Epdm Roofing

Our Experience with EPDM Roofing

Cyde Enterprises has been successfully installing EPDM roofing systems for over 20 years. We are still maintaining many of our 20 year old EPDM roofing systems. W

e are also maintaining EPDM roofing systems which were originally installed by other contractors. Our job is to make sure we save you money, so if you have an existing EPDM single ply roofing system we want you to keep it as long as possible. If you need a replacement roof, we want to provide you with the most cost effective and efficient roof replacement possible. Cyde Enterprises has completed EPDM roof installation on all types of low sloped/flat roofs, whether commercial, industrial, institutional, or residential properties.

What is EPDM Roofing

EPDM Roofing: E.P.D.M. stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer which is an M-class rubber. Epdm is a synthetic rubber that is used in a wide variety of applications. EPDM has gained an industry wide respect and following as the go-to material for single-ply, low-slope roofing applications. EPDM provides an immediate long-term solution that is weather and fire resistant.

As we move forward into an environmentally conscious society that places heavy emphasis on the sustainability and performance of roofing materials, EPDM has proven time and time again that it is the go to and green roofing material.

What are the Characteristics of EPDM Roofing

A combination of ethylene, propylene, diene, and monomer used to create a synthetic elastomeric rubber most commonly used for roofing on low sloped/flat roof structures.

EPDM Roofing Colors: EPDM Roofing Systems typically come in Black or White
EPDM RoofingThickness: Standard thickness’s are 45 mil & 60 mil (mil abbreviation for millimeters). Special order 90 mil also available
EPDM RoofingTextures: Smooth or Reinforced, reinforced contains a layer of polyester reinforcement between two plies of EPDM. Reinforced membranes resist punctures.

What are the Different Types of EPDM Roofing Systems

EPDM roofing systems can be applied in many different ways. These different applications are also known as types of roofing systems. EPDM singly ply roofing systems can be attached to a structure in several different ways. Below are a few of the different types of EPDM roofing systems.

EPDM Roofing Fully Adhered Roof System:

Smooth EPDM roofing single ply membrane is fully adhered with bonding adhesive directly onto insulation. The EPDM seams are overlapped and glued together with double sided EPDM seam tape.  Fully adhered roofing systems are the most commonly used due to the fact that it is the most secure EPDM single ply roofing system. Fully adhered EPDM roof systems are also the easiest to maintain.

EPDM Roofing Mechanically Fastened Roof System:

Reinforced EPDM roofing single ply membrane is mechanically fastened to insulation. The EPDM seams are overlapped and glued together with double sided EPDM seam tape and then screws and 2” plates are mechanically fastened to seams; 1 screw/plate per foot.
Mechanically fastened EPDM roofing systems are the least expensive and are installed in areas where wind speeds are generally not high. If you’re not too concerned about extreme wind speeds and your roof system receives foot traffic then this may be the system for you.

EPDM Roofing Ballast Roof System:

EPDM roofing single ply membrane is loose laid over insulation. The EPDM seams are overlapped and glued together with EPDM double sided tape, and then ¾” – 1 ½” round washed stone ballast is loose laid on the entire roof surface (not less than 1,000 lbs per square). EPDM Ballast roofing systems also deflect heat.

EPDM Roofing Perimeter and Protrusion Attachment Systems:

All EPDM Roofing single ply membrane is attached around all protrusions and along all roof perimeters.

What EPDM Roofing System Works Best for What Climates

Ethylene, Propylene, Diene, & Monomer were combined in order to create a synthetic elastomeric rubber which resists UV radiation, thermal shock, and weather changes.  Special coloring was also added to the EPDM single ply membranes in order to boost UV resistance: Black membranes convert UV rays while white membranes deflect UV rays, thus keeping the interior of the building warmer when using Black EPDM and cooler when using White EPDM.

The Advantages of an EPDM Roofing Single Ply Memebrane VS a Modified Roofing System

EPDM is less expensive and easier to install than modified bitumen or built-up roofing systems. More labor related accidents occur on modified bitumen and built-up roofing systems than during installation of an EPDM roofing system. Hot tar used in modified bitumen and built-up roof systems emit odors/fumes and can cause severe burns.

EPDM is light weight and used on both new construction and reroof installations without adding excessive weight to the roof deck. EPDM systems weigh approximately 30 pounds per square versus built-up or modified bitumen roofing systems which can weigh from 600 to 1500 pounds per square.

EPDM stretches to more than three(3) times the original size so it moves with the building during weather changes. This is especially important during hard winter months and in the desert where it is hot during the day and cold at night. Built-up and modified bitumen roofing systems do not expand or contract so cracks occur during weather changes.

EPDM can last 40+ years or more if properly maintained; EPDM roofing systems are easier and more successful to repair and maintain than built-up or modified bitumen roof systems years after installation.

EPDM ROOFING WARRANTIES

  • Contractor’s Warranty (2 – 3 Years) covers labor and all manufacturer’s material to repair roof leaks
  • Membrane Warranties (5 – 20 years) covers defects in membrane only
  • No Dollar – Total System Warranty (5 – 20 Years) covers labor and all manufacturer’s material to repair roof leaks
  • Special 30 year manufacturer’s No-Dollar Total System warranty (30 Year Total System Warranty) – 90 mil EPDM generally required

In order to obtain a No Dollar – Total System Warranty, the manufacturer will inspect the EPDM roofing system to ensure that your EPDM roofing system has been installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.  All errors in the EPDM installation will be corrected before the warranty is issued. Cyde Enterprises will complete your EPDM installation in strict compliance with manufacturer’s specifications in order to obtain a 10 out of10 inspection rating, 10 being the best rating possible.

ADDITIONAL EPDM ROOFING WARRANTY OPTIONS

  • The standard wind speed coverage is 55 mph. Optional warranties can be purchased to ensure additional coverage when higher wind speeds occur (i.e. from 55 mph – 100 mph).
  • Optional limited coverage for hail and  punctures .

NOTE: Additional specifications are required when obtaining 30 year warranties, warranties for wind speeds higher than 55 mph, and limited hail and puncture warranties.

EPDM ROOFING MAINTENANCE

As previously noted, an EPDM roofing single ply roofing system can have a life expectancy of 40+ years if properly maintained.  We recommend purchasing a No Dollar – Total System Warranty, however, once the roofing system has been warranted, the manufacturer will not complete any further inspections.  You contact the manufacturer for repairs only when a leak occurs.
Additionally, the No Dollar – Total System warranty does not encompass interior repairs, damages caused by weathering elements, foot traffic, debris, oil deteriorating contaminants, drainage issues, or alterations to the EPDM roofing system.  When you penetrate the EPDM roofing system to remove/install any roof top units or pipes after the EPDM roof installation, you must have the units/pipes flashed in by a certified applicator.  If you don’t,  your  warranty may be voided.

Regardless of what type of roofing system you install you want to complete periodic roof inspections in order to maintain your roofing system.   Building owners generally have an “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” attitude when it comes to their roof.  As long as the roof doesn’t leak they don’t worry about it.  Not a good idea – keep your roof maintained – consistent, preventative roof maintenance is necessary.