Not all roofing systems can brag that they’ve been around for more than four decades. Technically known as “ethylene propylene diene terpolymer,” EPDM is an exceptionally strong and resilient roofing system that can last 30 years or longer when installed and maintained correctly.
If you’re in the market for a new facility roof or you just want to know what your options are – you might be interested in knowing that EPDM is among the best roofing choices for affordability, energy savings and for reducing your building’s carbon footprint.
EPDM Roof Systems Checklist
- EPDM roof membrane comes in traditional black or highly reflective white.
- EPDM resists thermal shock and hail damage.
- EPDM remains flexible and will not shatter in frigid temperatures.
- EPDM is superior in its ability to withstand UV damage.
- EPDM accommodates structural movement without membrane stress.
- EPDM does not deteriorate.
- EPDM membrane comes in sheets up to 50-feet wide.
- EPDM offers one of the best dollar-for-dollar values in low-slope installations.
- EPDM accounts for more than one billion sq. ft. of new roofing in the U.S. every year.
Climate
EPDM is a good choice no matter where your building is located. In hot southern regions of the United States, fully adhered and mechanically fastened white EPDM reduces air conditioning and cooling costs. In cold northern zones, black EPDM membrane is more appropriate. Traditional ballasted EPDM systems offer superior energy performance, and by increasing underlying insulation, you can achieve an even higher R-value.
Maintenance and Repair
The longer your roof lasts, the further your roof investment dollar goes. Because EPDM’s membrane withstands the onslaught of scorching UV rays, rain and freezing temperatures, roof life can be maximized through periodic inspections and regular maintenance.
Larger repairs to EPDM roofs, such as reattaching loose sections of membrane, restoring displaced ballast, re-seaming delaminated joints and repairing penetrations and flashings and can all extend the useful life of an EPDM roof.
Roof Longevity
The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) recently inspected a number of 30-year-old EPDM roofs and found that the membranes still exhibited high tensile strength, and “like new” performance. The key to EPDM success, of course, lies in professional installation by qualified experts.
Ultimately, the best roof for your building depends on its structure, your facility budget, geographical location and the proposed use of the building. At North American Roofing, we offer many roof options, and we’re proud of the fact that we’ve successfully installed hundreds of millions of square feet of EPDM over the years. Nobody does EPDM better than North American Roofing. Nobody.