.
An EPDM roof will therefore endure in both hot and low temperatures. In typical weather, this style of roofing won't easily break because it is composed of very sturdy material. Temperature variations naturally cause the rubber substance to expand and compress. As opposed to certain other types of roofing, it does not have to be erected at an angle.
One of the market's most weather-resistant materials is weather-resistant EPDM roofing. It can withstand snow, rain, and freezing conditions without icing over.
Weather Resistant
It also performs admirably in hot environments thanks to its remarkable heat-resistant capabilities, which extend to 150°C.
An EPDM roof will therefore endure in both hot and low temperatures. In typical weather, this style of roofing won't easily break because it is composed of very sturdy material. Temperature variations naturally cause the rubber substance to expand and compress. As opposed to certain other types of roofing, it does not have to be erected at an angle.
Lightweight Nature
Lightweight Nature EPDM roofing is portable and simple to use. Due to its simplicity of installation, this material is suitable for flat roofs and repairs. Because of this product's modest weight, installers won't have any trouble installing it in your home or transporting it about, which will be appreciated by roofing contractors. As a result, you may complete your roof more quickly and with fewer problems than you could experience with certain alternative materials.
High durability is provided.
EPDM has a lifespan of up to 50 years, which is longer than other forms of roofing. As a result, you may make the most of your home's roofing system for many years to come without having to worry about it collapsing or needing to be replaced. In addition to being extremely durable, the material won't split or crack over time as conventional rubber membranes do.
Since EPDM is UV resistant, exposure to sunshine won't cause it to fade or lose its color over time. Additionally, it is ozone resistant, which protects it from harm that ozone may do to other kinds of materials, such steel and PVC pipes used in construction. But for your new product to last as long as possible, proper installation techniques are needed, just as with any other building material.
Versatile
EPDM roofing can be compared to versatility. EPDM roofing may be easily customized. There are several different roof shapes that can accommodate this sort of roofing, including flat and low-slope roofs. Though it was often believed that these roofs could only be employed in commercial settings, over time, they have also begun to appear on residential structures.
Safe For The Environment
In addition to maximizing profits, business owners often have other duties, such as environmental preservation. You must make sure that your actions don't hurt the ecosystem. An EPDM roofing system might assist you in doing your part to lessen your carbon impact.
This is so because recyclable materials are used to make the EPDM roof. You can rest easy knowing your roof won't emit any pollutants into the air or into your home during installation because the manufacturing process uses no dangerous chemicals.
This indicates that no hazardous waste is produced during the manufacturing of EPDM roofing materials, which is yet another advantage of selecting this type of roof for your home.
EPDM roofing system drawbacks
No roofing system is flawless, as we all know. Every system has inherent flaws, and EPDM roofing is certainly no exception. Therefore, despite having many benefits, it lacks in the following areas.
Can Be Damaged From Walking
Do you frequently need to go up on your commercial roof structure? If so, then EPDM roofing might not be the best option for you. This is because an increase in foot traffic might harm an EPDM roof. The EPDM membrane would be overworked if you walked on your roof, which is the major justification for not doing so. The likelihood that your roof will sustain damage increases with increased traffic.
Therefore, you might want to think about a different kind of roofing material if you have a busy family or live in a neighborhood where people routinely walk on roofs to enter and exit their homes.
Visuals Are Not For Everyone
While there aren't many unsightly flaws in this roofing material, it does lack a few features that might be significant to you. For instance, EPDM roofing is only available in solid colors. EPDM roofs with textures, shingles, or even rubberized surfaces are not an option; just color is available. While this might be acceptable for some homes that don't require an aesthetic appeal, having a striking appearance never hurt anyone!
Seams Are Prone To Leak
The last (and most prevalent) difficulty with EPDM roofing is that seams can cause issues. Because EPDM roofs are produced in bulky sheets, they eventually need to be put together. This connecting is accomplished in the case of EPDM rubber roofing using heat welding and adhesives. If this process isn't done correctly, it can lead to leaks, therefore it's critical that you understand what these problems look like and what to do if you experience an EPDM roof leak.
How Is EPDM Roof Installed?
There are numerous ways to install an EPDM roofing system. This may be influenced by the contractor you pick or the neighborhood where you live.
Mechanical Method: This is how EPDM roofing is typically installed. A number of screws are used to fasten the rubber membrane to the roof deck. Additionally, screws are used to secure the battens. This technique works best for flat roofs, however, sloped roofs shouldn't use it because it could eventually result in an uneven surface.
Fully Adherent Method: Rather than using mechanical fasteners, fully adhered membranes are connected with adhesive directly to the roof deck. Because they don't rely on any fasteners that can eventually break and cause leaks or other damage over time, they are more resilient than mechanically fastened systems.
Ballasted Method: Although contractors do not frequently employ this method, it is nevertheless quite useful. Rubber sheets with ballasts are distinct. They are called ballasted because they float on top of the existing roofing system rather than attaching to it directly as other types do. Typically utilized on low-slope roofs, ballasted installations are secured in place by gravel or stones.
Are You Looking For EPDM Roofing Contractors?
Do you want to install a brand-new roof or are you wanting to upgrade your current roof system? Then an EPDM roof might be the best option for you. If you decide to install the EPDM roof yourself or use a standard contractor, it could be challenging and even damaging.
This is why you should think about using the services provided by our experts at Sol Vista Roofing if you want to install an EPDM roofing system on your commercial property.
For the people of Denver, Colorado, we have installed EPDM roofing for a total of more than 20 years. In addition to installation, we are qualified to offer repair and replacement services.
Contact us today at (720) 712-3516 to schedule an appointment or to know more about our services.
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