Everything You Need To Know About EPDM Roofs

The roof of your business is a significant and vital investment. A solid commercial roof will help protect the exterior of your business so that you can focus on your work. So, it is essential to choose a suitable roofing material for your commercial building. But it can be tough to know which roofing material is best for your commercial building without consulting a professional.

EPDM is one of the most popular options due to its commercial applications, especially roofing.

The following blog will help you understand more about EPDM roofs, their pros and cons, and their capabilities to make an informed decision and select the material that suits you best.

What is EPDM?

EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a synthetic rubber with comprehensive commercial and industrial applications.

EPDM roofing systems are ideal for flat roofing installations across the world. EPDM roofing is widely used in America for the business roof.

They’re made with a single purpose in mind: to provide durable, weatherproof protection for your industrial, commercial, or residential building. Its two primary ingredients — ethylene and propylene — are derived from oil and natural gas, making it an environmentally friendly product that’s also efficient and cost-effective.

Color Types Of EPDM Roofing

EPDM material is available in the following two color options that you can choose for roofing.

Black EPDM

Black is the most commonly used color for EPDM. The black color of EPDM sheets comes from carbon black, which is added during the manufacturing process. It is a fine black powder made from refined petroleum or coal. It is an essential ingredient in EPDM roofing because it makes the material more robust and less brittle.

However, its color can get very hot and thus is not preferred where coolness is needed.

White EPDM

White EPDM roofing is a popular material that is a good option if you are looking for more excellent material.

White EPDM is a white rubber roofing material that functions just as well as black EPDM. White EPDM is formed with a white pigment, typically titanium dioxide. However, unlike its black counterpart, it is much less UV resistant and, as a result, tends to be of lower durability.

PROS Of EPDM Roofs

EPDM is a popular choice for roofing due to the advantages it offers. The following are some of the benefits of EPDM roofing.

Cost-Effective

EPDM is one of the most cost-effective materials for small businesses. EPDM roofing is less expensive than other materials, such as TPO, PVC, and metal. Moreover, replacing a blown or punctured EPDM membrane won’t break the bank.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

EPDM roofs are one of the most maintenance-free roofing materials on the market. These roofs require little to no upkeep and can last for a long time. Also, these do not require much work on installation, reducing the costs.

Offers Good Resistance

EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber that is highly resistant and resilient. EPDM roofing material offers good electrical and heat resistance.

EPDM membranes are also highly flexible and waterproof, making them an excellent material for roofs, liners, and matting.

Durability

Made of high-quality, rubberized material, EPDM roofing is durable and versatile. It resists extreme temperatures, with resistance ranging from -40° to 302°, and can withstand harsh weather conditions like hail and other storms. It can also be easily shaped to fit a variety of gutters.

Energy Saving

EPDM roofs reflect heat, keeping indoor spaces cool and warm in the winter. This roofing material does not let the effects of UV rays harm the roof as it can reflect. EPDM is also breathable, letting water vapor escape, lowering your heating costs. This means that your building is more energy-efficient, and you save money on heating and cooling bills.

Environment Friendly

It is essential to consider the environmental implications of the roofing material for your commercial roof. EPDM roofing is 100% recyclable. When removed, the membrane can be recycled into new roofing material used to build auto parts and even more roofs. By not sending your EPDM membrane to a landfill, you’re helping to preserve our environment for future generations.

CONS Of EPDM Roofs

Though EPDM roofing material provides many benefits to you and poses itself as one of the best materials for commercial roofing in the market, it is not free from its limitations. Here are some of the disadvantages of EPDM roofing.

Prone To Damage

EPDM roofing is a durable and affordable option for any home. But, it’s also more vulnerable to damage than other roofing materials such as metal and PVC. The rubber roofing material is quite soft, which means it can be easily damaged by debris from a storm or even by someone walking on the roof in the wrong footwear.

Can Shrink

Rubber roofs can crack in dry climates and become damaged without regular maintenance. Treating the roof with acrylic paint can protect it from shrinkage and cracks, but this may not last forever.

Can Heat A Lot In Hot Weather

Black EPDM is the most common color that is used by the majority of contractors and homeowners. This can absorb heat and make the EPDM hot. It can be damaging in a place where there is scorching heat.

Appearance

An EPDM roofing system is not visually appealing. In addition, it is available in only 2 colors and does not hold much value to improve your curb appeal.

Components Of EPDM Roofs

The following are some of the parts that make up an EPDM roofing system and help protect your roof:

• Roof membrane
• Roof deck
• Insulation layer
• Cover board
• Adhesive
• Rollers
• Fasteners

Installation Of EPDM Roofs

It is likely that you have understood EPDM as a material and how it can benefit your business’s roof. For example, it is sturdy, resistant, and cost-effective. But before you go on to install an EPDM roofing material, get to know how it is installed. The following are the top contracting companies’ steps for EPDM roofing installation over your property.

Cleaning Of The Roof

Before the EPDM is installed, the first step is to clean the roof. Ensure that your roof is dry and does not have any unwanted scrap.

Spreading The EPDM

The EPDM roofing material comes in the form of a circular rubber sheet. This sheet has to be laid out over your commercial roof. The installation will start with the professional straightening the rubber sheet and spreading it to cover your roof. This is done to check whether the material is enough to cover your roof. Next, ensure that the membrane allows several inches over the building’s edge. After the membrane is settled, it is folded back in preparation so that adhesive can be applied.

Applying Adhesive

To make sure that the material does not come off, the adhesive is applied to the EPDM. The top contractors will use the rollers and other equipment so that the adhesive is spread out evenly and quickly.

Laying The Membrane

When the adhesive on the EPDM roof’s membrane is dry, the contractor will carefully roll the membrane on top of your roof. This process should be carried out with the utmost attention so that all wrinkles are smoothed out, and air pockets don’t develop. In addition, the contractor will use a roller to help smooth out any sections of the membrane that may be too big.

Final Sealing

Installing roofing products that have been sealed and terminated properly can prevent water damage, mold growth, and other serious problems. A full-service roofing company will not only install a new roof but also take care of this critical detail, ensuring that your new roof is protected against leaks and water damage.

Where Can You Find The Best EPDM Roofing Services

ROOF TIGER is Peoria’s best roofing contractor. Our exceptional team has a combined experience of more than 20 years in the roofing industry.

ROOF TIGER can provide you with the best EPDM installation services. We only use the materials made by top-quality manufacturers so that you do not have to compromise on quality. Our team uses the latest and the safest equipment.

Not only installation, but we can also take care of all your commercial roofing needs, such as repair or replacement, so that you can focus on expanding your business.

When your business is up and running, a reliable roof is the best way to ensure that you stay in operation. Commercial buildings like warehouses, retail storefronts, and food-related establishments should have a roof that can withstand wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures of Illinois. A well-installed roof can last decades with regular maintenance. Still, if you wait for problems to turn massive before taking care of them, a simple commercial roof repair project can turn into a much more significant expense.

 

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Calling a Commercial Roof Repair Company

When you’re wondering if your roof needs repair, start with these questions:

 

What is the lifespan of your roof?

Installation, preventative maintenance, and materials are all critical factors in determining the lifespan of a commercial or industrial roof. If you have one of the following commercial roofing systems, you can expect your roof to last between 20 and 45 years on average:

 

• TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) has 22-30 years of life expectancy.
• 20-30 years for PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
• 22-35 years for EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer).
• Butler MR-24 Standing Seam Roof System: 45 years and counting
• 20-40 years for an asphalt system

 

The lifespan of your roof depends on several factors, but one of the most important is climate. Extreme temperature fluctuations and seasonal changes can take a toll on your roof, requiring you to make minor repairs throughout the year.

 

What is your roof made of?

The type of material your roof is made from can significantly affect how often you need to repair it. For example, an asphalt roofing system is cheaper initially, you might figure out that you’re spending a lot more on maintaining your roof than you planned on. But most importantly, the material of your roof — whether it’s asphalt or metal — can affect how long your business will be able to tolerate such costs.

 

When was the last time you repaired the roof?

Even a high-quality roof installed by professionals like ROOF TIGER requires maintenance from time to time. Detecting potential problems is essential for avoiding costly repairs or, worse, a total commercial roof replacement.

 

The best way to keep a commercial roof in good working order is to have it inspected every year by the experts of ROOF TIGER. They will be able to check for damage not visible from the ground and inspect every roofing component, ensuring it is in good condition. A detailed record of the original roof plan and inspection reports can help you stay on top of your repair schedule.

 

What are the signs of visible damage?

• Roof membranes have blisters or bubbles. It can happen if too much heat or moisture seeps into the roofing structure, particularly on flat commercial roofs.
• Pooling and standing water may indicate that something is clogging the roof drains. The added weight of the water stresses the structure and can fasten the deterioration of the roof surface.
• Roof flashing that has been compromised or damaged. Flashings are just as necessary as the roof itself. If your flashing is compromised, wind, rain, and moisture from accumulated snow will enter your building.
• Seals have deteriorated around any pipes, vents, or external systems that penetrate the roof. These flashings are the most common source of leaks. They are often installed incorrectly, and they are made of petroleum-based materials that degrade over time due to UV rays.
• Punctures, cracks, and tears are caused by severe weather such as wind, hail, and ice storms. If you are caught in a storm, it is always a good idea to inspect your roof for visible damage. If you’re unsure what to look for, consult with a professional. Roof inspections are typically provided free of charge by most roofing professionals.

 

Do you have any water damage or leaks?

You may notice issues inside and outside of your building that indicate a roof leak.

• Interior ceilings in commercial or industrial buildings can become stained and sagged.
• Interior walls with dark spots or peeling paint.
• A strange odor or mold grows on interior walls, corners, and ceiling panels.
• Check slower traffic areas, such as storage rooms, for an unusual odor that could indicate a mold problem caused by a slow leak.
• Vegetation and plant growth on your commercial roof may indicate a lack of drainage. This could also indicate that areas of your roof have developed cracks due to dirt and water accumulation.

 

Does your building deserve a facelift?

When your curb appeal looks a little shabby, it has a domino effect on your business’s overall look and feels. Every time you walk by your building, you’ll be reminded that it needs attention — especially if your roof is starting to fade or pieces of it are cracked or missing. Making needed repairs can help your building make a great first impression on customers!

 

Hire The Best Commercial Roofing Company In Peoria, IL

ROOF TIGER is a full-service commercial and industrial roofing company — trusted by hundreds of property managers, owners, and business owners around the region. We’re committed to complete customer satisfaction, and we’ll go above and beyond to make sure your new roof or commercial roof repair meets your expectations. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and see for yourself why we have a stellar reputation for honesty, reliability, and quality workmanship.

A commercial roof is a major investment for any business, and it should be well protected from the elements. It’s designed to cover a large area and keep your property free from water damage for years to come. However, many times property owners fail to maintain their roof which leads to roof damage, and neglecting your roof will cause further damage and worsen the situation. If your roof has severe damage, then you need to replace your roof and call for commercial roof replacement services.

Signs You May Need A Roof Replacement

Deciding whether your commercial roof needs a repair or replacement can be challenging. This is why it is important to conduct regular commercial roof inspections to determine the extent of the damage. If your roof has been neglected for too long, then it might be time to replace it. There are several signs that you can also look out for to determine whether or not you need a commercial roof replacement.

Age

When it comes to commercial roof replacement, the age of the roof matters. A well-maintained roof can potentially serve you for 30 years, whereas if it’s left ignored in a commercial building then it may only last for 10-20. A roof’s lifespan can also be reduced dramatically by severe weather.

Leaks

If your roof has leaks then the damage can be everlasting and result in the need for roof replacement. Leaks can cause further roof damage and lead to structural issues.

Extreme Weather Damage

No matter how old your roof is, it should still be assessed following any severe storm activity. In some instances, strong winds or powerful hurricane events can cause extensive damage to the structure which then requires replacement.

If you spot any of these signs, then you need to call commercial roofing contractors as soon as possible to get your roof fixed.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Commercial Roof Replacement

Roof replacement is a substantial capital expense for commercial building owners. There are several factors that determine how great the roof replacement expense will be.

Roofing Material

Roofing materials are an important element when it comes to roof replacement. There are several commercial roof types to choose from such as commercial metal roofing, shingle roofing, and more. The most commonly used are single-ply membrane roofs, EPDM, TPO, and PVC.

Rooftop Accessibility

Roof accessibility is a crucial factor in commercial roof replacement costs. Getting materials to the top of a ten-story building poses more challenges than getting them up on one story because the former requires extra man-hours and possibly equipment.

Fasteners and Wind Loads

The legal requirements for building codes are often very specific about the type of fastener that must be used in any given situation. The cost of compliance can be significant, especially in states where building codes are strict.

Once you’re ready to get your commercial roof replaced and looking for commercial roof replacement near me then let ROOF TIGER help you. We are licensed and insured roofing contractors providing reliable commercial roofing services. We specialize in all facets of commercial roofing including commercial roof installation. As experienced contractors, we can ensure your commercial roof project will be handled properly.

When you need professional commercial roofing in Peoria, trust that only the best will do. ROOF TIGER has been in this business for years and can handle any project you have!

We’re a Peoria-based commercial roofing company with all sorts of knowledge about keeping your building safe against inclement weather conditions. No matter where your business is located within the Peoria region, we’ve got it covered. From commercial roof inspections to replacement projects; there’s nothing too big or small for our streak.

Moreover, our tigers have combined a list of all our services. Read on to learn more about commercial roof types.

Our Commercial Roofing Services in Peoria

The roofing system for your property needs to be developed as per your personal needs so that it provides maximum efficiency. Commercial buildings typically vary depending on the type of roof you have, materials used in construction, and designs. You can rest assured knowing there’s a solution perfect for whatever situation is at hand!

You generally find these elements on most of the commercial roofs:

• Membrane for the roof
• Flashing
• Decking
• Insulation on both above and below the deck
• Parapets made of masonry
• Pipes, vents, antenna, and other penetrations
• HVAC (HVAC) systems

Installation

 We have the tools and know-how to install a variety of roofs. Our professionals will work with you to learn about your needs. Then help you choose the best roofing that fulfills your goals, complements your building, and is affordable. We can assist you in deciding on the best commercial roofing in Peoria:

• Thermoplastic
• EPDM
• Modified bitumen systems
• Built-up roofs
• Metal roofing
• Shingle roofs
• Coated systems

Commercial roof repair or Replacement

 Roof Repair or Replacement depends on the sort of commercial roofing you have, its age, and condition. We’ll examine your roof and work with you to come up with a cost-effective solution that also extends its life.  

Consultations

It’s a good idea to connect with our professional roofer to make sure your roof’s integrity will remain intact. This will save you money on repairs or complete replacements after the installation is complete.

Free Roof Inspection for Businesses in Peoria

You will need to maintain your roof, like any other aspect of the building to ensure maximum efficiency. Most property owners, on the other hand, rely on warranties to safeguard them when their roof breaks down. You should be aware that if routine maintenance isn’t performed, your roof guarantee may become void.

One of the most important things to remember is that if your commercial roofing in Peoria isn’t maintained, it will only get worse as time goes on. And when you do eventually need repairs or another job done inside because something broke during a storm. That could cost a lot more than just getting jobs done correctly in the first place!

• Loss of heat
• Leakage
• Weak structural integrity
• Slip and fall accidents
• Cost of damage to inventory
• Cost of business interruption

FAQs

• For my commercial roof, what roofing materials should I use?

The type of roof you require for a business building is determined by the structure and the climate of Peoria, IL. To make an informed decision, the best option is to contact a commercial roofing contractor in Peoria.

• What are the signs that my commercial needs a new roof?

The lifespan of your commercial roofing system is affected by the materials used. Thus, whether or not you need a new roof is usually determined by the sort of roofing system you have and its age.

Other concerns include the roof’s condition, the amount of crowd it receives, and more. You should also consider how shifting weather affects your roof. Using the services of a qualified commercial roofing contractor can assist you in deciding the best line of action.

• Why do I need to have my roof inspected regularly?

The life of your commercial roof depends on a roof inspection. It allows you to identify any potential problems early, giving you enough time to fix them before they become too costly.

Contact Us For Commercial Roof Repair

Have you been experiencing leaks or damage to your commercial roofing in Peoria? You do not have to worry anymore because ROOF TIGER is here to help! Our commercial specialists can provide a variety of services. They include commercial roof repair, installation, and inspection. Our team would love to help you get your roof back to functioning.