(Newswire.net — September 22, 2020) — You’ve probably heard of various types of roofing materials, but did you know you can also coat your roof with rubber? In the roofing business, a rubber roof is known as an EPDM roof. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. EPDM is a durable polymer made from petroleum specifically created to withstand high temperatures and abrasive chemicals. This material can come in pre-made rolls or as a liquid that gets rolled on with a paint roller in layers.
If installing a rubber roof is a new concept to you, you’re in for a treat. There are many advantages to choosing rubber over traditional roofing styles. For starters, installing a rubber roof is less complex than installing shingles, especially on a low-slope building.
If you’re looking to have your roof replaced or repaired, here’s what you need to know about rubber roofing.
1. Rubber roofing should be installed by a licensed contractor
Unlike some other types of roofing that can be installed by unlicensed individuals at the homeowners’ risk, rubber roofing should only be installed by a licensed contractor. This is a benefit because it ensures you’ll get a quality installation done right the first time.
If you’re the DIY type, installing a rubber roof is not the same process as installing any other type of roof. Your best option is to contact a professional roofing company to ensure everything is done right. The last thing you want is to make a mistake out of ignorance and end up with a leaky or damaged roof.
2. Rubber roofing provides cost-saving insulation
One of the biggest benefits to installing a rubber roof is saving money on heating and cooling costs. Rubber is a natural insulator and will keep a large portion of the sun’s heat from heating your home.
For those living in the hot Arizona climate, a rubber roof can save a significant amount of money on air conditioning costs throughout the summer and save on heating costs in the winter.
3. Rubber is perfect for low-slope buildings
Rubber is a popular choice for low-slope buildings because it’s faster and easier to install on a flat surface than shingles. Installing the liquid-based rubber roofing requires sealing cracks and rolling the liquid rubber onto the roof in multiple layers. The exact process is a little more involved, but generally speaking, it’s low impact.
4. Rubber is glued into place without using extreme heat
Rubber roofing seals are created similar to the way rubber rafts are sealed using minimal heat. This is good news for homeowners because using high heat can increase a homeowners insurance policy.
5. Rubber lasts for a long time
The average roof lasts about 15-20 years, give or take depending on the material and the quality of construction.
Prior to a full roof replacement, however, many homeowners experience problems like broken shingles, moss uprooting shingles, and frequent leaks. In fact, frequent leaks unresolved by patch jobs are the number one reason people replace their roof.
With a rubber roof, you’ll avoid the majority of these problems.
6. Repairs to rubber roofing are fast, easy, and cheap
If your rubber roofing starts to leak, repairs are easy. You’ll probably only need to apply a tube of liquid rubber – or special tape – to make the repair. These materials are cheap and you could probably make the repair yourself.
7. Rubber roofs require little maintenance
Unlike some roofing materials, including wood shingles, rubber roofing doesn’t require much maintenance. You might need to seal some gaps periodically, but you won’t find yourself facing major repairs.
The downside to rubber roofing
Although there are plenty of benefits to rubber roofing, the downside is that it might not match your aesthetic preferences. For example, if you want your home to look classy or maintain a specific style of architecture, a rubber roof probably isn’t a good match. However, if all you need is a roof that is affordable, durable, and easy-to-install, a rubber roof is your best bet.
Rubber roofing usually comes in either black or white, so you’re limited by color. You can paint over the rubber, but that will make your upkeep a little more involved.
Additionally, you may not want a rubber roof on your home, but it might be a great idea for your outbuildings like sheds and other structures on your property.
If you’re curious about rubber roofing, contact your local roofing company to find out more about the cost and construction.