Many Canton OH homeowners are thinking of using EPDM roofing as their main roofing material. However, most reputable contractors remain split on the capability of rubber roofs for residential use. While they provide exemplary benefits for commercial property owners, their performance might be subpar when residential property owners use them as their main roof.
Canton OH homes have neighborhoods with colorful roofs and sidings. In fact, many of them use asphalt shingles or modified bitumen roofs to provide a traditional yet modern touch to their homes. However, some them use EPDM roofs, and you might even say the look isn’t bad at all.
After reading this guide, you will:
- Know more about EPDM roofs
- Gauge whether EPDM roofing’s advantages suit your home
- And if its disadvantages might put you off from using it
- To finally make a decision regarding your home roofing
What is EPDM Roofing?
EPDM is an acronym for ethylene propylene diene monomer, a composite material made from recycled rubber materials sourced from sturdy, road-worthy tires. To reinforce its capacities, manufacturers add slate and sawdust.
Then, the manufacturers mix, dry, and flatten the material into thick sheets. As per Active Standard’s ASTM D4637 guidelines, all manufacturers must test EPDM roofing materials for heat and cold shrinkage, hailstorm proofing, and other stress tests.
In doing so, manufacturers ensure they give customers a top-quality single ply roofing membrane compliant with the minimal requirements for roofing use.
Contractors fully adhere EPDM roofing materials to residential and commercial properties. However, they may also fasten the overlapping seams mechanically to improve its insulation and durability. If you wish to, here is everything you need to know about EPDM.
Recycled tires and other strong rubber make up majority of EPDM roofing materials
Advantages of a Rubber Roof
Affordability
EPDM roofing materials are the most affordable in the industry. A typical EPDM square foot costs about $0.4. This means you only have to spend $400 for a square of your roof.
Most commercial property owners save plenty from EPDM roofing especially if their estate occupies huge space. For residential property owners, this is also good news because they get a brand-new roof durable enough to withstand heavy rain, snow, and hailstorms.
In comparison, asphalt shingles, the common choice for residential properties, can cost $4 per square feet. Other single-ply roofing membranes such as TPO and PVC cost about $6-$8 per square.
Environmentally-Friendly
EPDM roofing is made from recycled tires and other durable rubber materials, which manufacturers source from different recycling plants. Both slate and sawdust are natural chemicals. While manufacturing the roofing materials can introduce airborne toxins, it is virtually an all-natural roofing material.
In addition, it improves residential property insulation. Additionally, it reduces the cost because it does not require any roofing underlayment. Because contractors install it with adhesive or mechanical fasteners, it requires no special chemical that can contribute to environmental issues.
Durability
As per ASTM’s standards, all EPDM roofing materials must withstand hailstorms. While you will see bruises and softened spots across rubber roofs after a storm, they can withstand up to three hailstorms on average. Replacing the material is quick because contractors only need adhesive or mechanical fasteners.
EPDM does not corrode like metal roofing materials. Heavy rains will not erode and wash its granules towards gutters like asphalt shingles and bitumen roofing. Lastly, it does not lock in moisture, reducing the risk of any mold or bacterial growth that can destroy the roof and infest the air inside a property.
Contractors usually use adhesive or mechanical fasteners to attach EPDM roofs.
Longevity
If built based on ASTM’s standards, EPDM roofing materials can last up to 30-50 years of age. Living in Canton OH’s humid continental climate guarantees the roofing material can meet these lifespan estimates. Without any frequent hailstorms in the area, residents can sleep at peace knowing their roofs will last for longer and require minimal effort to replace.
Rubber roofs match the lifespan of asphalt shingles, modified bitumen, and PVC. Polyvinyl chloride membranes are the strongest of any roofing material but are also the most expensive.
Some Disadvantages
EPDM roofing materials aren’t perfect. They are affordable and dependable, but they fall short of the following:
Limited UV Protection
EPDM roofing materials come in a natural black color. Therefore, it has the least capability to reflect UV rays outward. This might affect the durability of the roofing material especially during hot summers.
In addition, inconsistent weather patterns will subject it to sudden strong morning rains followed by extremely hot afternoons. While manufacturers make sure it complies with ASTM D4637, no guarantee exists that this weather pattern will positively affect EPDM roofs.
Subpar Insulation
Because of its limited UV ray reflective capacity, EPDM roofing is not a good option if you plan to save money from electric bills. The contained heat or cold in the roofing material will saturate the rubber roof and penetrate inside your home.
In turn, your property will have poor insulation. Because it is a single-ply membrane with adequate thickness, no roofing underlayment serves as a second junction to slow down temperature molecules as they pass through the roofing material.
Most commercial property owners benefit from single-ply membranes such as EPDM and TPO (TPO shown here on the roof of a commercial building)
Poor Residential Curb Appeal
Lastly, EPDM roofing is not made for beauty. It is a truly utilitarian roofing material manufactured for an affordable yet efficient solution. Therefore, it cannot provide the beautiful curb appeal asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and other traditional roofing materials can provide.
While colored alternatives exist, they will cost a bit more than the typical rubber roof because of the additional appeal it introduces. If you want to improve your current EPDM roofing, you can use special colored rubber roof coating, which will raise your roofing material costs in general.
Wrapping Up
EPDM roofing is not exactly the best for residential roofing especially if you need to improve the value and aesthetic of your property. However, if you need a quick solution to any roofing replacement problem, then EPDM is the best material to use because it is fast and easy to install, can withstand hailstorms, and an overall excellent material that requires minimal maintenance.
Take note that EPDM roofing installation matters heavily in improving the lifespan of your EPDM roof. Get in touch with reliable EPDM roofers in Canton, Ohio to have the best rubber roof installation service possible.
