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Our last segment on environmentally friendly roofing system options detailed metal roofing systems.  Today’s article discusses rubber roofing systems, specifically, EPDM.

The Technical Stuff:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or Terpolymer) is simply a product consisting of three distinct monomers. EPDM is classified as a Thermoset material. This means it is either fully-cured prior to being installed or that it cures during natural weathering after installation. EPDM roofs are single-ply membranes (only one-ply of roofing material) and not multiple plies laminated together.

EPDM, one of the common types of low-slope roofing materials, has been in use on roofs in the United States of America since the 1960’s and is one of the most common types of low-slope roofing materials. It is relatively inexpensive. It is simple to install. It is relatively clean to work with compared to conventional built-up roofs. Further, it doesn’t emit the odors and fumes that are often associated with built-up roofing systems. Vulcanized EPDM is the most common type of EPDM roofing system.  Non-vulcanized EPDM  is typically used for flashing purposes.

EPDM membrane thickness ranges from 30-mils (0.030″) to 100-mils (0.100″) with the most common thicknesses being 45-mils (0.045″) and 60-mils (0.060″). There are three standard application procedures: (1) fully-adhered; (2) mechanically-fastened; (3) loose-laid.

1. Fully-adhered EPDM uses water-based or solvent-based adhesives to adhere the EPDM rubber to the substrate.
2. Mechanically-fastened EPDM is attached to the substrate by manufacturer-approved mechanical methodology.
3. Loose-laid membranes are secured only at the perimeters and any penetrations. A ballast of round river rock or concrete pavers is used to hold the materials in place. The river rock is usually installed at a rate of 1000 - 1200 pounds per square (100 square feet of roofing surface) and the pavers typically weigh 20-pounds per square foot. Structural integrity is of paramount importance with a loose-laid roof system. The seams are sealed using either an adhesive or a splicing tape.

EPDM roofing is an efficient rubber roof style used on low-slope roofing surfaces. It is great for preventing leaks and is often installed for roofs that have problems with weathering, failing joints, and inflexibility.

EPDM Functionality:

EPDM is made of ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber. This type of rubber is advantageous in that it doesn’t pollute run-off water. As a result, the water that falls off EPDM roofs can be reused for sanitary purposes (for example: roof cleaning, watering a garden or lawn). This water can be reused or recycled with little or no treatment for landscape irrigation and other non-potable uses (often referred to as “gray water”).  This is why EPDM roofing systems also fall into the eco-friendly and/or “green” category of roofing options.

EPDM History:

As previously mentioned, EPDM has been used in roofs since the 1960s. During the 1990s, the attention to environment came to mainstream consciousness and recycling of EPDM started. Today, there are over one-billion square feet of EPDM roofs installed every year. More than twenty-billion EPDM roofs currently exist.

EPDM Benefits:

Highly dependable, economically beneficial, high durability, and high efficiency makes EPDM an attractive option to any building owner looking to a commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing contractor for a new roof or an upgrade to the existing roofing system. Additionally, an EPDM roof will often come with long warranty, low maintenance requirements, low installation labor costs, and generally garner rather easy code approvals. For regions subject to potentially catastrophic weather experiences, such as hurricanes - EPDM roofs have very high resistance, making them quite practical for those who live in those areas.

EPDM is Environmentally Friendly:

EPDM roofs are highly resistant to weathering, ozone, and surface damage. It is flexible in cold weather and still has high fire & heat resistance. EPDM is a sound choice for low-slope roofs and flat roofs that need to be waterproof and durable against the elements. With EPDM roofing, you will have little repair work, no leakage, and a secure roof over your head.

For those seeking eco-friendly, environmentally friendly options, the EPDM rubber roofing system substantially reduces the carbon footprint of a commercial or industrial building in a several ways. The lifespan of a rubber roof is up to 5-times longer than a felt roof. It lasts as much as 3-times longer than an asphalt roof. The installation of an EPDM roofing system is significantly more eco-friendly today. It doesn’t require the dangerous, lengthy use of heat and flames. Add to those benefits the facts that EPDM rubber sheet roofing provides outstanding thermal properties and is a most reliable sealant against water penetration, and you’re left with a fantastic choice in roofing systems with an eye on limiting the environmental impact.

We hope you’ll consider us strongly for your commercial, industrial, or institutional roofing needs.  As a reliable and effective roofing contractor in Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and many other surrounding areas, we believe our commitment to total customer satisfaction, our reliability, and our track record is one that will impress you.  Please give us a call today or drop us an email using our convenient request-for-quotation page.  Thank you!

Here is our list of the Top 10 Questions (okay, perhaps a few more than 10, in no particular order) every client should ask their commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing contractor:

1. Is this the best roofing system for this roof deck, my building, our climate?

It is estimated that defective design & engineering is responsible for nearly 50% of all roofing failures. Critical consideration must be given to drainage, windage, insulation, fire resistance, thermal expansion, tensile strength, puncture resistance, and watertight performance.  Some systems may not be practical for certain building types and locations. As an example, a “cool” roof may not afford the types of benefits we’ve spoken about in primarily cooler climates. A commercial building in Florida will stand to see substantial energy savings versus a similar building in North Dakota.

2. Is a complete roof tear-off required?

One of the top considerations in re-roofing projects is minimizing the environmental impact by reducing or eliminating waste.   Several types of roofing systems can be installed over your existing roof.  If we discover that option is a possibility for you, this will reduce construction time, lower your overall costs, and minimize trips to the landfill.

3. Does the roof system moderate temperatures in summer and winter?

Cool roofing systems, green roofing systems, and solar-integrated roof systems can help moderate indoor air temperatures, even if your building doesn’t have air conditioning.  The end result would be reduced energy costs and may even improve employee health, well-being, and morale.

4. What type of ventilation does my roofing system offer?

Ventilation systems can be either 1-way or 2-way, assuming it has a ventilation system at all.  In order to help reduce moisture and the appearance of mold - ventilated roofing systems are very desirable.  Ventilation allows the building to breathe and reduces the build-up of energy-sapping heat.  Either option is good for a building, but for more effective moisture evaporation, an Army Corps of Engineers study concludes that the 2-way ventilation is the way to go.

5. What is the roofing manufacturer’s reputation?

This “question” actually has a subset of very important questions regarding the manufacturer of your roofing system option:

• Does the manufacturer do a post-installation inspection?
• Does the manufacturer train, monitor, and grade/rate contractors?
• What is the range of life-expectancy (in years) for this type of roof system in this area?
• How much maintenance can I expect will be required and how often?
• What have been the primary failure modes with this type of roof? How are they resolved?

6. How long is the warranty?

Be certain to find out the length of the warranty.  Find out if it covers the entire roof system, including installation defects.  Find out if there are any exclusions and/or fees in the warranty for issues such as ponding water and collateral damages.

7. Is the roofing system Energy Star Compliant?

At the government’s Energy Star Website, you will find details regarding the minimum standards for the minimum reflectance during specific periods in the roofing system’s life. Initial reflectance must be at least 65%. After 3-years of exposure to weathering, it must have a minimum reflectance of 50%.  In addition to the Energy Star website, you can visit the Cool Roof Rating Council Website for ratings of various roofing systems for solar reflectance.  With this information, you’ll know whether or not your roofing system options are energy efficient.

8. Is my roofing system eligible for Federal tax deductions?

If it meets the ASHRAE 90.1 standard it does!  The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers established standard 90.1 to set the minimum requirements for energy efficient building design.   This standard was adopted by the federal government in 1994.  The minimum solar reflectance requirement is 70% and the minimum solar emittance level is 75% for government facilities.

9. Is a system Life Cycle Assessment available for my roofing system options?

A life cycle assessment (LCA), is a science-based measurement of the environmental impact of a roofing system through its entire life cycle.  The parameters include material extraction costs, manufacturing waste, embedded energy, and recycling & reuse potential.  Additionally, you may want to follow up by asking if the materials manufacturer can provide a Life Cycle Costing analysis, which we posted about earlier in our White TPO Roofing System article.  Many building owners consider life cycle costs one of the most important aspects of a roofing system.  And if they don’t, they should!  Just ask us!

10. Does the manufacturer of the roofing materials for my project have a recycling program?

Several manufacturers have created recycling programs to collect materials once the roofing system and reached the end of its useful life.  The number of different types of products that much of this waste can be turned into continues to amaze us each day.  Some examples include, but are not limited to:  flooring, roadways, park benches, and yes - turned back into new roofing materials.

V.A. Morelli Construction, Inc., your roofing contractor in Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, Bucks and Montgomery County, and surrounding regions will work with you every step of the way to determine which roofing option is best for your investment.  Call us today!