Rubber roofing typically refers to using roof membranes, made of synthetic rubber, to cover a roof. These membranes are known as EPDM and, due to their chemical structure, they provide excellent protection in extreme climatic conditions and they are not attacked by micro-organisms.
EPDM is a monolayer membrane, 100% synthetic, which comes in different thicknesses. It is chemically stable with practically unlimited UV and Ozone resistance. It contains no plasticizers.
Since the first rubber membrane was installed, more than half a century ago, billions of square meters have been installed worldwide, for various applications, from roof tops to pools. Membranes installed five decades ago are analyzed annually by the manufacturers, and it seems that their mechanical performances are still great. No other waterproofing membrane has matched this longevity, which is why the use of EPDM is increasingly popular.
The EPDM waterproofing system maintains its physical and chemical properties (elasticity) between – 45° C and 130° C, remaining unaffected until an induction of 250° C. On the other hand, thermoplastic membranes have a higher thermal conductivity so that at low temperatures it causes a rigidity of the material adding a dangerous tension in the membrane. Being elastomeric, the EPDM membrane is elastic, which means that it comes to its initial shape after an elongation effort which can be up to 400% -500%. This exceptional flexibility also allows easy installation. To find out more about EPDM roofing, talk with an EPDM roofer in Lakewood today.
