Tag Archives: EPDM Rubber Roofing

Choosing an EPDM Butyl Rubber Roofing System

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When it comes to EPDM butyl rubber roofing systems, you will find that several options are available depending on the type of roof that you have. There are rubber roofing membranes that can be applied to the roof. These can then be coated with a liquid butyl EPDM that helps to eliminate seals between the membranes, providing better waterproofing.

Additionally, the EPDM butyl liquid can be used with different types of substrates to add more protection to a roof. Some choose this option to add a coating rather than to remove their entire old roof. Depending on the type of roof you have, this could be an option for you. It will also depend on the state of the roof, of course. While liquid butyl EPDM can do a lot, it can’t fix a roof that has severe damage that needs to be repaired first.

Why Choose an EPDM Butyl Rubber Roofing System?

EPDM butyl rubber roofing systems have some nice benefits, which can help to make them a good solution for many property owners. Installation of EPDM, whether it’s the membranes or the coating, tends to be fast and simple. It is a cost-effective option and it allows for relatively easy repairs, which is nice.

The material is resistant to UV rays, hot and cold temperatures, hail, snow, rain, and a host of other potential hazards. You will not have to worry about the product shrinking or expanding, no matter the conditions.

The membranes are available in different thicknesses. The liquid butyl EPDM can be made thicker by adding a coat if it is needed. These types of roofing systems can help to lower heating and cooling costs. If you are in a hot area, having white membranes and liquid coatings on your roof will help to keep the heat out of the building. Those in colder areas might want to opt for black membranes and coating instead.

How Much of the Product Do You Need?

The answer to this question will vary depending on the size of your roof. Consider the size of the roof when ordering membranes or the liquid butyl rubber coating.

If you have a small roof or you are just doing a repair, then you will only need to have a small batch of the product. For those who are trying to cover their entire roof and who have a large roof, you will need to have larger quantities. Find out how much is available in each bucket for the liquid and how many square feet it needs to cover. Remember, it’s better to have too much of the product than too little.

Who Should Do the Installation?

One of the big questions that often comes up is the installation. If you are going to first get membranes, you will likely want to have professionals handle the installation for you. They can do this quickly and easily, and you can be sure it’s done right.

As for applying the liquid butyl EPDM coatings onto the roof, professionals could do this, or you could do it on your own if you would like. The liquid coatings are easy to apply because they go on like paint. They can be applied using rollers and paintbrushes in many cases. Rollers are great to cover larger areas with the liquid butyl EPDM, while the brushes can be used to get around smaller, tighter areas.

Remember the Importance of Maintenance

Once you have your EPDM butyl rubber roofing system and liquid roofing installed on the roof, it should cure in a short time—less than a day in many cases. However, you will still want to provide basic maintenance. Keep the roof clean from debris and dirt, and check for any small tears or holes at least twice a year.

Tips to Maintain Your EPDM Rubber Roofing System

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Once you have an EPDM rubber roofing system installed, you want to make sure it lasts for as long as possible and continues to protect your roof. When it is maintained correctly, it has the potential to last for between 30 and 50 years, which is impressive for any roofing system.

Fortunately, it tends to be relatively easy to keep the system in good shape. These systems and coatings are durable and are resistant to wear and tear issues. However, they might require cleaning, as well as occasional repairs. Below are some simple tips you can use to make sure your EPDM Rubber Roofing system lasts for as long as possible.

It Starts with the Installation

A great EPDM rubber roofing system begins with how it’s installed. If it is not installed correctly, it will not work to keep your roof safe. This type of coating tends to be easy to install, and you could do it on your own if you have the DIY skills and the time to do it right. Just make sure that you follow all of the instructions.

Many people opt to have professionals come to their property to install the EPDM rubber roofing system and coating. This is especially true with larger jobs. It tends to be faster and easier, and the owners will not have to deal with any messes.

Get the Roof Inspected

If you want to keep the system in good shape, you should inspect the roof a couple of times a year at least. You could head to the roof and look for damage that will need to be repaired and then handle the repairs yourself or hire someone to do it. If you aren’t sure that you know how to find any potential roofing issues, it might be better to hire a professional to inspect it for you.

Remove Debris on the Roof

Roofs are going to get debris on them. Even if it’s a high roof and there isn’t anything around that you would imagine could get on the roof, it will. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can be carried by the wind and planted onto your roof. Therefore, if you want to keep it in good shape, you need to be sure that you are sweeping the roof and removing the debris a couple of times a year.

Have a Plan for Snow Removal

Snow can do a lot of damage to your roof. The weight of the snow can put a lot of added stress on the roof, which could cause damage to it over time. Snowmelt could also mean that water stays on the roof, especially if there isn’t a good drainage system. Have a plan for snow removal during the winter. Hiring someone to remove the snow is far cheaper than needing to replace your roof in a few years.

Remove Overhanging Branches

If you have trees near the building, you will want to trim them back away from the roof. The branches could break and hit the roof, causing damage. Even though the coatings are strong and durable, if it is struck by a heavy branch, there could be damage. It’s best to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Use Quality Coatings

Always make sure that you are choosing high-quality EPDM coatings for your roof. The best quality coatings are still affordable, and they can provide your roof with the added bit of armor it needs. The coatings can stand up to the elements, debris, and the wear and tear of time.

Get Help If Needed

If you find that you have any problems with your EPDM rubber roofing system for any reason, and you can’t handle it on your own, it’s a good idea to contact a roofing professional who can come out and help.

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.