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What Is EPDM Roofing?

EPDM Roofing

EPDM

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane that has been around for nearly 40 years. EPDM is a black rubber roofing system that is very similar to tire tube membrane, however it is much thicker and typically reinforced with polyester to enhance its durability and resistance to cracks and punctures. EPDM consists of two primary ingredients including ethylene and propellent which are derived from oil and natural gas. It can either be installed fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted, and its seams are sealed with a liquid adhesive or tape.

 

Benefits of EPDM

Warm-Roof-Construction-EPDMEnvironmental Responsiveness- 

EPDM is one of roofings most sustainable and environmental materials used today. It has low life cycle costs as well as low impact on our environment. The production of EPDM has a low energy number and several components were created for use with the membrane to reduce VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions during installation of the roofing system. EPDM is also one of the worlds most recyclable low-slope roofing products which in turn minimizes the impact on landfills, and overall our environment.

Economic Value- 

Not only does EPDM have a low cost per square foot, when used in white its surface has a high emissivity which allows energy to be reflected back into the atmosphere rather than absorbed into the building. Therefore the building can “cool” off quicker therefore reducing heat and energy costs.

Overall System Benefits-

  •  Cyclical membrane fatigue resistance
  • Hail resistance
  • Resistance to ozone, weathering and abrasion
  • Low temperature flexibility
  • Thermal shock durability
  • UV radiation resistance

Ballasted EPDM

ballasted-epdm-diagram-2

 

Ballasted EPDM is a roofing system whose components are held into place by river-washed stones or pavers. They are loose laid, which means that their insulation as well as the roofing membrane are not fastened to each other or to the roof deck. The sheets of EPDM are spliced together, and both the membrane and insulation are held down by a minimum of 10lbs of ballast per square foot. This roofing system has been popular choice because it has low life cycle costs, and quick and economical insulation .

 

Find A Reliable Roofing Contractor

If you are in the Puget Sound region of Washington State and are in need of roofing services contact Chase Construction North West, Inc. today. We are Master™ certified contractor through GAF. We have been providing our region with expert commercial and residential roofing services for over 13 years. We provide services in Seattle, Tacoma, Federal Way, Renton, Auburn and all of the surrounding cities.

Fill out our free estimate form or call us today at 253-445-8950. You can also visit GAF.com  and look for GAF Factory Certified Roofing Contractors in your area.

3 thoughts on “What Is EPDM Roofing?”

  1. Leviticus Bennett

    My sister lives in a desert and she is trying to fix up a used house she bought. It’s nice to know that EPDM is reflective so she can save money by running the AC less. She doesn’t have any experience with roofing so she is looking to find a contractor, I will suggest that she searches for one that offers EPDM.

  2. Rubber roof is one of the “greenest” choices that a homeowner can make. The rubber itself takes less energy to produce than most other roofing materials and is often made from recycled materials, to begin with. And the roof is 100% recyclable at the end of its long life.

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