Membrane roofing has been a popular choice for commercial buildings for decades.However,roof membranes are now also used on homes in certain areas.
One of the most common membrane options for homeowners is EPDM.But what is EPDM roofing?And what do you need to know about it?
What is an EPDM roofing membrane?
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber black membrane commonly used in commercial and medical facilities.even though it's used mostly in commercial,EPDM roofing has its place in residential roofing.
Due to the membrane being black,it'll absorb heat,unlike the white membrane roof systems.Because of this,I wouldn't recommend using it over a bedroom or living space.
Even though it doesn't have the advantage of reflecting heat like the white membranes,it won't get as dirty as the white material.So,you don't have to worry about the aesthetic of an EPDM roof when looking from a window.
I recommend EPDM for a low slope or flat roof over a garage or a non-living space,but you can still use it over a bedroom or living roof.Just consider the heat absorption that comes with a black EPDM membrane roof system when making your final decision.
Now you know the basics of what EPDM roofing is.But before deciding if it's the right choice for you,there are a few more things to know about it.
1. The reason you need EPDM roofing
You're not going to use a rubber membrane on just any roof style or pitch.That's why the first thing you need to know about EPDM roofing is what situation calls for it.
A roof is considered low slope when the roof pitch (aka steepness) is below a 2:12 (less than 2 vertical units up for every 12 horizontal units out).Because the roof pitch is flat or close to flat,water won't run off like it would on a higher pitch.
If your entire roof or parts of your roof are flat or low slope,they need a waterproof material.This rules out most roofing materials,including the most commonly used asphalt shingles.
There are even installation instructions and building codes that state asphalt shingles can't be installed on anything below a 2:12 roof pitch.This is why EPDM roofing (or another flat roof system) must be installed on low slope or flat roofs.
2. The lifespan of EPDM roofing
A roof's lifespan is the number of leak-free years you get out of it and even tells you when it'll need to be replaced in the future.EPDM roofing is extremely durable and is kind of like having a bulletproof rubber roof system.
As long as it's installed properly,you can expect to get around 25 to 30 years out of a fully adhered 0.060 thickness EPDM roof.Just know, putting a lifespan of 25 or 30 years on an EPDM roof is great, but it doesn't necessarily mean you'll get this many years
out of it.
No matter what kind of roofing material you have (EPDM roofing included),the number of years you get out of it depends on multiple factors.This includes the weather in your area,the amount of direct sunlight that hits it,the quality of installation, and more.
But as long as EPDM roofing is installed correctly,you should get pretty close to the lifespan range above.
