Author Archives: Greg Kaz.

Is EPDM Rubber Roofing Right for You?

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If your business or home has a flat roof, or a low-slope roof, you have options in terms of roofing systems that go beyond conventional asphalt shingles, shakes, and the like. EPDM rubber roofing is one of the most popular options on the market, and it can offer quite a few benefits for business owners and homeowners. However, it is not the right solution for everyone. Is it right for your particular needs? We’ll help you make an informed decision.

A Quick Look at the Benefits of EPDM Rubber Roofing

EPDM offers quite a few benefits and advantages as a roofing material when compared to other options on the market. Understanding these is key to making the right decision.

  • Cost: You’ll find that EPDM rubber roofing is more affordable than many roofing systems on the market. The lower cost per square foot allows you to save money on your construction or re-roofing project that can be reinvested in other areas or saved outright. However, you do not need to worry that because EPDM is low-cost, that you will suffer with low-quality roofing. It is actually stronger and more durable than many other roofing systems used today.
  • Weight: Weight is a significant consideration with any type of roof cladding. The roof system and substrate must be strong enough to handle the load. With other roofing materials, ranging from asphalt shingles to slate or terracotta tiles, the weight can be immense. EPDM rubber roofing is much lighter, helping to reduce stress and strain in your roofing system without sacrificing protection or durability.
  • Durability: The roof of your home or business is one of the most critical components. It must withstand harsh temperatures, direct sunlight, exposure to wind, rain, sleet, snow, and ice, and it must do so for decades without degrading. That’s a tall order to fill for any material, but EPDM rubber roofing does so very well. In fact, it’s one of the most durable materials on the market, with a lifespan surpassing 50 years with correct installation.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Most roofing systems require very little in the way of maintenance, but EPDM rubber roofing is particularly low-maintenance. It simply needs to be cleaned once or twice per year to remove dust. With a quality protectant applied to it, even mildew will not be a problem. Few other roofing materials can claim that – even asphalt shingles can suffer from mildew and mold buildup.
  • Ease of Installation: Installing EPDM rubber roofing is also very simple. In fact, it can be done in mere hours in most cases. Compare that to the days required for other systems and you begin to see just how beneficial this option is. All you need to apply it is a roller and a brush, although a sprayer may also be useful for applying it to large, open areas of the roof quickly and evenly.

The Drawbacks of EPDM Rubber Roofing

While there are many benefits and advantages to using a rubber roof product, there are some cons that you should know about, too.

  • Professional Installation: In most cases, you’ll need to let a professional handle installation to make sure that it’s done right. So, if you’re the DIY type, this is most likely a hands-off sort of project. This also goes for most large-scale repairs, although home and business owners can often handle small repairs on their own.
  • Roof Protrusions: Roof protrusions and other potential problem areas need to be addressed before EPDM rubber roofing is installed to prevent punctures and other damage.

In the end, rubber roofs may not be the right choice for everyone, but they are increasing in popularity thanks to their wide range of benefits and advantages.

EPDM Roof Installation Cost and Benefits

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Those who are considering an EPDM roof will find that it offers a range of benefits. The traditional membranes tend to have fewer seams than other types of roofing, and when using a liquid EPDM, there are no seams at all. It is a lightweight material and it is easy to apply when compared with other options, such as asphalt. Because they are lightweight, it means that they can be installed without the need for any type of heavy machinery.

The reputation of the EPDM products is outstanding, as well. The membranes have been in use for more than 50 years in the construction field, and these high-quality sheets tend to be faster to install than other roofing methods. Additionally, they use less energy when they are created. With EPDM, you will have a roof that can last for between 20 and 30 years, making it a low-cost options. It is resistant to weathering and damage, and it works well in both high and low heat. Overall, the maintenance for these types of roofs tends to be low. This is true whether using the membranes or the liquid EPDM.

What About the EPDM Roof Installation Cost

Determining exactly how much the installation will cost can be difficult because it can vary so much based on a number of factors, such as location and the cost of labor. For the material alone, the national roofing costs are estimated to be $0.80 per square foot to $1.60 per square foot. This does not include the cost of labor. When you are trying to determine how much you will have to spend on your roof, you will want to consider the amount of square footage that you need to cover, as well as the cost of the membranes or liquid EPDM in your area. Additionally, you will want to check with several contractors who can supply the labor for the roofing.

Overall, though, it does tend to be a cheaper option than many of the other roofing alternatives out there for flat roofs. It could be a good choice for you given all of the benefits and the low cost. However, you will want to speak with contractors in your area to get full information and an estimate on what your total cost will end up being. If you talk with several contractors, you may find some small differences in the price you need to pay for your roof. Typically, they will be close to one another in cost, including labor, so choose the contractor that has the best reputation.

What’s the Cost of Not Having Quality Roofing?

There are many who worry that their EPDM roof installation costs are going to be too high, and they decide that they can wait “just a little longer” before they get new roofing. However, it is important for them to consider what could happen if they wait for too long. A leak in the roof could be more than just a little problem. If you need new roofing for your store, for example, think about how much damage rain could do to the merchandise and stock that you have. If you have a flat roof on a garage or storage shed that needs better roofing materials, consider the damage that water could do to the items that you have stored inside. The EPDM roof installation costs tend to be some of the lowest you will find for quality roofing that will keep your building safe. Spending a little now could help you to save a lot in the end.

DIY RV Maintenance and Repair Projects: Liquid Roof Repair

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If you’re like most RV owners, you appreciate the ability to handle your own maintenance and repair needs. After all, labor costs a fortune when you hire someone to do the work. The materials for most RV projects, including liquid roof repair, are fairly inexpensive and available at most home improvement stores and online RV supply stores. Therefore, if you are a somewhat handy person, you can save a lot of money on maintenance and repairs by doing the work yourself.

Liquid roof repair might sound intimidating, but it is actually one of the easiest types of roofing to work with on an RV. Keep reading to learn more about repairing your liquid RV roof.

Inspect the Roof Condition

Don’t even bother shopping for repair supplies and materials until you can get up on your RV roof and take a look at the damage for yourself. Use your smartphone camera to notate hard-to-find areas of damage or wear that need redone while you are inspecting the roof. Also, look at the amount of area that needs repaired. Usually, this roofing material holds up better than others, but it can still get damaged or be prone to wear over the years. Depending on the amount of damage or wear, and how old the RV roof is, it might be a better idea to do a full recoat than to just repair the affected areas.

Check the Owner’s Manual

If the roofing on your RV is the same material that was installed at the time of manufacture, there is probably important warranty information in the owner’s manual. This information will advise on proper cleaning and repair methods and products that can be employed without voiding the warranty.

If your roof has been replaced since the RV was first built, you should have the warranty information for that replacement somewhere. Even if you put on the liquid roof yourself, the product that you used has some kind of manufacturer’s warranty. Again, you’ll want to look into this to make sure that whatever you do doesn’t void any warranties or guarantees.

How to Choose Liquid Roof Repair Materials

Now that you are familiar with how to complete repairs or recoat your RV roof without voiding any warranties, you can pick up the products that you need and get to work. Choose liquid roof coatings and repair kits that work with your existing roofing material. You can find repair and patch kits or purchase the liquid roofing and accessories or tools you need separately, making it easy for you to get the right supplies for the job. As long as you have the correct type of materials, the rest of your purchasing decision will be based on things like:

  • Price
  • Brand Reputation
  • Application
  • Durability and Longevity

Recoating is More Common than Repairing

When dealing with a liquid roof, repairs are generally minimal because the material is designed to be durable, flexible, and hold up to all kinds of extremes and elements. This cost-effective roofing option generally needs a recoat before it needs repair, simply due to wearing down with age. Resealing or recoating a liquid roof is a routine part of ownership, and you can expect your roof to need a fresh coat every 3-5 years, depending on frequency of use, climate, and how your RV is stored.

If you do find yourself in the position of needing repairs on your liquid roof, the process should be a simple one. Just remember to start with a clean slate and remove all of the debris and damage so that your repair creates a strong, watertight seal. When done right, repairs should last a long time, or at the very least, until your next recoating job.

The Importance of RV Liquid Roof Sealant on Your RV Roof

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When it comes to RV maintenance and care, the roof is one of your biggest priorities. This is what keeps your home on wheels protected from the elements, and what keeps a roof over your head while you’re on the road. Fortunately, modern roofing materials make it fairly easy to maintain and care for RV roofs, no matter which material you choose. RV Roof Sealant is a popular choice for those who want a cost-effective, full coverage option for protection

Beyond popularity, though, it is also a must-have for those who want the best protection for their RV roof. This product can be installed over just about any surface, including your existing roof. As long as you take the time to clean and prepare the surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions, liquid roof coatings will easily adhere to wood, metal, fabric, fiberglass, and more.

Low Cost Protection

A single gallon of liquid roof sealant can cost as little as $50. More expensive products are available, of course, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good rubber roof for your RV. When applied correctly, rubber roof sealants can provide years of durable protection from all kinds of extreme elements and climates. They even outlast many more expensive roofing materials, and yet they cost so much less.

For DIY types, this is one of the biggest selling points of liquid RV roof sealants and roofing products. The fact that they can essentially have a brand new roof for just a few hundred dollars is hard to pass up. Of course, the application process doesn’t take a lot of time. Therefore, even if you choose to hire someone to do the work, the labor costs will be minimal.

Flexible, Durable Seals

There is no material that is as flexible and still as durable as liquid roof sealant. Unlike rubber sheeting, which is less flexible once cured, liquid roof dries to a flexible finish for even better protection from tears and debris damage. The single-coat application provides full coverage of the entire roof. The only additional step you have is sealing around your fixtures, and you really only need to do that for the air conditioner and other serviceable items. You can use the liquid roof on the rest.

With proper application, liquid roof sealants can basically be left alone for the first 10 years after installation. You should still clean and inspect your roof regularly, of course, but you can depend on a mostly hands-off roof maintenance plan. Even in extreme temperatures, rubber roofing holds strong and provides full protection from UV rays, ozone, and all kinds of other elements. Over time, the coating may need to be replaced, but this is normal, and usually doesn’t happen for 10 or 15 years.

It’s All in the Application

The reason that liquid roof sealant is such an effective product is simple: it is a liquid. Although an RV roof is relatively flat, it has a lot of attachments and seams that need to be covered and protected from the elements. A traditional roof would require you to place a separate caulk over all of the seams, including those created during the installation process. With liquid roof, you can simply pour the material on the roof, spread it out, and let it dry.

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to upgrade your RV, consider using liquid roof sealant to create a brand new roof. For just a few hundred bucks, you can have a stronger, longer-lasting roof for your RV. Plus, you won’t have to worry about a lot of maintenance like you would with other roofing materials. If you can overlook the fact that this roofing provides such great protection, these are all great reasons to consider liquid roof for your new RV roof.

What Are the EPDM Roof Advantages?

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As a property owner, it is natural for you to weigh the various pros and cons for any materials or systems you use on that property. Whether it is a commercial building or a residential property, you want to be sure your investments give you the returns you desire. Those returns can usually be summed up (no matter what sort of project) as long-lasting, good looking, high performing, low maintenance and affordable. All of these terms apply to the list of EPDM roof advantages, as well.

What is EPDM Roofing?

EPDM is ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, an oil-based rubber roofing option that is a long-lasting and popular choice. This is because it does exactly what a property owner hopes a roofing material will do – remain watertight and effective for many years. Naturally, there are more EPDM roof advantages than the simple fact that it is an effective option for a rooftop.

For one thing, one of the most significant EPDM roof advantages is that the material can work well on perfectly flat or low-sloped roofs. Whether it is a commercial building with a lot of venting and other issues on the flat roof or a residential structure with a very low slope or pitch to the roof, EPDM is a good option.

Flat or low-slope roofing always has more trouble because it can so easily succumb to issues like intense weather (heat or cold), pooling, structural changes, and roof traffic. Thus, the EPDM roof advantages are very significant when deciding on what materials to use for your low-slope or flat roof.

A Basic List of EPDM Roof Advantages

So, just what are the EPDM roof advantages apart from its watertight properties and durability? The advantages include:

DIY – If you would prefer to tackle the project yourself, EPDM can be installed by a novice who is willing to purchase the simple tools needed for installation AND take the time to do the prep work essential to a good outcome. This may mean installing new plywood or panels for the material to bond to, performing an intense cleaning of the entire surface, and so on.

EPDM

EPDM

Affordability – Of the many materials available for flat and low-slope rooftops, EPDM is the most affordable among them. Not only can it be done by you or with a group of friends, but the materials themselves are affordably priced and considered the lowest priced among all other similar options.

Longevity – An EPDM installation will have a lifespan of 50 years or more (if cared for properly and installed correctly). It will ask for little to no maintenance and even with any issues, repairs are easy, inexpensive and fast to perform. The material resists UV damage, flexes with the building’s movement over time, and all without weakening or degrading.

Safe – EPDM materials are fire resistant, which is important as they are often exposed to intense amounts of heat and light, and if a nearby building or fire puts your property at risk, it is often noted that EPDM may slow or impede the movement of a fire.

Greener – One of the best advantages to using EPDM is that it is easily one of the “greenest” materials. It requires very little energy to produce and when you need to replace it (50 years later) the materials are 100% recyclable! You won’t even need to use heating machines to install them, meaning they ask for no energy to install.

So, if you are eager to find a roofing material with a great many advantages and few “cons” to its use, EPDM is a good choice.