Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) membranes also known as rubber roofing by contractors is a material composed of a combination of recycled items that include rubber tires, slate and sawdust. Rubber roofing is supplied in rolls that are installed on flat roofs as long, overlapping sheets. They are attached using a strong roofing adhesive. Seams are overlapped to aid in home insulation and prevent air leaks. Rubber roofing shingles are also available. Rubber roofs are available in a variety of thicknesses ranging from 45mm to 90mm.
Rubber roofing was first introduced to the roofing industry in 1962. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s when the use of EPDM single-ply roofing membranes was on the rise. The 1973 Middle East oil embargo was a cause of a price hike in asphalt roofing. EPDM or rubber roofing was an easy-to-install and cost-effective solution at the time.
Countless enhancements were made to the rubber roofing materials and the first area of improvement was in the seaming technology in the 1970s. From 1962 to the 1980s, wall and penetration flashings were made from uncured Neoprene. Uncured EPDM flashings were introduced by the mid of the 1980s.
In 1992, upgrades were made to wall and curb flashing details. 20 years later, double-sided seam tapes and customized primers were available. Seaming was taken to the next level in 2005, with rubber roofing sheets and factory-applied tape being used.
Since being first introduced, there have been countless enhancements to rubber roofing and it has become more robust than ever before.
Metal Sheets:
Covering a metal roof with a layer of insulating foam and re-roofing it with a new metal roof is a good alternative to rubber roofing. In regards to offering the best support, metal roofing sheets are an ideal alternative to rubber roofing.
Tar and Gravel:
Also known as Built-Up-Roofing or BUR, this type of roofing uses alternating layers of waterproofing materials along with tar that is stabilized using stone. Customers should steer away from tar paper and opt for materials like fiberglass for waterproofing.
Roll-on Roofs:
Roll-on roofs are made from the same materials as shingles. These type of roofs are installed like installing a new carpet. Nails are placed along the edges as it is rolled along the surface of the roof. It can last anywhere from 6 to 11 years and is ideal for sheds and barns.
Asphalt Sheets:
Asphalt sheet roofs are installed by using a layer of asphalt and securing the sheets in place with cement and nails. Their lifespan is generally 10 years and they can also be repaired with minimal effort.
Foam Roofs:
To install foam roofs, components of the foam are mixed and then spread upon the rooftop using spray guns. Each pass of the spray gun can spray a single ½ to 1-inch thick layer of foam.
Rubber roofing offers great waterproofing. In the rare event of a leak, the roof can easily be repaired. Rubber roofs are also fire resistant and almost impossible to ignite. They can actually delay the progress of a fire. Rubber roofs are also wind resistant and can easily withstand hail as large as three inches in diameter. Manufacturers create rubber roofing in accordance with ASTM International’s ASTM D4637 standard that guarantees that roofs will be resistant to hailstone impact and debris penetration.
Rubber roofs are very energy-efficient, especially lighter-colored roofs that are great at reflecting the sun’s heat. These roofs save the homeowner considerably on energy costs and utility bills.
On average, a rubber roof can cost $4 to $8 per square foot and about $6,000 to $12,000 for a 1,500 sq feet flat roof.