Your Trusted Rubber Roofing Contractor
Your Trusted Rubber Roof Contractor
Have you ever heard of an EPDM roof and wondered what exactly it is? EPDM, also known as the rubber roof, stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. EPDM has been around in the roofing market for more than half a century and is still one of the most popular choices for commercial and residential roofing.
EPDM roofs are extremely durable and can last up to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance. They are also very energy efficient and can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s heat, which helps keep your building cooler in the summer.
If you are looking for a roof that is both durable and energy efficient, an EPDM roof may be the right choice for you. However, working with rubber roofing contractors is where the critical success factors lie.
Installation of an EPDM roof is a complex process that requires special tools and training. If you are considering an EPDM roof for your home or business, it is important to hire qualified rubber roof installers or rubber roof companies that have experience with this type of roofing.
Advantages of Rubber Roofing
When choosing the right roofing material for your commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, it is essential to look at the advantages each type of roofing offers. With so many options, it can be a daunting task to decide which one to choose.
That being said, here are some of the advantages of an EPDM roof and why many roofing contractors recommend it:
Less Expensive
Compared to other roofing materials, an EPDM roof is less expensive. The installation process is also relatively fast and does not require a lot of special training or tools, which can further reduce the cost.
Light Weight
EPDM features a low weight-to-volume ratio, which makes it easy to transport and install. This is especially beneficial for commercial buildings where the roof structure may not be able to support the weight of heavier roofing material. Compared to asphalt shingles which can weigh up to 2.3 lbs per square foot, you can find an EPDM roof to weigh only a little over 0.5 lbs per square foot.
Easy-to-Install
Due to their light weight, EPDM is easy to transport and carry, making rubber roofers’ jobs much easier. In addition, EPDM rubber roofing comes in large sheets that can be cut to fit the specific dimensions of your roof. These make the installation process much simpler and less time-consuming than other types of roofing.
Hail and Ozone Resistant
EPDM roofs can withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail, snow, and high winds. They are also resistant to ozone, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and extreme temperatures. This makes them an ideal choice for commercial buildings in locations that experience all four seasons. Hails basically bounce right off EPDM roofs without creating any damage.
Energy Efficient
Perfect as an industrial rubber roofing material, the EPDM roof provides energy efficiency in two ways. For one, because it is black in color, it absorbs heat which can help to keep your building warmer in the winter. EPDM roofs are also reflective, meaning they reflect sunlight away from your building. This helps to reduce the amount of heat that enters your building, which can lower your overall energy costs.
High Wind Resistance
Compared to asphalt shingles, tiles, and metal sheets which are installed using smaller pieces being nailed down, EPDM is a single sheet that covers the entire roof surface. This creates a watertight seal that helps to prevent wind damage.
Fire-Rate Roofing
Another advantage of EPDM roofing is that it is fire-resistant. The additional AFR layer of every EPDM roofing system provides an extra layer of protection against fire, making it an ideal commercial rubber roofing solution for business owners operating in high-risk fire areas.
Long-Lasting
To top it all up, EPDM roofs are built to last. Most EPDM roofing has been seen to last for more than 50 years. This means that replacements are not likely something you will have to worry about for a long time. Just make sure to have a regular maintenance schedule to extend your roof’s lifespan.
Choosing the Right Rubber Roof Installers in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Areas
As mentioned, all these advantages of an EPDM roof will not be possible if you do not have a reliable and experienced contractor to install it.
SouthWest Ohio Roof Defense SWORD is a certified installer of EPDM roofs with more than two decades of experience in the roofing industry. We take pride in our reputation as a top roofing contractor in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
Our team of certified roofers has the knowledge and expertise to install an EPDM roof on any type or size of commercial building and industrial.
Rubber Roof Repairs
Unfortunately, bad things happen sometimes, and your roof is likely not exempted from disaster. While rubber roofs offer extreme durability and protection, they might fail after severe damage and would require repairs. When it comes to rubber roof repairs, it is always best to hire a professional roofer like SouthWest Ohio Roof Defense SWORD.
Replacing Old Windows With VELUX Skylights
VELUX skylights set the standard and they offer a vast array of benefits. The team at SWORD Roofing is proficient in new skylight installation, as well as skylight replacement. If you have old skylights that have seen better days, or you’re looking for a more modern style to fit in with interior design updates, we can replace older models, including Pella and Andersen skylights, with brand new installations from VELUX.
We have experience in fitting a range of different skylights, and we can tailor recommendations based on the demands of the individual project. We have solutions for all homes and budgets and our team understands what it takes to deliver the best results.
Common Rubber Roof Problems That Require Repair
Here are some of the most common problems that can occur with a rubber roof that would require repairs:
Tears and Punctures
One of the most common problems with rubber roofs is tears and punctures. These usually happen when something sharp falls on the roof or when there is heavy foot traffic on the roof. EPDM is basically a rubber material, and just like any other rubber, it can be punctured.
The good news is that punctures and tears can be easily fixed by patching the area with a new piece of EPDM. However, it is always best to let a professional roofer handle the process to ensure that the repair will be done properly and will not cause any further damage to the roof.
Shrinkage
Another problem that a property with rubber roofing experiences is shrinkage. This usually happens when the temperature suddenly drops and causes the EPDM to contract and pull away from the edges of the roof. Shrinkage can also happen when the EPDM is not properly glued down during installation.
Seam Failure
The seams of the EPDM roof are usually the weakest points and are the most likely to fail. Seam failure can happen when the seams are not installed properly or when the adhesive used to seal the seams dries up.
Wrinkling
Wrinkling can also be a problem with EPDM roofs. As it is a rubber material, EPDM is susceptible to wrinkling, especially when it is exposed to extreme heat.
If you notice any of these problems, feel free to call us so we can inspect your roofing system. This way, we will be able to determine the best course of action to fix the problem.
Common Rubber Roof Problems That Require Repair
Here are some of the most common problems that can occur with a rubber roof that would require repairs:
Inspect the Roof Regularly
As durable and long-lasting as EPDM roofs are, it is still important to inspect them regularly for any signs of damage. This way, you will be able to spot a problem early on and have it fixed before it gets any worse. We recommend having your EPDM rubber roofs inspected twice a year to see if any underlying and premature problems exist.
Clean the Roof Regularly
It is also important to keep the roof clean to prevent any dirt, debris, and leaves from accumulating on the surface. These can cause the EPDM to deteriorate over time and can lead to leaks. A medium bristle brush and dish-washing detergent can be an effective combination to remove stains and other buildups on the roof.
Be Careful During Installation
Many property owners choose to have their own employees handle roof installation. If you are considering this option, you should be careful and make sure that they are properly trained to do the job. Remember that the quality of the installation will determine the lifespan of your EPDM roof.
Apply Water Repellent
Rubber roofs are known to provide top-notch protection against water. However, it is still a good idea to apply a water repellent on the roof from time to time to further extend its lifespan. This will also make it easier to clean the roof as the dirt and debris will not stick to the surface.
Our Rubber Roof Repair Process
With our certified installers and repairmen, you can rest assured that your EPDM roof is in good hands. We have years of experience dealing with different types of rubber roofs, and we know exactly what needs to be done to fix any roofing problem.
Step 1: Prep the Roof Surface
Upon arriving at your property, the first thing that we will do is prepare the roof surface. This includes removing any dirt, debris, and leaves that have accumulated on the roof. We will also check the condition of the flashings and make sure that they are properly sealed.
Step 2: Cutting the Patch
Once the roof surface has been prepped, we will then cut the patch using a piece of EPDM slightly larger than the damaged area. This will ensure that the patch will be able to cover the entire damage and will provide an overlap for the adhesive.
Step 3: Applying Prime
Before applying the patch, we will apply a primer on both the patch and the damaged area. This will help the adhesive to better stick to the roof and also extend the lifespan of the repair.
Step 4: Applying Adhesive
After the primer has been applied, we will proceed to apply the adhesive. We use a generous amount to ensure that the patch is properly secured. We then place the patch on the damaged area and apply pressure to ensure that it is properly in place.
Step 5: Applying Seam Sealer
Once the adhesive has dried, we apply a seam sealer on the edges of the patch. This further secures the patch and also provides an additional layer of protection against moisture.
Step 6: Inspecting the Repair
Once we are done with the repair, we will proceed to inspect the entire roof. This is to ensure that there are no other damages that need to be fixed. We will also thoroughly test the repair to see if it can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Contact SWORD Today
For EPDM installation and roof repair needs, contact SWORD Roofing. Our services are backed by a $20,000 guarantee, so you will surely get the best installation and repair to meet and exceed your expectations.
SWORD has been your go-to company for roofing needs for many years, providing quality services for locals of Greater Cincinnati and the Northern Kentucky area. We are fully insured and licensed, so you can be confident that you are working with a reputable company. Aside from EPDM installation and repair, we also offer other services such as gutter installation, siding installation, and more!
For any inquiries, you may reach us at (513) 582-0023 or visit our website to learn more about what we can do for you!
Free Assistance On Insurance Claims
Our Awards & Partners
Amazing Client Reviews
Check out what local roofing and gutter customers have been saying about SWORD Roofing! View More →