EPDM Roofing
EPDM roofing stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer roofing. It is basically an advanced polymer very similar to rubber. EPDM roof materials are made for a few different purposes. This material is sometimes used in special underlayment or roll out roofing utilized for low pitch roofs on residential homes where shingles would not be appropriate. Primarily it is known as a membrane roof for flat roof applications. EPDM roofing is an effective solution primarily to low pitch and completely horizontal rooftop covering needs. These areas are troublesome all across the country, but especially the north. This is because in winter months, on low pitches ice will climb and lift shingles, compromising their resistance to leaks; and in flat roofs ice and snow stay around forever and can create water infiltration trouble given even just the smallest possible opening.
Benefits of Using EPDM Membrane
In years past, the accepted method for dealing with flat roofs was to use a combination of tar and gravel or even corrugated roofing. Tarring a rooftop created a seal that protected it from the elements. The trouble is that especially in constant sunlight and under water, tar dries out, cracks open and separates. Just the smallest opening is all water needs to get in and start causing damage to a building. A very simple roofing principle to keep in mind is that water always wants to run downhill, and it will find a way to do so on its own if we do not accommodate that desire. EPDM roofing is essential in flat roofed areas because of this principle and the tendency of water and ice to behave in this manner.
EPDM is effective in houses that have extended porches coming out from the main portion of the roof. In most cases these porch rooftops have less than a 3:12 pitch, which means they cannot get shingled or leaks are just about inevitable. EPDM rolls are used to cover the surface and overlaps are established the same way as they would be if we were to shingle the area. The first course is laid across the drip edge at the eave, and successive courses are lapped over top using overlap lengths determined by manufacturer recommendations and/or local code depending on the actual pitch of the roof. These areas are at least a little easier to deal with because there is a tendency for water to flow towards the eve, but the EPDM roofing rolls have to be laid perfectly flat to avoid any folds and rips that can encourage stoppage and eventual leaks.
EPDM is the best option in most low pitch or pitch compromised situations. This is also true in so called dead areas, spots where water flows right into a wall or chimney from above and has no simple exit point. These areas are always the first to go and they can create huge problems if the roofer does not address them at initial installation. Metal pan roofs are common in these spots, but a new and emerging technique is to build up the area with a saddle or other small implement and roof it back in with EPDM roofing, eventually lapping it under the first course of shingles that come across it from up top. This roofing technique really just depends on the specifics of the situation and the particular weakness being addressed. Sometimes steel or copper works better; roofing professionals can evaluate these areas on a case by case basis and suggest the right solution.
Find a Roof Specialist
This points to the importance of working with an EPDM roofing specialist. Homeowners or commercial building owners who are reroofing buildings and trying to avoid seeing the same problems all over again need to make sure their roofers are aware of the trouble spots and the need to do something with them. Using EPDM roofing might be a viable solution. Certainly in any roofing scenario requiring the use of this material, it is essential to work with a specialist. Use our free quote form to get prices on EPDM roofing for your building so you can find the best value on this job. Customers can locate great installers and find numerous options on ways to deal with troublesome flat and low pitch areas that traditionally produce such a disproportionate number of leaks.
EPDM materials are made for use in a wide range of circumstances, but in the roof industry they are indispensible. For challenging areas that need our best efforts to overcome and to make them work, it is best to get with professionals and make sure a good plan is established and a plan of attack is in place to protect your property completely and totally. Find the lowest rates from local EPDM roofing specialists and get your upcoming job scheduled and under way.
