Tag Archives: EPDM Roofing

5 Benefits of EPDM Rubber Roofing

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There are tons of different roofing materials out there today, including several styles of rubber roofing membranes. One of the most popular is EPDM rubber roofing. This material is made of synthetic compounds and it can provide years of protection for any roof when it is properly applied or installed. Here are just a few reasons to consider EPDM rubber roofing for your next roof job.

EPDM is Affordable

EPDM has a low cost when compared to other roofing materials. It’s great for flat and low-sloped roofs where a durable roof is needed but the expense needs to be minimal. Its affordability makes it a great product for any application because it fits well into almost any budget.

Unlike some roofing materials that can increase the project costs exponentially, choosing EPDM means that you will save money because you’ll need less material and the material itself is cheaper to begin with.

epdm rubber roofing benefits

EPDM Rubber Roofing Lasts a Long Time

Most people say that an EPDM rubber roof will last up to 20 years or more. Some modern products are pushing the limits, offering up to 50 years of protection. That’s all for the affordable cost of the material and the simple installation. What more could you ask for? Most roofing materials need to be replaced after 10 to 20 years and they require a lot more maintenance in the meantime.

EPDM is Low Maintenance

And speaking of maintenance, this roofing material doesn’t require a lot of that, either. Simple inspections and cleaning will go a long way in helping you ensure that your EPDM rubber roofing is always in good condition. And if you do find issues that need to be addressed, you’ll catch them early enough to fix them with ease since you’re doing regular inspections. This low-maintenance roofing solution continues to grow in popularity because of this benefit alone.

EPDM Rubber Roofing is Durable

Made from specific compounds, EPDM rubber roof materials are durable and designed to withstand the elements. They can handle all kinds of impact damage and will generally hold up in even the worst weather. You will want to inspect the seals and joints of the roof to make sure that the integrity isn’t compromised, but as long as you can do that, you’ll enjoy having a durable, long-lasting roof that didn’t cost a small fortune.

Installation is Simple

EPDM can be installed as one large sheet to avoid the issue of seams and leaks. It is available in liquid form, too, allowing it to simply be painted or sprayed on. In any case, it’s a quick process and it isn’t one that takes a lot of effort because the product is relatively easy to work with. Even if you choose to bring in the pros, you’ll still spend less on labor because the job will get done much faster.

These are just a few of the benefits to think about when you’re considering an EPDM rubber roofing product for your new roof. If you want to save money and help save the environment, it is exactly what you need.

EPDM Rubber Roofing Applications, Pros and Cons, and More

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EPDM rubber roofing is a popular product on the market right now. It is available in several forms and offers a more durable roofing application than several other materials. It offers the benefit of being affordable and flexible, while still providing premium protection. It’s also designed to reflect UV rays and provide a more balanced temperature for the environment.

What is EPDM roofing and are there any disadvantages to consider? That depends on exactly what you’re looking for in new roofing material. EPDM is an eco-friendly choice because it’s a synthetic rubber that doesn’t require sourcing the world’s ever-declining population of rubber trees. The harvesting process for rubber isn’t so eco-friendly, but synthetic rubber creation does well.

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Not only that, but many EPDM roof coatings are recycled, or at least totally recyclable. That means when you remove or replace the roof, you can send the old roof back to be recycled into some kind of new synthetic rubber. EPDM coatings are fire-resistant and water-resistant, which means they will provide premium protection from all kinds of elements and issues. When properly installed and maintained, you can expect these roofs to last for 20+ years.

They also lower energy costs by helping keep interior spaces more temperate. The liquid rubber roofing is generally affordable, but sheeted EPDM or other systems may require more installation and therefore have higher installation costs. Do your homework to make sure that you know your options and choose the right EPDM rubber roofing for your needs, whether that’s liquid or sheeting, or anything else.

EPDM isn’t exactly the most aesthetically appealing roofing material. However, it’s durable and flexible and it provides years of use for those who need a better solution for their roof. The best thing that you can do is to talk to the professionals to discuss what EPDM rubber roofing can do for your needs and whether it’s the best choice.

If it ends up being the best option, you’ll be happy to know that it’s eco-friendlyand affordable, and it will help you avoid future roofing issues for years to come. Explore the market of EPDM rubber roof products and find the ones that you like best or ask the pros to help you decide. In either case, you’ll quickly see why so many people are choosing this route for their roofing applications when they need something more durable than traditional materials.

Save the Planet, Switch to EPDM Coatings and Butyl Liquid Rubber

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Greener, more eco-friendly options have become such an important part of so many people’s lives. They want the choice of sustainable products that don’t pollute the Earth and contribute less to global climate change. This expands across so many industries, and home roof repairs are no exception. Fortunately, greener roofing options such as Butyl Rubber cause less harm to the environment, but they’re usually less expensive in the long run. This has led many builders and home re-modelers to switch to Butyl Rubber. This material offers some of the most environmentally friendly benefits a roof can have. Let’s take a look at why.

Being Eco-Friendly is Black and White

Butyl Rubber, is a synthetic rubber that is rolled out as a liquid to create one of the most durable EPDM roofing materials on the market. But durability isn’t its only selling point; color is too. Color might sound like a cop-out when it comes to a marketing point, but in the world of roofing, color matters a lot—particularly black and white.

Think of a hot summer day in Miami. You probably imagine a swimming pool with fruity cocktails and men dressed in white suits and Panama hats. That white suit didn’t become a fashion trend just for the sake of style. White is white because it reflects back all shades of visible light, i.e., it doesn’t absorb sunlight. For your building, this translates to a cooler outer surface. With less sunlight absorbing into your building, you’ll use less energy to cool the interior. 

The same goes for buildings in cold climates. If you spend most of the year heating your property, opting for a black roof can cut the energy you spend on heating. Where white reflects light, black absorbs it. And we don’t just mean a few degrees worth of light. Making the switch to this style of roof can affect your building’s overall temperature by up to 30%!

A Greener Source

If the idea of a rubber roof causes you to balk, that might be because you know where rubber comes from—the rainforest. While it’s easy to forget, rubber is a natural product produced by rubber trees deep in the hearts of the Amazon, Congo, and jungles of Southeast Asia. Collecting sap from these trees is not the most eco-friendly of industries and can cause deforestation in our planet’s lungs.

The good news is, though, with Butyl Liquid Rubber roofing, your worries are put to rest. Rather than being sourced from the rainforest, Butyl Liquid Rubber is a synthetic rubber made without causing deforestation. This also has the added benefit of producing a better product. Compared to natural rubber roofing, Butyl Liquid Rubber roofing can stand up against higher and lower temperatures, prolonged exposure to UV radiation, and even ozone.

Durability Equals Environmentally Friendly

Even still, synthetic rubbers might set off a few alarm bells for an avid environmentalist. But thanks to how much more durable these roof coatings are, Butyl Liquid Rubber roofs last far longer than a standard roof. This means they won’t have to be repaired or replaced as frequently, and less product gets used. With an Butyl Liquid Rubber roof, you can go decades without replacing your roof even in harsh climates. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a way to cut energy expenditure, slow the rate that the rainforest is being commercialized, and still walk away with a roof over your head, you can’t get much better than an Butyl Liquid Rubber roof coating. You’ll save on money and also help benefit the planet. 

Butyl Liquid Rubber vs PVC: What’s Right for Your Roofing Needs?

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If you are the owner of a flat-roofed or low-slope roof structure, you already know that your roofing needs are far different from those with buildings featuring traditional, more steeply sloped rooftops. Your roofing has to be resistant to everything from extremes of temperatures and the risks of pooling water, snow and ice to structural movement. This is why the issue of Butyl vs PVC so frequently emerges.

Why the Butly vs. PVC Issue?

You will see a lot of Butl vs PVC comparisons when you start to search for roofing because these are the two most commonly chosen materials for flat roofs. EPDM is a rubber material made mostly with oil based ingredients. PVC is a vinyl-like material made of chlorine and ethylene.

Are there pros and cons to each? Absolutely, and it is imperative to run that EPDM vs PVC comparison as you narrow down your choices for your new or replacement roof on a flat-top or low slope building. Let’s start with the EPDM and its many pros and cons.

EPDM vs. PVC: The Pros and Cons of EPDM

Butyl Liquid Rubber is a specially formulated version of Butyl sheet rubber that has the flexibility needed for change in environmental conditions.

Butyl Liquid Rubber is a liquefied version of a synthetic rubber typically referred to as Butyl.


Butyl Liquid Rubber

Butyl rubber, sometimes just called “butyl”, is a synthetic rubber, a copolymer of isobutylene with isoprene. The abbreviation IIR stands for isobutylene isoprene rubber. Polyisobutylene, also known as “PIB” which butyl rubber is based. Butyl rubber is produced by polymerization of about 98% of isobutylene with about 2% of isoprene. Structurally, polyisobutylene resembles polypropylene, but has two methyl groups substituted on every other carbon atom, rather than one.

The porduct is able to flex enough to support structural movement, too. And perhaps one of the most important “pros” for the Butyl Liquid Rubber is the fact that there is no special equipment or skill needed to install it. It does ask for a great deal of prep in terms of cleaning and/or installing a new roof decking on which the material is applied. However, with good brushes, rollers and patience even a novice can do a good job.

Lastly, it is the most affordable type of single-ply membrane-style roofing and has been in use for decades.

Butyl vs. PVC: The Pros and Cons of PVC

A more recent innovation in single-ply, membrane-style roofing is PVC roofing. However, one of the major “pros” of the PVC roofing is that it is actually made of three layers of material that feature PVC material reinforced with polyester “scrim” between. It is, however, described as a single-ply membrane. This means it is considered a bit more flexible and stable with high break and tear resistance. It is identical to Butyl in that it has UV resistance and can remain stable under extremes of heat or cold. PVC is also quite resistant to fire and chemicals, and typically inhibits the growth of any fungi or plant materials.

And also just like Butyl, the PVC materials are designed to be watertight and leak free for many decades after installation. This material also requires attention to prep when it is installed, and it requires “hot air welded seams” rather than an adhesive to bond together properly. This is why the PVC roofing is also a job for professionals who know how to handle the machines and materials properly.

This tends to boost the price of a installation, making Butyl the lower priced option with the added benefit of a DIY installation if desired.

In the debate of Butyl vs. PVC we now know that PVC is just as durable but requires experts to install the material properly. If you are looking for a long-lasting, easy to install and affordable roofing material for a flat roof, Butyl Liquid Rubber is the ideal choice.

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.