EPDM Roofing Systems: How Rubber Roofs Work

If you’re in need of a new commercial roof, you’ve probably heard talk about how great EPDM roofing systems are. EPDM roofing systems have earned a lot of popularity over the years as great options for low-slope roofs, and they’re certainly worth considering if you need a new commercial roof installation. But it’s normal to have questions about this roofing material. For example, how do EPDM roofs compare to other flat roofing systems? And how reliable is a rubber roof, anyway?

We’ve got answers to all of these questions and more. We’re Classic Roofing and Construction, and we’ve been performing commercial and residential roof installations all over Florida for the past 20 years. Keep reading to hear expert insights from our crew about EPDM roofing systems!

What Is EPDM Roofing?

Before we get too far into how a rubber roof works, let’s start with the basics. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, and it’s a rubber membrane that creates a waterproof barrier over your roof. Like all flat roofing systems, EPDM is most popularly used for commercial structures, although it can still be applied on a low-slope residential roof.

In terms of composition, EPDM is made up of three layers: the rubberized base, a fire-resistant layer, and a polyester fiber reinforcement layer on top. These layers all come together to create one cohesive roofing system that protects against the elements.

Traditionally, EPDM has come in black, which makes sense for a rubber roofing system. However, black roofs may attract heat, which can increase your energy bill by making your air conditioning system work harder. This has led a lot of people to wonder, does EPDM roofing come in white?

The good news is that yes—while black is the default, EPDM roofing is available in white to reflect heat and UV rays away from your structure and keep energy bills down. This works by adding another layer made of titanium dioxide for additional sun protection. On the other hand, black EPDM roofing is less likely to show dirt, so it can be more appealing if your flat roof will be visible from a window.

Benefits of an EPDM Roofing System

The versatility outlined above is great news, because EPDM roofing systems have a lot to offer. Some of the biggest benefits of EPDM roofing include:

• Water Resistance: As a low-slope commercial roofing material, EPDM forms a barrier that repels water. This protects your roof from leaks, which are some of the biggest roof killers in Florida.
• Fire Resistance: Since every EPDM roof has a fire-resistant layer, it’s highly unlikely that a properly maintained EPDM system will catch fire.
• Longevity: With proper installation from professional roofers, an EPDM roofing system can last for up to 30 years.
• Sustainability: A rubber roof may not sound like a very green option, but EPDM roofing is 100% recyclable, so it’s a great choice if you’re concerned with helping the planet.
• Affordability: While price should never be the deciding factor in a new roof, it’s certainly something to consider. And EPDM roofing is a very cost-effective option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, which makes it a popular commercial roofing material.

Cons of an EPDM Roofing System

Of course, no roofing system comes with only benefits. EPDM roofing systems are of extremely high quality, but they’re not perfect for every project. Some of the cons of EPDM include:

• Not a DIY Job: Unless you have experience as a commercial roofing contractor, installing an EPDM roofing system on your own is not a good idea. With low-slope roofing systems like these, you need to ensure that the new roofing material is properly installed so that water won’t get trapped. Otherwise, you could quickly find your new roof developing algae, leaks, and other serious issues.
• Not Puncture Proof: Like most commercial low-slope roofing materials, EPDM roofing systems are vulnerable to being punctured by falling objects. Luckily hail is somewhat rare in Florida, but it does still happen on occasion. For this reason, regardless of the commercial roofing option you choose, it’s important to have professionals conduct regular maintenance to make sure your new roof has a long life.

Installing a New Commercial Roof in Florida

Whether you’re replacing a roof or building a new structure, an EPDM roofing system is one of the top roofing material options on the market. But when it comes to installing a new roof, choosing a roofing material is only half of the equation. The other half is finding the right Florida roofing company to get the job done right.

Of course, it’s not as simple as just Googling “best roofing company near me” because every roofer will say that they’re the best. So if you need someone to install a new rubber roof, then you need to know how to identify the people who really know how to help.

Commercial Roofing Company Reviews

While you can’t trust every roofing company to be honest, you can bet that their customers will be more direct. Before hiring any roofing contractor, you’ll need to check out their online reviews. One bad review doesn’t mean that they’re a terrible roofer, just like one good review doesn’t mean that they’re the best roofer. Instead, look at the average reviews to see what kind of work you can expect from them. For example, Classic has received over three-hundred reviews, and our five-star average shows that we stand by our 100% happiness guarantee.

Expert Roofing Crews

Unfortunately, most commercial roofing companies don’t complete work using their own contractors. Instead, they hire subcontractors, who may have never even worked on a roof before. You probably wouldn’t accept that kind of inexperience at your own company, and you shouldn’t accept it for your commercial roof replacement, either.

At Classic, we only use in-house crews of experienced employees. This means that everyone working on your roof brings experience to the table. And with a company as old and experienced as Classic, our crews have installed countless EPDM roofing systems across Florida, so you can trust that we’ll give you the best results.

Free, Transparent Commercial Roofing Estimate

Nobody likes surprise bills, especially in roofing. That’s why before scheduling any work on your commercial property, you should schedule a roof estimate. If you’re working with a reputable EPDM roofing company, this process will involve an in-person roof inspection, after which you’ll be provided a comprehensive estimate for your roofing project.

It can be more tempting to rely on online roofing cost calculators, but while these systems are convenient, they’re also inaccurate. They can’t account for the specific type of EPDM used, local zoning requirements, labor costs, etc.

That’s why, if you’re ready to get quotes for your new EPDM roof, the next step is to schedule a free roof estimate. At Classic, our free, no-obligation estimates come with complete pricing transparency and no hidden fees. So what are you waiting for? Schedule your estimate and see why we’ve been Florida’s favorite roofers for 20 years and counting!