How Strong is EPDM Rubber?

July 17, 2018 | General

The use of EPDM rubber has grown over the past few years because if it’s strength and durability. Most commonly used in the roofing and automotive industry, this strong material has a reputation for being one of the most resistant man-made rubbers you can find.

Numerous studies have supported the resilience and strength of EPDM rubber and evidence of this lies in both lab and real-life settings. EPDM rubber can last as long as 50 years if looked after properly. But, just how strong is EPDM rubber and what makes it so?

What is EPDM Rubber?

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber is a man-made material with two main ingredients; these are ethylene and propylene, which are derived from oil and natural glasses. The material is made to be extremely resistant to a number of different things, which is why is it so commonly used with roofing supplies.

What Makes EPDM Rubber Strong?

There are many factors that come into play when determining how strong EPDM is. The first being that it is made from two strong components. It is designed to withstand harsh environments, which is what makes it the perfect material for rubber roofing. Here are a few of the things that make it so strong:

Temperature

EPDM rubber can withstand harsh temperatures. It has been tested at both extremely high and low temperatures and handles very well, compared to alternative roofing materials. This makes it suitable for all-year-round protection.

Environment

It is commonly recognised that EPDM can resist ozone, UV and most general weathering. This puts it above materials like felt roofing and means that it performs well whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring.

Tear Strength

One of the main things that help determine whether materials like this are strong, is their ability to not tear. EPDM has been found to have huge amounts of tear strength, meaning you are unlikely to get any holes or rips.

Growth

Another component that contributes to the strength and performance of EPDM roofing is its ability to prevent the growth of moss and algae. It also contains no organic materials which can cause moisture and decay from condensation and leaks.

Such growths can also look unsightly on a building, so it’s resistance and strength in this area is helpful for maintaining a neat and tidy roof.

The fact that EPDM is strong in these areas is what makes it such a popular material. Even if small breakages happen, EPDM has the added benefit of being easy to repair. Plus, you can install it yourself with the help of one of our training courses.