When it comes time to replace the roof of a commercial building, business owners don't have to stick with the same thing. You have the option to replace the existing roofing material with something that performs much better. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a rubberized roofing system for low-sloped roofs that has become popular as a reroofing material. But is it right for your specific reroofing job? Here are a few of the pros and cons to consider as you make your choice. 

PROS

Lightweight

One reason that EPDM is popular as a reroofing material is that it's so lightweight. That means that most existing structures can support the weight of the material without the need to add any additional roofing support.

Easy to Install

Unlike other commercial roofing materials like TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), EPDM can be installed quite easily, in most cases, because it doesn't require any specialized procedures, like heat welding. It comes in rolls that can be easily rolled out onto the roof and secured. This is another reason that it's become a popular option for reroofing.

Eco-Friendly

EPDM is a completely recyclable and is typically made of mostly recycled materials and this helps contribute to its eco-friendly characteristics, but these aren't the only points in its favor. When EPDM is installed in lighter shades like white, it's also very solar reflective and that can help contribute to lower energy usage and costs.

Fire Resistant

EPDM is incredibly fire resistant and that's always vital in a commercial building material. Additionally, fire retardant compound can be added to make it even more resistant to the point where it can even slow the spread of fires.

Cost Effective 

EPDM is very cost effective for reroofing. The average cost in the United States is between $4 and $5 per square foot.

CONS

Susceptible to Impacts

One problem with EPDM is that it's susceptible to forceful impacts that can cause the material to tear. If you live in an area with a high rate of wind storms or hail storms, it might not be the best material choice. However, keep in mind it's also one of the easiest materials to repair if impacts do happen.

UV Absorption

When installed in black, EPDM is susceptible to UV (ultraviolet) absorption and that can break down the rubberized material over time. However, when installed in a lighter color like white, UV rays are reflected and this problem is much less likely to occur.

Contact a commercial reroofing service to learn more. 

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