Choosing the proper EPDM roofing for your Sunrise Manor property largely depends on your building's specific needs and the local climate. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, a synthetic rubber that offers incredible durability and UV resistance. For residential properties, particularly those with a flat or low-slope roof, standard black EPDM is a popular choice. Black EPDM is cost-effective and easy to install. However, for commercial properties, white EPDM can be an advantageous option. White EPDM reflects sunlight, minimizing cooling costs. When choosing an EPDM roofing system, it’s also essential to consider the specific building codes and any unique climate rules pertinent to Sunrise Manor. Following these codes and rules ensures the long-term performance of your roofing system and compliance with local regulations.
When deciding on the thickness of your EPDM roof, you have to balance budget and performance. EPDM roof membranes are available in thicknesses of 45, 60, or 90 mils. The 60-mil thickness is the most typical and offers a good combination of properties. You might wonder how much of a difference there could be between a roof system made using the 45-mil and the 60-mil membrane. The answer is: Plenty! In fact, if you compare the 45-mil to the 60-mil system, you're looking at a potential difference in lifespan of about 10 years: 20 years for the 45-mil and 30 years for the 60-mil. That's using the 60-mil with a standard 30-year warranty, which was the lifespan on my former EPDM roofs (both of which are still going strong). So, thickness matters.
There is also the matter of how to install your EPDM roof. There are a few common methods of installing EPDM: fully adhered, mechanically fastened, and ballasted systems. They each have their benefits. Fully adhered systems are stable and are ideal for sloped roofs. They are also completely watertight—of this there can be no doubt—and almost leak-proof. Mechanically fastened systems are like fully adhered systems in that they are stable and ideal for sloped roofs. However, they are a little less watertight and a little more likely to leak over time. Fastened systems are also somewhat less "slop-proof" and more likely to allow water to run down the surface of the roof. However, these advantages aren't really on the "leak-proof" side of the equation, and for fastened systems to work roofers usually stop the membrane system at the roof edge, meaning that fastened systems are also a little less "slop-proof."
