8 reasons EPDM roofing has earned its place on the top

By Mule-Hide Products. 

Learn about the variety of benefits that have led to EPDM roofing’s half-century rise in popularity. 

In the last 50 years there has been a distinct uptick in the use of EPDM roofing. Across the globe, you can find this type of roofing on almost every style of building. It has earned this popularity because of its high performance nature. EPDM is naturally a long-term, watertight and low-maintenance product. With a quick and easy installation and a cost-effective selling point, EPDM roofing has proven itself time and time again. The experts at Mule-Hide Products have collected eight of the main reasons people have and will continue to choose EPDM. 

1 - Versatility 

EPDM systems are at home in almost any low-slope roofing application. 

New construction, tear-offs and restorations: EPDM membranes can be used in new construction and reroofing applications. They also are lightweight and do not add excessive weight to the roof deck, enabling them to be used in many recovering/retrofit applications. 

Multiple attachment methods: EPDM systems can be fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted, providing flexibility to choose the method that best suits a building’s design and such performance considerations as location, climate, wind and building height. 

Compatible with a variety of roof decks: EPDM can be installed over a wide variety of roof decks, including steel, concrete, plywood and oriented strand board (OSB). 

Membrane choices: EPDM membranes come in a wide range of types, sheet sizes, lengths and thicknesses, allowing contractors and specifiers to design systems that best meet the needs of each job. 

• Standard black EPDM membranes are the most economical single-ply membrane and are ideal for ballasted and fully adhered systems. 
• Self-adhering membranes boost crew efficiency by as much as 80% compared to using traditional bonding adhesive to create a fully adhered system. The membrane is laminated to the roofing assembly with a 100% solid pressure-sensitive adhesive, eliminating the steps of loading, stirring and applying adhesive and then disposing of the empty containers. Factory-applied seaming tape streamlines the seaming process and helps ensure quality seams. 
• Standard reinforced EPDM membranes are reinforced with tough polyester fabric for superior fatigue, tear and puncture resistance. They are the best choice for mechanically attached systems. 
• White-on-black EPDM membranes are a smart choice for buildings in warm, sunny climates. They reflect sunlight, keeping the building’s interior cooler to reduce utility costs and maximize the efficiency of rooftop air-conditioning equipment. Fully adhered installation is required. 
• Pre-taped EPDM membranes can improve seaming efficiency by up to 75%. Factory-controlled production ensures reliable seaming with greater peel and shear strength and no entrapped air bubbles. 
• Fire-retardant EPDM membranes – available in standard black and standard reinforced options – are specially formulated to inhibit the spread of flames. 
• Gray EPDM membranes can be an ideal choice in markets where heating and cooling costs are more balanced. The light gray surface offers reflectivity while still providing winter heat gains. In cool weather, it absorbs some of the sun’s rays, helping keep the building warmer. And in warm weather, it reflects some of the sun’s rays, helping keep rooftop and interior temperatures lower. A full line of matching pre-taped accessories also is available. 

2 - Proven performance 

EPDM roofing systems deliver years of hassle-free, watertight performance under even the harshest conditions. 

Weatherability: EPDM stands up to ozone, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and mold and can handle bitter-cold winters and scorching-hot summers. 

Hail resistance: Superior weatherability and elongation make EPDM exceptionally resistant to hail damage. 

Strength: High tensile strength makes EPDM extremely resistant to tearing, impacts, punctures and normal roof traffic. 

Flexibility: EDPM remains flexible in hot and cold temperatures, allowing it to compensate for thermal shock and building movement without cracking and splitting. 

3 - Quick, easy installation 

EPDM is the fastest and easiest of the single-ply membranes to install. Crews can complete quality projects quickly. Pressure-sensitive accessories, such as premolded EPDM pipe boots and Pre-cut inside/outside corners, enhance workmanship quality. 

4 - Low barrier to entry 

For residential roofing contractors wishing to expand into the commercial roofing market, EPDM offers a low barrier to entry. There is no need to invest in (and then train crew members on how to use) specialized tools, welders and other costly and complicated equipment. Contractors simply purchase the materials and accessories required for the job and begin work. 

5 - Restorable  

EPDM roofs are excellent candidates for restoration with roof coating systems. Restoration can breathe new life into an aging roof, returning it to near-new performance and delaying for years (even decades) the cost and hassle of a full tear-off and replacement. 

6 - Black EPDM for northern climates 

Black EPDM membranes absorb solar energy, making them an appropriate choice in cooler northern climates. The building interior stays warmer during cold winter weather, helping reduce heating costs. Snow and ice melt faster, helping achieve the imperative of removing water from the roof as rapidly as possible. 

7 - White-on-black EPDM for southern climates 

White-on-Black membranes are an ideal option in warm southern climates. They reflect the sun’s rays and emit much of the heat that is absorbed back into the atmosphere, keeping the building’s interior cooler and helping maximize the efficiency of rooftop air-conditioning equipment. 

8 - Warranty options 

A variety of materials-only and No Dollar Limit system warranty options are available to meet building owners’ needs. 

Original article and photo source: Mule-Hide