EPDM roofing, otherwise known as ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, is a very durable synthetic rubber roofing option. It is most commonly seen and used on low-slope buildings found in the United States and elsewhere.
To make EPDM roofing, there is a combination of ethylene and propylene. These two ingredients that make up the base of EPDM roofing are both derived from oils and natural gasses.
Why Should you Choose EPDM Roofing?
This variety of roofing has been one of the top choices for low-slope building for over forty years and continues to be one.
There are many options why you should choose EPDM roofing, but there are also some cons to choosing EPDM over other variants of roofing material.
Below are the pros and cons for opting for EPDM roofing over other roofing materials.
Pros of EPDM Roofing
- Cost Effective: EPDM roofing is generally low in price in comparison to other roofing options. This is not considering the contracting and manufacturing costs so those will vary depending on what route you choose, but the material itself is affordable.
- Environmentally-Friendly: EPDM roofing can come in either black or white. While it is most commonly chosen in black, using white EPDM roofing can reflect UV rays and even potentially lower energy costs. They are also highly compatible with any form of rooftop gardening or solar energy.
- Resistant to Fire: Since this roofing is made of rubber, it is fire-resistant. On top of that, it may even slow down the progression of a fire if one starts in your building.
- Long Life: EPDM generally lasts for around twenty years as long as it is installed properly. It is resistant to severe weather such as hail and wind and is also leak-proof, thus lengthening its life.
- Low Energy Costs: Since PDM roofing can be paired with polyiso insulation and comes in white, it can be very energy-efficient. It can reflect the heat away from the building if installed correctly, thus lowering the energy costs.
Cons of EPDM Roofing
- Cost of Installation: While the material itself is fairly inexpensive, the cost to install such as material can get high. For this, be cautious of companies that claim to know the proper way to install this material since proper machines and tools are necessary to do it right.
- Fragile in Certain Environments: The long lifespan and the resistance to some weather conditions are an advantage of this kind of roofing, but in the wrong environment, this roofing can be detrimental. While there is such a thing as reinforced EPDM, it is most commonly non-reinforced. Because of this, make sure that your roofing is checked at least twice a year to prevent it from falling apart.
- Not Visually Appealing: Though there are many advantages to EPDM roofing, there is the disadvantage of its visual aesthetic. While it can blend in well in some locations, a black roofing can be very obtrusive in other locations. Luckily, this material can be pained over to look prettier for the surroundings if necessary.