EPDM is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) widely used in low-slope or flat roof residential and commercial buildings in the United States and worldwide. Its two primary ingredients, ethylene and propylene, are derived from oil and natural gas. The lifetime of a rubber roof is generally 40 years.
Unlike other roof systems that may degrade and become brittle over time from ultraviolet exposure, EPDM maintains its integrity and flexibility. Because of this, EPDM allows for modifications as easy as washing the membrane, preparing the surface and applying the repair material, including coatings.
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- EPDM membranes are available in black and white.
- The color is determined by compounding different ingredients used to enhance UV resistance.
- To make a black EPDM membrane, carbon black is added which converts UV rays into heat.
- To make a white EPDM membrane, titanium dioxide is generally used to reflect UV rays.
How essential is EPDM membrane color?
Dark colored roofing system are more prone to absorbing heat, while white is more reflective of the sun’s rays.
Asphalt Shingles
Why Choose Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles provide an unmatched level of beauty, affordability and reliability, and come in a variety of different styles and colors to fit your needs.
Asphalt shingles are the Number 1 choice for roofing in North America, for good reason. They offer versatility, weather resistance and much more. Asphalt shingles can cover many different angles, shapes and forms, and maintain their integrity through harsh weather conditions. For design and aesthetics, designer varieties also exist. Asphalt shingles are available in a range of rich architectural styles.
Take advantage of…
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- Color Options
- Cost-Effective Quality
- Energy-Efficiency
- Impact-Rated
- High Winds & Extreme Weather Resistance
- Class A Fire Rating
Different Types of Asphalt Shingles
There are three main types of asphalt shingles—3-tab, dimensional, and luxury—allowing you the flexibility to choose the right type of shingle based on your home and budget.
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- 3-tab shingles are the most economical. They get their name from the three-tab design that connects with the others to create a flat appearance.
- Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural shingles, are constructed from multiple layers of fiberglass which are laminated together to create a dimensional appearance.
- Designer shingles are the most expensive option. They’re manufactured to look like high-end materials, such as slate which gives them an elegant and sophisticated look without requiring the roof to support the weight of actual slate. The downside is that the cost of a Designer Shingle roof can be considerably higher than the cost of the other types of asphalt shingle roofs.
How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last?
There are a variety of factors that determine how long asphalt shingle roofs last. This includes the frequency and significance of maintenance performed, the types of shingles you use, and the weather conditions in the area. The typical lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 15-25 years.
In addition to lasting two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, metal roofing doesn’t rely on petroleum-based raw materials as asphalt shingles and EPDM do. Metal Roofing is Sustainable and Environmentally-Friendly.
Some of the most commonly used metal roofing materials used in the industry are:
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- Galvalume (steel)
- Galvanized (steel)
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Zinc
- Copper
All these metals are good options, but there are pros and cons associated with each.
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Longevity
Metal roofing is specifically engineered to last decades longer than any other roofing material. Actually, many consumers ultimately decide to purchase a metal roof because it’ll be the last roof that they ever have to put on their home or business. Depending upon the type of metal material used, most metal roofs last 50+ years without any extreme signs of degradation or corrosion.
Durability
When compared to different materials like wood, concrete, plastic, or glass, metal easily stands out as the strongest and most durable. If properly installed, metal roofing is designed to withstand:
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- Strong winds
- Rain and moisture
- Snow
- Hail
- UV exposure
- Mold, algae, mildew, etc.
- Rodents and other animals
Metal roof materials are often Class A fire-rated and noncombustible, meaning the fire resistance is the highest grade possible. This proven durability against common roofing threats is one of the fundamental reasons metal roofing is so popular.
Metal roofs are more expensive upfront as a one-time cost versus the cost of asphalt shingles or tiles. However, as mentioned before, metal lasts decades (60 years in some cases), while asphalt shingles last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. One metal roof can easily outlast at least three asphalt shingle roofs.
