In commercial construction, EPDM roofs stand above the rest when it comes to making long-lasting, durable buildings.

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) has been the go-to choice for low-slope building roofs for over 40 years.

EPDM Roofing Advantages

EPDM is a rubber roofing membrane known for its durability. The materials used in it are derived from oil and natural gas and can be installed in a variety of methods to suit the various needs of the building.

The material is typically black or white in color, with the white version designed to cut energy costs with its highly reflective surface. If used in warm climates, businesses can see a reduction in their air conditioning costs from white EPDM roofing. In cooler climates, black EPDM roofing can help trap heat, and impact the overall warmth of a building.

The cost of EPDM roofing can vary depending on the project and system, but in general, the material typically offers one of the lowest cost-per-square-foot.

Versatility

While primarily used in commercial building construction, EPDM roofing is not limited to just that market. The material is durable and long-lasting, giving it value across a wide field of applications.

Everything from industrial tunnels, building foundations, thru-wall flashings, RV roofs, or home terraces can utilize EPDM roofing systems to ensure the best performance possible.

Rooftop gardens are another location where EPDM roofing is a wise investment. Garden waterproofing or pond lining have been shown to benefit from the use of the material.

Durability

Over 1 billion feet of EPDM roofing membrane has been installed worldwide. Studies done on the material have found that it is sufficiently resistant to UV rays, thermal shock, cyclic fatigue, and a variety of other weather conditions.

EPDM roofs have been installed at temperatures lower than -20℉, and the brittleness temperature for the material sits at -49℉. During lab testing, the material is subjected to temperatures of 240℉ for four weeks.

EPDM’s length and temperature flexibility allow for the material’s degradation to be slowed as much as possible over time. It does not contain any organic material that would degrade after exposure to moisture.

On top of all of this, the expected lifespan of EPDM roofs is still difficult to determine. The reason? Field studies have found that many installed roofs across the country, which currently have been in place for 40 years, are not showing signs of serious degradation. Depending on environmental factors, an EPDM roof could last up to 50 years with proper maintenance, preparation, and caretaking.

Environmentally Focused

Despite not using organic compounds, EPDM roofing can be one of the most environmentally beneficial compounds to use for construction. Because of their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements, the roofs have low life-cycle costs and thus less impact on the environment of their duration.

No toxic substances are released from the EPDM membrane to the point where runoff rainwater could be used for household chores (dishwashers, laundry, etc.) while still complying with international standards.

Additionally, EPDM roofing systems can be combined with any type of solar panels or photovoltaic strips for solar energy, making them an excellent option for businesses looking to stay environmentally-conscious going forward.

Once an EPDM roof has run its course, the materials can easily be recycled into additional construction or roofing projects such as walkway paths or road asphalt.

Looking for Roofing Companies in NJ? Contact Longview Contracting.

We here at Longview Contracting hope that the information we have furnished will help you choose a roofing contractor in New Jersey. Our website shows which manufacturers we work with and the services that we provide. Please contact us with any questions you might have about your roof, roofing materials or our company, 908-705-1689.