If you are contemplating the installation of an EPDM roof on your property in Winchester, you should first understand the various design and material options available. Generally, EPDM roofing systems are available in either black or white. Black EPDM is the more commonly used option, largely because its ability to absorb heat helps drive up energy efficiency in colder climates. But white EPDM is also a viable option. Because it reflects UV rays, it can help keep a building cool in summer. If your building isn't air-conditioned, that kind of help can be a big deal. But even if that's not the case, you should still consider which option is better for your project and the specific type of environment in which your building is located.
In Winchester, commercial buildings frequently require EPDM roofing, which is both reliable and built to last. If your project includes a large commercial interior with little foot traffic on the roof, a mechanically fastened or fully adhered EPDM system might be the best choice. Although the ballasted systems are quicker to install, they impose restrictions on the weight and design of the roof that might not suit all projects. A roofing professional can help determine if you can use them or if another design might be better. The previous two systems (mechanically fastened and fully adhered) are good choices if wind uplift is a concern. A roofing professional can also provide the kind of long-term "cost-matrix" analysis that can help you figure out just how much you're going to spend on roofing over the next 20 years and can help you decide if EPDM is right for your building.
The needs of residents in Winchester may be no less pressing but are certainly different from commercial structures when it comes to roofing. Homeowners may seek out the uncomplicated, strikingly effective material known as EPDM for flat or low-slope roofs. These are roofs of a kind that many single-family homes in Winchester happen to have—on rear extensions, for example, or on garages and other outbuildings. When my architect brother and I were growing up, our dad often said an effective roof was half the battle; a roof that did not leak allowed the house beneath it to maintain its integrity. He would have appreciated the undeniable roofing performance of EPDM—more on that in a moment. But he would have also appreciated the installation process, which, unlike many of the alternatives to EPDM, isn't a do-it-yourself challenge for homeowners and instead readily yields to being done by a qualified, certifiable professional.
