Rubber roofs or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofs are still one of the best commercial roofing materials in use in today’s industry. Most commercial property owners find it affordable and sustainable with its 20-30 year average lifespan. As you are planning to replace your commercial roof soon, is it still a good idea to use it this 2020?
As your Clinton Township MI roofers with decades-long experience in commercial roofing, we can definitely confirm that rubber roofs still remain one of the best options for your property. However, keep in mind they are not perfect roofing materials — they still have flaws that property owner need to accept. With imperfections on the side, making EPDM your new commercial roof is definitely an excellent choice.
Its Quality is Still on the Top
EPDM rubber roofs can withstand at least two to three hailstorms. In addition, effective seam applications guarantee no leaks and an airtight seal that guarantees exceptional property insulation. Permaroof UK has a great list of advantages of today’s new EPDM (namely from Firestone) that makes it an excellent choice for many commercial properties.
Long Term Solution – 50 years Plus life expectancy
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) membranes are particularly suitable for the sort of extreme conditions commonly found in flat roof applications, making EPDM the most reliable and durable material solution for your flat roof.
The first Firestone rubber EPDM roofs were laid in the States by Firestone in the 1980’s and are still protecting these roofs today. Well known buildings rely on their EPDM rubber roofing such as Honda factories, McClaren, Coca – Cola, Kraft, Nike, Burj al Arab, schools, shopping centres, railway stations, hospitals and hundreds of thousands more commercial and residential properties. Over 1.5 billion square metres of material installed worldwide!
Aesthetically Pleasing
EPDM roofing material is a black colour. EPDM synthetic rubber flat roofing looks natural and doesn’t easily show dirt. One of EPDM roof advantages is that it does not support the growth of moss unlike traditional felt systems – no stone chippings or solar reflective paint required! A nice, smooth, clean finish that customers just love.
A Tradition of Quality
From research and development through product manufacturing, Firestone Building Products follows stringent quality control guidelines to ensure each component of a Firestone Roofing or Lining System meets or exceeds industry standards.
Plants operate with state-of-the-art equipment to offer quality roofing and lining systems that perform to last. All these plants have achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, which are a testimony of the company’s commitment to quality and environmental management systems. (Continued)
Its Pitfalls Still Exist Too
As we mentioned earlier, we’ve seen many EPDM roofs fail due to many shortcomings and limitations it has. Rubber roofs aren’t the strongest roofing materials in its category, but it is capable of delivering exceptional quality for its price.
However, all property owners must know what to expect from EPDM roofs and how to make sure they’re getting quality results by maximising the material’s capabilities. Roofing Calculator has a great post about this — read an excerpt below.
1. Unprofessional Contractors = Poor Roof Installation
Many contractors praise and install the EPDM roofing system, because manufacturers that make this material do not require roofers to be certified or trained in order to purchase and install it.
Furthermore, rubber roofs are CHEAP. There are no special tools, or equipment required for installation. Some $1 paint brushes and a $15 hand-roller is all that you or a roofer would really need to get going.
EPDM is also easily accessible. Anybody can get all materials and accessories at a local home improvement store. You also don’t need to purchase very large quantities, (as you would for most other materials).
All of the above factors combined with eager cooperation on the part of distributors, promoting this roof at “special seminars”, creates a situation where poorly trained contractors put up a “rubber roofing” sticker on their trucks, and set out to get some business.
Homeowners, who are unaware of this situation, usually believe that they are dealing with qualified professional contractors. Although, these roofers may know how to shingle a roof and may even have good references, chances are that their expertise with a single ply membrane is limited, or non-existent. (Read More)
Make Sure The Best Roofer Installs it For You
As the article above mentioned, it pays to have a licensed and greatly-experienced roofing contractor to help you with your EPDM roofing installations. In doing so, you extend the lifespan, durability, and long-term performance of your roofing material. If you have yet to find a reliable roofer, you can count on us at Miller’s Home Improvements. Contact us today to learn more all about what we can do for you!
