EPDM Rubber Roofs
EPDM Rubber Roofs
An EPDM rubber Roofs membrane is just that. Used across a multitude of roof types, EPDM is durable and will out-last more traditional roofing materials such as felt or asphalt. Safe and easy to install, EPDM requires no special tools or heat application
What is an EPDM Roof?
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a rubber roof that’s applied in rolls to a low slope or flat roof. EPDM is a rubber membrane that is extremely durable, making it the perfect choice for roofs.
EPDM was originally designed for industrial buildings, but builders eventually realized that it’s a great option for homes as well.
Why Choose an EPDM Roof for your Garden Room?
Your garden room, whether it’s attached to your house or a standalone structure, has different roof requirements than your house. You might have environmental, maintenance, or strength concerns that you need to take into consideration before deciding what type of roof to install.
Weight
Many garden rooms are simple structures, without an engineered foundation. A heavy roof might be too much weight for the structure, which is often a simple wood or composite wall, not reinforced with structural integrity. With a single ply rubber roof, an EPDM roof is the lightest viable option, keeping the structure of your new garden room safe from collapse.
Weatherability
The roof of your garden room is the only thing standing between you and a foot of water. Hail and high winds may cause major damage to the integrity of the roof of your garden room, eventually allowing moisture to seep into the building. An EPDM roof will resist winds up to 120km/hour. The puncture resistance feature of an EPDM roof is perfect for hail prone environments. EPDM is also an exceptionally strong water protectant and any small leaks are easily repaired.
Longevity
An EPDM roof lasts twice as long as an asphalt roof. The material is flexible and doesn’t break down and it can last for 30-50 years. It is also easy to repair if you get any punctures in your roof.
Environmentally responsible
EPDM roofs are an environmentally responsible choice. They cost little in the way of energy to produce, and even less to install. They also last twice as long as an asphalt roof and almost four times the lifespan of a felt roof. You can even fully recycle your EPDM root at the end of its life cycle into something like a walkway.
Installation Tips
Installing an EPDM roof on your garden room doesn’t require heavy equipment, but it does command a well-made product and a qualified installation. We would recommend to ask your installer what he prefers to install as the quality of the workmanship is just as important as the brand of material used. The most frequent problem with installations are the seams, so it is worth letting the installer use a product they recommend and are familiar with fitting.
Now we can get rubber manufactured in 6m wide rolls and 16m long, and less seams means less to go wrong. It’s now the norm to get full EPDM roofs done in one piece owing to advancements in the manufacturing and delivering process.
Colour Choices
EPDM is available in a variety of colours, with white and black as the most popular.
Black EPDM is the perfect choice for those living in a cold climate as the black attracts the sun in the cold winter months, causing a reduction in heating costs for your garden room.
White EPDM is great for those living in a warmer climate since the white reflects back into the atmosphere, making you use less energy to cool your garden home. White is also a great option if you plan to use your garden room only in the hot summer months.
Pros & Cons of EPDM
Pros
EPDM generally comes in at the lowest price per square foot for flat or low sloped roofs.
EPDM is generally long lasting with a lifespan of over 20 years.
Since it is easily paired with polyiso insulation, it can be a very energy efficient roof choice, especially if purchased in white.
Cons
EPDM can be fragile in the wrong environment and at near its end of life.
Ballasted EPDM systems are relatively inexpensive when compared to others, however fully adhered or mechanical systems are slightly more expensive than TPO.
There is a common thought that the black flat EPDM roofs are not the prettiest sight to look at.
Featured Manufactures and Suppliers of EPDM Rubber Roofs
