Top 7 Benefits of Installing EPDM Rubber Roofing
What are the benefits of rubber roofing? This blog post will explore the top seven advantages of installing EPDM rubber roofing for your commercial business.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM: The commercial roofer’s environmentally-friendly choice Introduction A lot of businesses are looking for proven and trusted roofing solutions that will keep their property dry without having a negative environmental impact. That’s where EPDM roofing comes into play! EPDM is a strong, resilient, and cost-effective commercial roofing membrane that can often be reused in the future once its serviceability as a roof membrane is over. Fortunately for property owners, EPDM’s roofing lifespan can easily grow past 30 years or more with the right amount of preventative maintenance! Read on to see why EPDM roofing is one of the best roofing materials that commercial roofers can apply to their buildings, and why Chaffee Industrial Roofing is New England’s go-to contractor for commercial roof replacements and installations with EPDM roofing! What is EPDM Roofing? EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a resilient, single-ply, synthetic rubber material that has stood the test of time as a roofing material in the commercial building sector. With a history spanning more than four decades, EPDM is a tried-and-true roofing solution, specifically designed to meet the rigors of diverse weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. Strength and durability are some of the key factors that property and business owners consider when choosing a roofing solution, and EPDM checks all of the boxes. It is a strong defense against abrasions and UV rays […]
Service – EPDM Rubber Roofing Repair
Roof Repairs – EPDM Roofing or “Rubber Roofing” EPDM roofing, or “Rubber Roofing” can be difficult to repair, because the leak sources can change based on the era that the roof was installed, and who the manufacturer was. Older EPDM roofs tends to have problems with the seams and flashings, due to splicing cement being used. Newer EPDM roofs manufactured by lower quality manufacturers can have problems with carbon black leaching out of the system, essentially causing the roof system to have conditions similar to dry rotting. Other times, a leak may be caused by a simple hole or opening in the roof system. At Chaffee Roofing, we have extensive experience repairing EPDM “Rubber” roofs. We know what to look for from the moment we walk on the roof, which allows us to make repairs quicker than other contactors, and more effectively than other contractors. Furthermore, we also insist on using products made by the best manufacturers in the industry, which means that our patch work will typically last as long as the roof system lasts!
Benefits of EPDM “Rubber” Roofing
EPDM, also called Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is a popular roofing material commonly used in commercial roofing. This single-ply membrane, or simply “rubber roofing,” has been used in low-slope roofing applications for decades, thus protecting residential and commercial structures. Why is EPDM roofing popular, and why should you consider it? Experts in commercial and residential roofing share the benefits of EPDM rubber roofing: 1. Affordability Typical EPDM roofing material is cheaper compared to other commercial and residential roofing materials such as Metal, PVC, Modified and Built Up Roofing. As a single-ply material, it is easy to install, thus lowering installation costs. In addition, the material can sometimes be recycled for new EPDM roofing. 2. Maintenance EPDM requires little maintenance compared to other roofing materials. After it is installed, a once a year walk through to check the roof and keep the drains, scuppers and gutter clean is all you really need. As with any roof system, scheduling a maintenance regimen can prolong its lifespan. 3. Eco-friendly Non-reinforced EPDM membranes can sometimes be recycled. Ballasted EPDM roof systems are the most ideal, since there are no adhesives on them to interfere with the recycling process. Recycled EPDM can be used in a variety of other rubber products, like playground rubber mulch, yoga matts, and a variety of other products. This makes it one of the most […]
EPDM Warranties Explained (And Why It’s So Popular)
The industry market for waterproofing membranes, like EPDM roofing, was worth $7.5 billion in 2018. The value of the industry is projected to increase to $14 billion by 2026. Considering the explosion in popularity for roofing membranes, especially EPDM roofing membranes, it’s not surprising. According to the EPDM Roofing Association, over one billion square feet of newly installed EPDM roofing is laid down every year. Over 35% of the entire American roofing industry is concentrated in the EPDM waterproof membrane roofing market. The EPDM roofing market is still growing in Europe but currently commands a 12% share of the roofing market. EPDM roofing is relatively inexpensive to install, environmentally friendly, and designed to last many decades. That is why EPDM warranties are just as popular as the material. Before we explain EPDM warranties, let’s talk briefly about EPDM in general. What is EPDM? EPDM is an acronym that stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. It is a synthetic and highly durable synthetic form of rubber. If you have ever heard the term, “rubber roof,” it was probably a reference to the EPDM waterproof roofing membrane. EPDM is most commonly used on low-sloping flat roofs on residential and commercial buildings. Flat roofs are multi-tiered structures of complex design with a waterproof membrane at the top, the EPDM materials. EPDM roofing materials are resistant to extreme weather […]
EPDM Seams and Flashings – What’s Changed?
EPDM has always been known as one of the most durable roofing products available. Its high UV resistance and ability to stand up to weather over time has made it a very popular flat roofing product, decade after decade. Its ability to resist ponding water on roofs has also made it very popular as a man-made pond liner, among its many uses. However, EPDM has always had one big weakness: seams and flashings. Alternative single-ply roof systems, like TPO and PVC, can be heat welded. If completed correctly by a knowledgeable crew, a heat weld is the strongest bond available. It essentially welds the flashings and seams together with the base PVC or TPO membrane. With EPDM, heat welding isn’t possible, so the seams are instead bonded together with adhesives. In the early days of EPDM, seams and flashings were only expected to last 10 to 15 years. The reason was the technology they had at the time, which was a product called splicing cement. On most early EPDM roof systems, the seams were glued together using this method. Some manufacturers used caulking products to hold off water penetrating the seams, which could help buy some time. However, after a period of time, the result would always be the same – open seams and flashings. The cure to this problem was an expensive one: re-do […]
TPO versus EPDM: which system is better?
One of the most common questions we get is: Which roof system is better, black “Rubber” EPDM or white “Thermoplastic” TPO? Both are similar in price, both come with 15-30 year warranties, both are made by reputable manufacturers, and both are widely installed throughout New England. So that begs the question, is one roofing material actually better than the other? Key Differences In my view, neither roof system is definitively better than the other. However, they do have key differences that may have an impact depending on your building. These differences include: Our approach at Chaffee Roofing is to evaluate each building’s unique needs and requirements before recommending a roof system. In a restaurant, for example, TPO is typically the better option due to grease and oil output. On a manufacturing plant that operates at a higher temperature than typical inside the building, EPDM would be a better option. On a strip mall, with multiple different tenants, it’s a toss-up based on current and future use. In our view, neither system is definitively better than the other, it’s more about how your building is used and which roof system is a better match based on the building’s needs. Call Us Your roofing project is only as good as the installing company and the product they use. On TPO roof systems, this is especially important since […]
How Easily Do EPDM Roofs Puncture?
Chaffee Roofing clients know all about the durability of EPDM, the cost of the product, and how easy is it to install. A common query from our clients is how easily do EPDM roofs puncture? It must be in the top 5 questions customers ask us about EPDM roofs. Our answer is a simple one EPDM, like any single-ply product, is prone to punctures from direct impact. Stabs from a screwdriver or sharp object will make a hole in the membrane. However, EPDM is very durable for regular foot traffic, roof maintenance, rooftop unit maintenance, etc. In fact, some manufacturers are starting to offer puncture resistant warranties on some EPDM roof systems! As the question comes up a lot, we have compiled our thoughts on EPDM and punctures into a blog post. Let’s take a closer look at EPDM and how to solve the problem of punctures. How can you puncture EPDM? EPDM roofs are also known as rubber roofs. Rubber can puncture, as anyone who rides a bike or drives an automobile will know. Once you know the dangers, then you can avoid them. Falling branches during a storm can spear the EPDM causing a lot of damage. Workers on the roof can drop a sharp tool, such as a screwdriver, through the EPDM roof or even puncture it by wearing the wrong footwear. […]
The Fault With EPDM Roofing Seams
The Fault With EPDM Roofing Seams EPDM is a fine roofing material and one which many Chaffee Roofing clients use. A significant advantage of EPDM roofing is its durability and high UV resistance. However, many flat roof owners find fault with their EPDM roofing seams, particularly on older EPDM roof systems with glued seams once they begin to wear down. Extensive patching to EPDM roof systems can be expensive because the accessories are almost as expensive as the EPDM field membrane itself. The cause of most replacement EPDM projects? The seams and flashing details. The EPDM membrane itself may be fine but when the seams and flashings begin to go, customers are left with two options: extensive patchwork or total replacement. Why faulty seams? A professional roofer will install your EPDM roof to the highest standards. At Chaffee Roofing, we only use highly qualified roofing professionals, who are guaranteed to always do a quality installation using premium materials.The problem is that EPDM relies on adhesives to hold the seams and flashing details together. With TPO and PVC roof systems, the seams and flashings are heat welded, which means that the product becomes one sheet. With EPDM, heat welding is not possible, so primers and adhesives are used. So what is the downside? The adhesives break down and dry out over time. It is inevitable, and […]
5 Ways To Make Your EPDM Roof Last Longer
At Chaffee Roofing we know the roof completes a building. You invest money in the structure and you want it to last. Quality always does. Many of our clients choose EPDM because of its long-life properties alone. One question we get asked a lot by clients is: ‘how to make the EPDM roof last longer?’ Every roof requires maintenance, and it is not any different with EPDM. With this in mind we put together a few tips to help make your EPDM roof last longer. Our list of 5 ways to make your EPDM roof last longer is: Let’s take a closer look at each point. Regular inspections are key As with all roofs, you need to keep an eye on EPDM. After a storm you should inspect the roof and repair any damage. This should be a detailed inspection, looking at joints, seams, and flashings. You should also check rooftop units to make sure everything is where it should be. Only by finding a problem before it takes hold can you minimize the damage from storms and bad weather. Prevention is better than the cure This is very true when it comes to roofs. Take a look around outside your building. Overhanging branches can do a lot of damage during a storm. Trim trees and keep any new plantings away from the building. Reduce […]