Rubber roofing is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and building owners due to its many advantages. It is an environmentally friendly roofing option that is cost-effective, lightweight, and durable. It is also compatible with rooftop gardens and solar cell panels, and can be painted in almost any color. However, there are some drawbacks to rubber roofing that should be taken into consideration before making a decision.
One of the main drawbacks of a rubber roof is its appearance. While most EPDM roofs are black, they can also be white, allowing them to reflect UV rays and even reduce energy costs. However, many manufacturers now manufacture a white or off-white roof for residential use, and it's very easy and inexpensive for a homeowner to paint an EPDM ceiling in almost any color with acrylic paint. Actually, the use of acrylic paint is recommended, as it extends the life of the ceiling even longer.Rubber roofs are an excellent roofing alternative because it is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to roof a house.
Rubber production requires much less energy than typical shingles and other roofing materials. Once the rubber roof is used, it can be recycled to make tires, rubber items, or even more rubber roofs. Compared to other types of roofs, the cost of EPDM is generally very low. It's also a great option that's commonly chosen for low-slope roofs. While contractor and manufacturer costs may vary, this material is primarily chosen by price-conscious building owners.
You can expect an EPDM roof to last around 20 years or more, as long as it's properly installed. In fact, new manufacturing formulas have allowed this material to become impermeable to radiation and UV damage. They are also wind- and hail resistant up to 3 inches. You can also trust that they are leakproof, since the material is fairly new. EPDM is easily combined with polyisoethylene insulation.
As mentioned above, it also comes in white color. These two attributes mean that it is energy efficient. Properly installed, this material can be ideal for keeping heat away from the sun and keeping heat in the building during colder temperatures. EPDM can also be coated to extend its useful life and provide additional reflectivity and, therefore, greater energy efficiency. There are different material thicknesses to choose from, including 45, 60, 75 and 90 thousand.
The installation cost increases in the case of thicker materials. But regardless of size, an experienced roofer can install it for you. As one of the future and increasingly popular roofing options for commerce and for those who want a simple roofing solution that they can do themselves, it's important that you know the advantages and disadvantages of using EPDM on your roof. Next, we'll detail the main advantages and disadvantages of using this option for your own project.
Advantages of Rubber Roofs
- EPDM rubber roofs are well ahead of some older traditional flat roof materials such as felt.
- Rubber roofs are suitable for extreme conditions giving you one of the most durable and reliable roofs available generally lasting between 30 and 50 years.
- Thanks to its natural properties once installed the rubber will be completely resistant to the formation of blisters cracks and any decay.
- EPDM has good resistance to impact damage especially if reinforced such as the FleeceBack roof system.
- It is a strong durable and resistant material that is easy to repair in case of damage.
Disadvantages of Rubber Roofs
- One of the main drawbacks of a rubber roof is its appearance.
- Another typical drawback of rubber cover systems is that the materials usually come in matte black which can absorb a lot of heat and increase cooling costs.
- As EPDM rubber approaches the end of its useful life it becomes more fragile and vulnerable to impact damage.
- Be sure to use a roofer with experience in rubber roofing who offers a guarantee for their services.
