EPDM or rubber roofing is a very durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane. This type of roof is used on flat and low-slope commercial buildings across Ohio. Dollar for dollar, no other commercial roofing system offers a better value than EPDM. Rubber roofs have remained the top choice among commercial roofing contractors for decades for several reasons. In addition to the easy installation, rubber roofing offers unbeatable resistance to the elements, especially UV damage that makes other roofs brittle and frail.
Don’t trust your commercial roof to just anyone. Rubber roofing requires EPDM roofing contractors with experience for a durable and leak-free membrane. We serve commercial customers throughout Ohio with high-quality rubber roof installation and repair. Our experienced contractors have years of installing EPDM roofs with long-lasting results.
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Why Choose Rubber Roofing?
You have many options today for re-roofing your commercial property. There are many reasons that rubber roofing has remained a top choice for contractors and business owners for over 40 years. Unlike many new roofing products, liquid rubber roof products have a proven track record. More than 40 years of widespread use has also shown that rubber roofing has the longest average service life in the commercial roofing industry.
There are many characteristics of EPDM that contribute to its great track record:
- Thermal shock resistance
- UV radiation resistance
- High resistance to wind
- Excellent hail resistance
- Flexible in low temperatures
- Excellent resistance to fire and heat
- Resistance to weathering, abrasion, and ozone
Commercial rubber roofing isn’t just durable; it’s also an economical solution. In addition to its moderate upfront cost, EPDM roofs are easy to repair and modify. This reduces the ongoing maintenance costs of your new roof.
Rubber Roof
Installation
We install rubber roofs in many ways. EPDM can be installed
fully adhered, ballasted, or mechanically attached. Ballasted
rubber roofing is the most affordable option.
fully adhered, ballasted, or mechanically attached. Ballasted
rubber roofing is the most affordable option.
These flexible installation options allow the rubber membrane to be installed on flat roofs and sloped roofs with positive drainage or even vertically with a fully adhered system.
Because it is flexible and lightweight, rubber roofing is the ideal choice for recovering an existing roof.
Rubber
Roof Repair
Rubber roofing is unique in that it is easy to repair and can be restored. Very few roofing materials offer this benefit. Even after it has been exposed to the elements for years, installing a new roof curb or performing repairs is fairly easy. These repairs are also long-lasting. This is because EPDM roofs maintain their flexibility and integrity for many years despite UV exposure that makes other systems brittle. This flexibility allows roofing contractors to wash the roof membrane, prepare the surface, and apply a rubber roof coating for repair.
Aging rubber roofs can also be restored to their original quality without major disruption to your business or high costs. It can even be possible to enhance an aging roof and exceed its original installation strength.
Do not trust just anyone to repair your EPDM roof. Using incorrect materials or methods to repair a rubber roof or maintain the system can reduce its life expectancy or cause it to fail early. Our rubber roof repair experts have years of experience and training in the correct methods for EPDM roof repairs that last.
Our contractors understand that the first step to reliable rubber roof repair is preparation. Your EPDM roof system must receive correct surface preparation to
receive a patch. You may notice a carbon film on the surface of the roof as it ages. This black film and oxidation must be carefully removed for the patch to stick. A primer must then be applied to the membrane before the patch is applied.
Rubber roof sealant or coating can also be applied to the roof to extend its life. Once the entire surface is clean, seam tape is applied to all joints, flashing, abrasions, and tears. The waterproof coating is applied to the entire roof surface with rollers. Rubber roof coatings can help fix leaks, rips, and more. Coatings can also be used as preventative maintenance if your roof drains well.
Have questions about Rubber Roofing?Find Your Answer Below
Have questions about choosing rubber roofing for your business? Here are some of the most common questions we hear from customers. Our EPDM roofing experts are always standing by to answer any additional questions you may have. Feel free to contact us with questions or to request an estimate.
How long do rubber roofs last?
Rubber roofing has one of the longest lifespans of all major commercial roofing systems. An EPDM roof should last for 25-30 years. There are also many rubber roof installations that have exceeded 40 years in service. Studies indicate that an aged rubber roof membrane can have a potential life of up to 50 years with routine repairs and maintenance.
How resistant is it to the weather conditions?
The characteristics of rubber roofing are unparalleled when it comes to weather resistance. EPDM roofing offers excellent resistance to UV radiation, cyclic fatigue, thermal shock, hail damage, and low temperatures. It will not shatter or become brittle due to low temperatures or years of sun exposure like many roofing materials.
What is an EPDM rubber roof?
A rubber flat roof or EPDM roof is a synthetic rubber roof membrane. It’s mostly made from propylene and ethylene, which are produced from natural gas and oil. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, indicating its manufacturing process. The membrane is made of carbon black which absorbs UV radiation and protects the integrity of the roof. The propylene in EPDM creates a strong backbone without reinforcing that allows the system to expand up to 300% without losing its structural integrity.
The formulation for rubber roofing has changed very little in 40 years because there has been no need. The long-term affordability, flexibility, and durability of EPDM makes it one of the most popular systems for flat roofs across the country.
There are two types of EPDM: black and white. When installed, black EPDM has a smooth surface like gray slate without surface granules. White EPDM has a smooth white and highly reflective surface. White EPDM is usually used to reduce energy costs by reflecting the sun’s rays.
Can rubber roofs be painted or coated?
There are several types of rubber roof coatings available. These acrylic coatings can be applied to a prepared rubber roof surface. Most coatings require clearing the EPDM membrane with a pressure washer and detergent. Latex paint products can also be used on EPDM roofs.