What is EPDM roofing, and why is it so popular? When you run into a commercial roofer, this is the kind of roof they will recommend for small businesses and building owners who want to maintain a high level of quality for their new building, but keep the cost low.
Understanding EPDM and What It’s All About
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, and it’s one of the best and cheapest types of flat roofing in existence. Made from a combination of rubber, slate dust and saw dust, it is highly resilient and easy to install. The material is sold in a broad variety of styles and sizes, so its lower than average cost offers business owners a window of opportunity when it comes to choosing from different types of EPDM roofs.
The Pros and Cons of an EPDM Roofing System
What is EPDM roofing really all about? There’s no better way to answer that question than to talk to a Fort Collins commercial roofing contractor and find out what the main assets of EPDM roofing are. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from an EPDM roof:
- One of the most important benefit of EPDM roofing is that it’s extremely lightweight. That makes the installation process much easier than in the case of other membrane roofs, since all the contractor has to do is strip down everything from the roof, apply some good adhesive and roll out the roofing.
- Because there are very few seams, you’ll find that EPDM roofs rarely experience leaks. Even when they aren’t taken care of properly, they tend to be extremely good when it comes to keeping rainwater away and preventing water damage overall.
- EPDM doesn’t scratch easily and it tends to last a very long time. Durable, highly resilient and extremely practical, it also allows for additional liquid roofing membranes and coatings to be installed, in order to offer added protection from heat and sunlight. You can expect an aptly installed EPDM roof to last for more than 20 years or so.
- Finally, and most importantly, this is one of the most inexpensive types of flat roofing materials you will find. Apart from requiring only about .80 per square foot, the installation requirements are also less pressing, and those who are a little tech-savvy can easily turn the project into a DIY challenge.
Of course, no roof is perfect. However, when compared to other types of flat roofing, EPDM has a lot fewer disadvantages to speak of:
- One of the only disadvantages of EPDM is that, in its original form, it lacks the kind of appeal you could get from other membrane roofing choices. However, the good news is you can still get lighter and more diverse colors and designs for just a small extra fee.
- EPDM can also puncture more easily because of its rubber constitution. Be sure to avoid keeping any large branches close by and to conduct regular maintenance to keep your roof in good order.
All things considered, EPDM roofing is one of the most practical and popular types of roofing that commercial building owners tend to opt for. If you want a high quality roof that will withstand the elements and last for a long time, EPDM is definitely one of your best choices.