If you want your EPDM roof to last, ensure proper installation, sealing, membrane thickness, and slope to prevent water pooling. Applying a waterproof coating, optimizing roof design, and protecting against harmful chemicals is also helpful. Limit prolonged UV exposure and foot traffic to enhance the life of your EPDM roof. Moreover, you can schedule regular maintenance with professional EPDM roofing installers to fix minor repairs on time and ensure longevity.
What is an EPDM Roof?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a recyclable synthetic rubber used for commercial and residential roofing. It is highly durable, weather resistant, and withstands extreme temperature and UV exposure. EPDM is economical and environmentally sustainable as you can produce it from waste.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your EPDM Roof
Follow these tips to prolong the lifespan of the EPDM roof:
1. Ensure Proper Installation
Installing an EPDM roof requires proper skills. Seam sealing and using the right adhesive are crucial to precise installation. Improper seam welding or poor adhesive use can lead to breakage and leakage.
2. Check Membrane Thickness
The best EPDM roofing membranes range between 45 and 90 Mils. A thicker membrane provides better resistance against damage. The 90-mil EPDM membrane is best for high-traffic zones. However, the 45-mil membrane will do fine for zones with little foot movement. The correct thickness of your roof depends on environmental exposure, building use, and weather conditions.
3. Use High-Quality Materials
Low-quality roofing materials from untrusted manufacturers will degrade early. High-quality EPDM material is costly and increases construction expenses. However, the high upfront cost of premium EPDM roofing will save you from frequent repair needs in the future.
4. Optimize Roof Design and Slope
Proper drainage designs are essential in all flat or low-slope EPDM roofs. Snow and water will accumulate on the roof, and melting snow and rainwater will pool, weakening the roofing membrane. Ensure proper roof drainage to prevent this problem.
5. Check for Weather Resistance
Your EPDM roof is prone to damage in unfavorable conditions like heavy rainfall, snowfall, freezing temperatures, and hailstorms. They continuously deteriorate the membranes and cause cracking, shrinking, and weakening. Applying a weather-resistant coating protects the membrane and helps retain its strength. Periodic inspections are necessary to identify early symptoms of weather damage in extremely hot or cold regions.
6. Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
Another helpful way to extend the life of your EPDM roof is through regular and constant maintenance. Scheduled inspections help identify minor issues before they can turn into major problems. Look out for cracks and leaks and prevent drain clogging by removing dirt, leaves, and branches.
7. Limit Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation
EPDM membranes can lose waterproofing, crack, and become inelastic when subjected to UV rays for long periods. Reduce heat absorption by a reflective coating of white polymer on the roof surface. For additional protection, use pavers or gravel as ballast materials.
8. Control Traffic
High foot traffic can puncture and damage the EPDM roof membrane. For this purpose, you can add walkway pads to prevent high traffic and limit access to authorized personnel. Protective coverings on roof sections with excessive foot traffic can also prevent the need for expensive repairs.
9. Ensure Proper Sealing
Every opening in a roof, including vents, skylights, HVAC units, and chimneys, has the potential for leaks. These spaces allow water penetration, structural damage, and mold growth if not properly sealed. Using flashing with high-grade sealants is essential to increasing the life expectancy of your EPDM roof.
10. Protect Against Chemical Exposure
As with any material, certain chemicals, such as industrial waste and harsh cleaning agents, can damage EPDM membranes. Do not clean with solvents or petroleum chemicals that risk damaging the membrane. Only use approved cleaning agents for EPDM roofs to preserve the membrane and prevent deterioration.
11. Prevent Ponding
Ponding water increases the chances of algae growth, leaks, and structural damage. To stop water pooling, consider the following tips:
- Regularly clean gutters and downspouts for optimal water drainage.
- Install insulation or extra drains to improve the natural water flow.
How Long Can An EPDM Roof Last?
The lifespan of a typical EPDM roof can easily exceed 50 years with proper maintenance.
Conclusion
Professional installation and maintenance are essential to extend the life of your EPDM roof. A roof featuring adequate sealing, optimum thickness, and membrane slope allows proper drainage, preventing water pooling. Protective UV coatings and controlling foot traffic are also helpful in increasing the life of your EPDM roof. Sealing the roof, adding a waterproofing covering, and avoiding chemical exposure help reduce roofing damage. Checking for debris build-up and stagnant water, followed by proper cleaning and drainage, ensures the longevity of the EPDM roof. If you are not a DIY enthusiast, you can call EPDM roofing installers for regular servicing to fix minor issues quickly so they don’t become permanent problems.
