Are you a business owner working in Colorado’s capital city, Denver? If yes, then pay keen attention to the following blog. As an employer, you have to give a lot of thought to the business activities, employees, and clients. During all these things, you might not pay attention to the roof of the place where you will do all this. Having a bad commercial roofing system can cause a lot of harm to your business as well as the employees. This is why you need to select the best materials, such as EPDM roofing. This roofing system has satisfied a lot of business owners with its performance in Denver, CO. Today; you will learn a bit more about the EPDM roofing material.
What Kind Of Material Is EPDM?
To get started in our journey of knowing more about an EPDM roof, it is important to start with the material itself. So what is EPDM roofing? EPDM is a type of synthetic/ man-made brand of rubber that has been used for a long time in the construction industry.
EPDM is an abbreviation for ethylene propylene diene monomer, a type of synthetic rubber that’s often used in roofing. It’s manufactured using a chemical reaction called polymerization to form long chains of molecules.
This also has other applications, being widely used in automotive and other manufacturing industries.
Benefits Of EPDM Roofing
If you visit a commercial area in Denver, CO, then chances are you will see an EPDM roofing system more often than not. This is because an EPDM roof offers you a lot of benefits. We have listed some of these here for your reference.
Very Low Maintenance
As a business owner, you would love to have a roof system that does not need frequent maintenance, as you can focus more on the business. An EPDM rubber roof is very low-maintenance. You will not need to worry about performing any frequent cleaning or repairs. This is because the material is resistant to water, and it does not wear out easily over time.
If a part of your EPDM roofing gets damaged, it can easily be replaced without much effort or cost, thanks to its flexibility and durability.
Weather Resistant
EPDM roofing is one of the most weather-resistant materials on the market. It is resistant to rain and snow, as well as ice accumulation during freezing temperatures. It also works great in heat as it offers exceptional heat resistance properties – up to 150°C
So be it low or high temperatures, an EPDM roof will stand. This type of roofing is made from a very strong material that won’t break easily in normal weather conditions.The rubber material expands and contracts naturally due to temperature changes. This means that it does not need to be installed at an angle like some other types of roofs do.
Lightweight Nature
EPDM roofing is lightweight and easy to handle. This material is good for flat roofs and making repairs, as it’s easy to install. Contractors will appreciate the fact that this product is lightweight, which means they won’t have any trouble moving it around or installing it in your home. This makes it possible to have your roof done quickly and with fewer issues than some other materials might present you with.
Offers High Durability
Unlike other types of roofing, EPDM has a lifespan of up to 50 years. This means that you can get the most out of your home’s roofing system without having to worry about it falling or needing a replacement for many years. The material is also highly durable and won’t crack or split like traditional rubber membranes do over time.
EPDM is UV resistant, meaning that it won’t fade and lose its color over time due to exposure to sunlight. It’s also resistant to ozone, which can cause damage to other types of materials, such as steel and PVC pipes used in construction applications. As with any building material, though, proper installation practices are required so that you’ll get the maximum life expectancy out of your new product!
Versatile
Versatility can be EPDM roofing’s synonym. EPDM roofing is very adaptable. This type of roofing can be installed on a wide variety of roof shapes, including low-slope roofs and flat roofs. Though earlier, there was a view that these roofs could be used only in commercial spaces, over the years, they are now found on residential buildings as well.
Safe For Environment
Apart from making profits, caring for the environment is also one of the responsibilities of business owners. You should ensure that you do not harm the environment with your activities. Purchasing an EPDM roofing system can help you do your bit and reduce your carbon footprint.
This is because the EPDM roof is made up of recycled content. There are no toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process, so you can breathe easy knowing your roof will not release any toxins into the air or into your home during installation.
That means no hazardous waste is generated in the manufacturing process of EPDM roofing materials either—another benefit of choosing this kind of roof for your home!
Drawbacks Of EPDM Roofing System
We all know that no roofing system is perfect. There are some issues with every system, and EPDM roofing is no stranger to this fact. So despite having so many advantages, it falls short in the following aspects.
Can Be Damaged From Walking
Do you have to visit your commercial roof structure often? If yes, then an EPDM roofing system might not be the one for you. This is because the EPDM roof is prone to damage from increasing foot traffic. The main reason why you should avoid walking on your roof is that it puts too much stress on the EPDM membrane. The more traffic there is, the more likely you’ll damage your roof.
So if you have a busy family or are in an area where people frequently walk on roofs to get in and out of their homes, you may want to consider a different type of roofing material.
Visuals Are Not For Everyone
While this roofing material does not have many aesthetic drawbacks, it does lack a few things that may be important to you. For example, EPDM roofing comes in solid colors only. There is no option for textured, shingle, or even rubberized EPDM roofs—the color is the only way it comes! While this might be fine for some homes that don’t need visual appeal to their houses—but an eye-catching look doesn’t hurt anyone!
Seams Are Leak Prone
The final (and most common) issue with EPDM roofs is that seams can be a problem. EPDM roofs are made in large sheets, which means they have to be joined together at some point. In the case of EPDM rubber roofing, this joining is done by heat welding and adhesives. This process can be prone to leaks if it isn’t done correctly – so it’s important for you to know what these issues look like and what steps need to be taken if you find yourself dealing with an EPDM roof leak.
How Is EPDM Roof Installed?
An EPDM roofing system can be installed in multiple ways. This can depend on the contractor you choose or the area you live in.
Mechanical Method: This is the traditional method for installing EPDM roofing. The rubber membrane is attached to the roof deck with a series of screws. The battens are screwed into place as well. This method is best for flat roofs, but it’s not recommended for sloped roofs because it can create an uneven surface over time.
Fully Adhered Method: Fully adhered membranes are attached directly to the roof deck with adhesive instead of mechanical fasteners. This makes them more durable than mechanically fastened systems because they don’t rely on any fasteners that could potentially break over time and cause leaks or other damage.
Ballasted Method: This method is not often used by contractors but is still pretty handy. Ballasted rubber sheets are unique. This is because they float on top of the existing roofing system instead of adhering directly to it as other types do—this is why they’re called ballasted! Ballasted installations are typically used on low-slope roofs and are kept in place by gravel or stones.
In Search Of EPDM Roofing Contractors?
Are you looking to upgrade your existing roof system or instead want to install a completely new roof? Then EPDM roof can be a perfect choice for you. However, it can be difficult and even destructive if you opt to install the EPDM roof yourself or hire an average contractor to do so.
This is why If you want to install an EPDM roofing system on your commercial property, then consider the services offered by our team at Sol Vista Roofing.
We have a combined experience of more than 20 years in EPDM roofing installation for the residents of Denver, Colorado. Not only installation but we also are trained to provide repair and replacement services as well.
Contact us today at (720) 712-3516 to schedule an appointment or to know more about our services.
