Everything You Need to Know about EPDM Roofing

You might not think much about your roof unless it starts raining, or something falls through it. But a roof is an important part of any home — after all, it’s the final defense against the elements and the primary protector of everything inside your house. EPDM roofing is one of the most common waterproof materials for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. Also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, EPDM is a synthetic rubber that’s used to produce numerous products for different industries and sectors. Even though this type of roofing material isn’t commonly used in residential homes, there are many different places you might find an EPDM roof: industrial buildings, sports facilities, utility company substations, storage silos, water tanks… even quarantine facilities!

What is an EPDM Roof?

An EPDM roof is a rubber roof. While it’s not the most descriptive term, it does give you a basic idea of what this type of roof is made of. Rubber roofs like EPDM are very common on commercial buildings — but you don’t see them as often on residential homes. Despite being made of rubber, this type of roofing material is extremely durable and very easy to install. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used for almost any type of building. That’s why you’ll often find EPDM roofing at industrial or commercial sites — but not so much on residential property.

Benefits of an EPDM Roof

If you’re trying to decide between different roofing materials and are considering EPDM roofing, here are a few of the major benefits you’ll get from this type of roof. – Extremely durable – EPDM rubber is extremely durable. It’s been used for decades in many different industries and applications. That means you can count on it to last for a very long time. – Resistant to weather – EPDM is resistant to extreme weather, so you can count on it to keep your roof protected from rain, hail, and snow. – Very low maintenance – Rubber roofs like EPDM are low-maintenance materials. You don’t have to worry about them rotting or cracking, which means you don’t have to do any maintenance work or repairs. – Can be used in any climate – Because of the durability and weather resistance of rubber, EPDM roofing is can be used in any climate. You can install it in cold and snowy climates or hot and sunny places like the desert — you don’t have to worry about the roof not working because of the climate.

What’s the Difference Between EPDM and TPO?

Even though EPDM and TPO are both rubber roofing materials, they are very different and have different uses. EPDM is used to create flat roofs, while TPO is used for sloped roofs. EPDM rubber is a less expensive and less durable option than TPO. That means that EPDM roofing will last a shorter amount of time — 20-30 years instead of the 50+ years that you get with TPO. This is why you’ll often find EPDM roofing used on industrial buildings, while TPO is usually used other types of commercial applications.

What Is the Lifespan of an EPDM Roof?

As we said above, EPDM roofing has a shorter lifespan than TPO roofing. But how long does it last? Most rubber roofs will last about 20-30 years, depending on the climate and the maintenance that you give the roof. You can extend the lifespan of the roof by cleaning it regularly, inspecting it for damage, and repairing any issues when you find them.

How Much Does EPDM Roofing Cost?

You should also take into account the cost of EPDM roofing. Roofing is an expensive project, no matter what kind of material you use. But the EPDM option is one of the less expensive options out there. The average EPDM roofing cost is $16 per square foot. This is a fairly standard rate, so you can use it as a ballpark estimate to help plan and budget for your roofing project. The cost of materials, labor, and other factors can affect the cost of your roofing project, of course.

Is EPDM Roofing Good for my Climate?

As we’ve discussed, EPDM rubber is extremely durable. This means that it will last a long time no matter what kind of climate you’re in. EPDM also has excellent water resistance, which means that it’ll protect your home from storm damage and keep the water from inside your home from escaping outside. Since EPDM roofing won’t rot or tear, you don’t have to worry about it falling apart in a storm and causing damage. You can rest easy knowing that your roof is strong and ready to resist any weather.

How to Install an EPDM Roof?

Installing EPDM roofing is very easy. All you have to do is place the roofing material between the roof deck and the roof covering above. That’s it! There are two methods of installing rubber roofing: the tuck-under method and the tuck-tight method. Both are easy and straightforward. The main difference between the two methods is the amount of space between the roof and the rubber roofing. The tuck-under method leaves a small gap between the roof and the roofing material, while the tuck-tight method places the EPDM tightly against the roofing.

Should You Use EPDM Instead of TPO?

We’ve discussed many of the advantages of EPDM roofing. But what about TPO roofing? Is it better than EPDM? What’s the difference between the two rubber materials? Why might you choose one over the other? We’ve mentioned that EPDM is a less expensive option than TPO. It’s also less durable. TPO lasts longer — around 50 years, while EPDM will last 20-30 years. Even though EPDM has a shorter lifespan, it’s also much easier to install. TPO is more difficult to work with.

Summing up

If you want a roof that’s resistant to weather and lasts a long time, EPDM rubber is a great option. This synthetic rubber is extremely durable, low-maintenance, and easy to install. It’s an especially good choice if you live in a climate with extreme weather. That being said, EPDM roofing is much less expensive than TPO. This makes it a good choice if you’re on a budget or want to cut back on costs. If you’re looking for a rubber roofing solution, EPDM is a great choice. It’s a durable and highly storm-resistant material that will provide excellent protection for your home for many years to come.