The Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing

April 17, 2018 | General

When it comes to choosing the material for your flat roof, homeowners have an abundant of choices. One of the most popular – thanks to its reliability and durability – is to go with a rubber roof, which is better known in the trade as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing. Just like many of the options out there, there’s advantages and disadvantages that come with EPDM roofing. Here at Avenir Roofing Supplies, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of EPDM roofing so that you can make an informed decision about your next flat roofing project.

EPDM Pros

Affordable Cost

If budget is a big factor for you, then there’s no need to worry with EPDM roofing as it won’t cost you the earth to work with. Compared to other types of flat roofing materials, it’s a favourable choice due to the fact that it’s so affordable.

Easy to Work With

EPDM roofing is made from a lightweight rubber, making the overall product incredibly easy to work with. Thanks to this, the entire installation of EPDM roofing is quick and simple. One of the best things about EPDM roofing is the fact that it can be installed on a wide variety of flat roofing applications. Thanks to its versatility, it can be applied on:

Extensions
Offices
Workshops
Verandas
Garages
Carports
Garden sheds
Dormers
Caravans
Gutters

Manufactured to Last

Avenir Roofing Supplies offer EPDM roofing manufactured by Firestone. Firestone RubberCover is reliable, durable and long lasting. In fact, it has a life expectancy of up to 50 years. So, once it’s installed, there’s no need to worry about it. The Firestone RubberCover system offers a wide range of features and benefits, including:

Large seamless single-ply sheets
Flame-free application
Easy to install
Little or no maintenance required
50-year life expectancy
Lightweight and flexible
Eco friendly

Quick to Fix

Though it comes with a 50-year life expectancy, Firestone EPDM roofing may still be subject to a repair job in the event of extreme weather conditions. If the roof ever does have a leak, repairing EPDM roofing is quick, easy and inexpensive. It’s almost never a problem fixing EPDM roofing as most jobs can be solved with a simple tube of liquid rubber or special tape.

Lack of Maintenance Required

Once installed, there’s very little maintenance required when it comes to EPDM roofing – unlike other traditional roofing materials such as felt. It has waterproofing membranes and is extremely resistant to ageing. However, an annual inspection of the roof is recommended to ensure peace of mind.

Eco Friendly Material

EPDM roofing is considered one of the most environmentally friendly flat roofing materials available. In fact, EPDM rubber roofing is made up of recycled materials such as car tyres. That’s why the International Kyoto Ecology Agreement recommends EPDM as the best value sustainable eco-sound roofing available.

EPDM Cons

Its Appearance

One of the downsides to EPDM roofing is its lack of aesthetic appeal. Because it’s made from rubber, EPDM doesn’t boast much of an attractive appearance. Though some people like its simple looks, it does mean that roofs fitted with EPDM rubber all tend to look the same. Please note, however, that you can alter its appearance with rubber shingles or acrylic paint, so this issue is something that’s easy to overcome.

Damage Can Happen

Despite its long life expectancy, EPDM rubber is susceptible to damage. Though it may be durable, it is not indestructible and it may fall subject to damage from foot traffic and falling branches. Though previously mentioned, these issues are easy to fix. What’s more, you can avoid damage by choosing a thicker membrane.