Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing, also known as rubber roofing, is a long-standing material for commercial buildings. This extremely durable roofing material is usually installed on low-slope and flat roofs. The two main ingredients in its fabrication, ethylene and propylene, come from oil and natural gas.
Exploring the types, installation and costs of this roofing system will help you understand its advantages as a roofing material for commercial buildings. Learn more about EPDM roofing with DDP Roofing Services, Inc.
EPDM Roofing: Properties, Installation and Sustainability
There are many reasons EPDM is one of the most popular roofing materials for commercial structures. The top four most advantageous properties of EPDM roofs are their:
Durability and Longevity
Your business operations take first priority, so worrying about your building upkeep can distract you from your primary goals and objectives. That’s why EPDM’s durability and longevity are such an asset for commercial structures. With superior weather resistance, you won’t have to worry about your EPDM roof being susceptible to damage from harsh weather. EPDM roofing also offers resistance to ozone and environmental pollutants.
Its longevity is another major benefit — EPDM roofs can last up to 30 years or more. With roofs being such a significant investment, choosing a material that stands the test of time is essential.
Ease of Installation
Many commercial buildings have flat or low-slope roofs — designated as roofs with a vertical-to-horizontal slope ratio that is equal to or less than 4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run, often shortened to 4 in 12. EPDM rubber roofing is one of the best choices for these roofs, as the lightweight sheets are installed quickly and easily. EPDM sheets are available in various thicknesses, including 45, 60 and 90 millimeters.
Installing EPDM roofs doesn’t have to interrupt your business operations. In most cases, a reputable rubber roofing installer can access your roof and complete the installation without interfering with your operations.
Sustainability
EPDM has wonderful benefits for sustainability. Materials used in its construction are 100% recyclable and often come from recycled tires. EPDM also resists heat transfer, helping businesses regulate indoor temperatures while reducing energy expenditures and utility bills.
While most EPDM roofs are black, white EPDM roofing options are increasing in popularity due to their heat deflection. A standard black commercial roof could reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day, but a reflective white roof can stay up to 50 degrees cooler. This is indispensable for larger buildings and warehouses where temperature regulation is often a challenge.
Return on Investment (ROI)
As a property owner, the changes and updates you make to your facility need to pay off to keep your operations profitable. EPDM roofing offers a significant ROI. With low installation costs compared to other roofing materials and impressive longevity, EPDM can offset its own expenses throughout its life span. In particular, the cost savings from lower utility bills can make a big difference for large facilities.
Roofing Materials Comparison and Selection
While EPDM is a great choice for low-slope commercial roofs, performing your due diligence and comparing roofing materials is important to find the best option for your facility. EPDM is one type of rubber roof, but there are two other roof membranes to consider:
- Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO): Much like EPDM, TPO roofs are durable and easy to install, though they have a slightly shorter life span.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC features in many different kinds of products, but as a roofing material, it’s known for its flexibility. It tends to have higher material costs than other types of roofing.
You might also consider a metal roof option, such as a standing seam or tile, especially if your roof slope is steeper. These roofs comprise a range of metals, usually aluminum and steel, and offer extra protection from fire and weather. However, they tend to be more expensive and require more complex installation than EPDM roofing.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing, also known as rubber roofing, is a long-standing material for commercial buildings. This extremely durable roofing material is usually installed on low-slope and flat roofs. The two main ingredients in its fabrication, ethylene and propylene, come from oil and natural gas.
Exploring the types, installation and costs of this roofing system will help you understand its advantages as a roofing material for commercial buildings. Learn more about EPDM roofing with DDP Roofing Services, Inc.
EPDM Roofing: Properties, Installation and Sustainability
There are many reasons EPDM is one of the most popular roofing materials for commercial structures. The top four most advantageous properties of EPDM roofs are their:
Durability and Longevity
Your business operations take first priority, so worrying about your building upkeep can distract you from your primary goals and objectives. That’s why EPDM’s durability and longevity are such an asset for commercial structures. With superior weather resistance, you won’t have to worry about your EPDM roof being susceptible to damage from harsh weather. EPDM roofing also offers resistance to ozone and environmental pollutants.
Its longevity is another major benefit — EPDM roofs can last up to 30 years or more. With roofs being such a significant investment, choosing a material that stands the test of time is essential.
Ease of Installation
Many commercial buildings have flat or low-slope roofs — designated as roofs with a vertical-to-horizontal slope ratio that is equal to or less than 4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run, often shortened to 4 in 12. EPDM rubber roofing is one of the best choices for these roofs, as the lightweight sheets are installed quickly and easily. EPDM sheets are available in various thicknesses, including 45, 60 and 90 millimeters.
Installing EPDM roofs doesn’t have to interrupt your business operations. In most cases, a reputable rubber roofing installer can access your roof and complete the installation without interfering with your operations.
Sustainability
EPDM has wonderful benefits for sustainability. Materials used in its construction are 100% recyclable and often come from recycled tires. EPDM also resists heat transfer, helping businesses regulate indoor temperatures while reducing energy expenditures and utility bills.
While most EPDM roofs are black, white EPDM roofing options are increasing in popularity due to their heat deflection. A standard black commercial roof could reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day, but a reflective white roof can stay up to 50 degrees cooler. This is indispensable for larger buildings and warehouses where temperature regulation is often a challenge.
Return on Investment (ROI)
As a property owner, the changes and updates you make to your facility need to pay off to keep your operations profitable. EPDM roofing offers a significant ROI. With low installation costs compared to other roofing materials and impressive longevity, EPDM can offset its own expenses throughout its life span. In particular, the cost savings from lower utility bills can make a big difference for large facilities.
Roofing Materials Comparison and Selection
While EPDM is a great choice for low-slope commercial roofs, performing your due diligence and comparing roofing materials is important to find the best option for your facility. EPDM is one type of rubber roof, but there are two other roof membranes to consider:
- Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO): Much like EPDM, TPO roofs are durable and easy to install, though they have a slightly shorter life span.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC features in many different kinds of products, but as a roofing material, it’s known for its flexibility. It tends to have higher material costs than other types of roofing.
You might also consider a metal roof option, such as a standing seam or tile, especially if your roof slope is steeper. These roofs comprise a range of metals, usually aluminum and steel, and offer extra protection from fire and weather. However, they tend to be more expensive and require more complex installation than EPDM roofing.
