Sometimes, the classic versions of a product are the best, and that holds true in commercial roofing too. The old standard-bearer, EPDM, or rubber roofs, have been used around the country since the 1970s, but they are still a valid option for commercial roofs today.
This lightweight synthetic roof membrane has many benefits, and since it has been used for so many decades, most of its weaknesses are well-known and readily addressed. Although it’s always best to talk with your reliable Charleston roofing contractor about your specific roofing needs, there are a few EPDM benefits and issues you should consider.
The cost of these black rubber roofs is comparable and sometimes less expensive than newer single-ply roofing membranes like TPO and PVC. Price differences arise, though, in EPDM’s installation. Although these rubber roofs can be installed in many ways, they are most often fully adhered at the seams and to the substructure. The special glue used in this method of installation can be quite costly. Mitigating that expensive seaming cost is the fact that most EPDM roofs come in very large sheets, leading to fewer seams than other roof membranes.
In performance, rubber EPDM roofs offer excellent protection. They provide long-term durability, are highly adaptable to a number of surfaces and slopes and are very resistant to ozone, UV rays, moisture, abrasions and cold temperature variations.