Quality EPDM roofing
Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, aka EPDM rubber, is a roofing material used primarily on commercial structures. Roofing for commercial structures is somewhat different than it is for residential. The difference between the two types of structures is the square footage for commercial structures is more than the average residential structure, so it has more weight to support, which is why EPDM roofing material is popular on commercial structures.
EPDM roofing is a synthetic rubber membrane that is made from oil and natural gas byproducts of ethylene and propylene and creating an extremely durable and resilient roofing material. Around the globe, this is a wide roofing material used in low-slope buildings.
What is the difference between EPDM and TPO roofing?
EPDM roofing and TPO roofing are standard are flat membrane roofing systems choices for commercial structures. Why? Because both membrane roofing systems provide over a decade of uncompromising performance at a reasonable cost.
It makes a difference in the type of roofing material you choose to have installed on your commercial structure. You don’t need or want a material that will need repairs too soon or need replacing in a few years. It would be best if you had material like TPO or EPDM roofing that will help reduce energy costs by providing better insulation and will give you a long lifespan.
Both EPDM roofing and TPO roofing are modern solutions for commercial structures, but what are the differences? Read further as we review the pros and cons of each:
TPO Roofing Pros:
- Reflective white color — The white coating reflects the UV rays and keeps the structure cooler, easing the strain on the cooling system and energy bills.
- Fewer Susceptibility Leaks — No significant seams minimize vulnerability to water leaks.
- Less Expensive — Price comparison between TPO roofing and EPDM roofing, TPO is the cheaper choice in some cases.
TPO Roofing Cons:
- Aging Brittle and Cracks — As TPO roofing ages, it loses its flexibility, becomes brittle, and begins cracking, making for a short lifespan and requiring repairs and replacement sooner than EPDM roofing.
EPDM Roofing Pros:
- Longer Lifespan — The installation cost of EPDM roofing and TPO roofing is comparable, but EPDM roofing gives you more lifespan, thus more ROI.
- Easy Repair and Restore — EPDM roofing is easy to repair and restore as it ages.
EPDM Roofing Cons:
- Susceptible to Leaking — EPDM comes in rolls, and the seams are bonded together by the contractor. The seams create a vulnerability for leaks.
- Less Energy Efficient — EPDM roofing is black and absorbs UV rays, which keeps the building warmer, and during summer months, the cooling system has to work harder.
How thick is EPDM roofing?
EPDM membrane comes in several widths, starting at 7.5 feet up to fifty feet and in three different thicknesses: 45 Mil, 60 Mil, and 90 Mil. Mil is a measurement unit that denotes 1000th of an inch. An example would be a roll of EPDM roofing that is 45 Mil thick is the same thickness of a dime.
The debate within the roofing industry has always been if thicker is better with the single-ply EPDM roofing membrane. Your roofing contractor will have details and facts about EPDM roofing and the suggested thicknesses based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and warranty.
Does EPDM have to be glued down?
If your roofing is a new build, it will be ballasted or mechanically installed. If you are replacing existing roofing with EPDM roofing that is bitumen or Asphalt, there will be EPDM chemical resistance to the existing roofing. Your options at this point are to tear off the old roof and reroof the entire structure or have OSB installed over the existing roof and then have the EPDM roofing installed.
What color is EPDM roofing?
Since the 1960s, EPDM roofing has been used on commercial structures and is considered to be proven roofing. With a variety of widths and three choices of thickness, it is a popular roofing material that comes in black or white, with the white being more of a dark grey in color.
Can you lay EPDM over EPDM?
EPDM roofing membrane can be installed over an existing EPDM roofing membrane if there is a 5/8” plywood or OSB installed first. This will create a more massive roof, and the roofing contractor will consider the structure’s integrity when quoting new EPDM roofing.
EPDM roofing is suitable for commercial structures that are subjected to extreme weather conditions that have an average lifespan of thirty years. When it comes to installing EPDM roofing, details are the devil when the install looks nice or not. EPDM trims will cost a few more pennies, but well worth it when extra planning is used to create and install EPDM roofing that will give you a fifty-year lifespan. Call 706-301-8630 today for your EPDM roof installation in Jasper, GA.
