TPO. SPF. BUR. EPDM. The commercial roofing world is filled with acronyms, and if you’re researching your commercial roofing options, all this unfamiliar jargon is bound to make your head spin.
Despite that, you have clear goals. You want a roof that’s durable, cost-effective, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient — and an EPDM roofing system might just fit the bill. Welcome to Anti-Leak Roofing. We’ll be your translators for today, and help you navigate the complexities of commercial roofing in plain English.
Our veteran-owned roofing business proudly serves the Kentucky business community by installing and repairing commercial roofs every day, and hardy EPDM roofing systems are among our favorites.
So, What Is EPDM?
Let’s cut to the chase and get this part out of the way first. EPDM is short for ethylene propylene diene monomer, and it’s a type of rubber roofing made from multiple flexible components derived from oil and gas. Designed for flat or low-sloped commercial buildings, EPDM is one of the most popular roofing choices in Kentucky.
These exceptionally durable commercial roofing systems can, with the right love and care (yes, that means regular maintenance), last well over 40 years — making EPDM roofing an investment that stands the test of time.
Why Choose EPDM Roofing?
EPDM roofing systems are among the most widely-chosen commercial roofing systems for many reasons, but some of the key factors that set this type of membrane roofing apart include:
- Durability. Yes, we mentioned longevity already, but it matters. Where some commercial roofing systems can only be expected to last 15 to 25 years, EPDM roofing can easily last four to five decades. Older EPDM roofs are still going strong.
- Weatherproofness. EPDM roofing stays flexible, effortlessly contracting and expanding as temperatures fluctuate. Like your Kentucky business, it adapts to the circumstances at hand without cracking or breaking, offering total coverage that keeps your building safe. EPDM roofing is also resistant to UV-related deterioration.
- Energy efficiency. Not everyone knows that commercial EPDM roofing systems are now available in light, reflective colors that reduce your cooling costs during the summer. EPDM is also an excellent insulator during the winter.
- Green choice. Modern EPDM roofing materials are typically made from recycled materials. When your roof finally needs replacing, it can be recycled again.
How Is EPDM Roofing Installed?
While installing EPDM roofing systems calls for an experienced hand, part of the beauty of these roof membranes lies in the fact that no flame or heavy machinery is needed to install them. If you decide that EPDM roofing is the best choice for your commercial building, our roofers will:
- Begin by tearing off your old roof and preparing the surface for your brand-new EPDM roofing system, making repairs to the roof deck as needed.
- Install insulation boards to make your commercial building more energy-efficient and protect it from moisture.
- Roll the EPDM sheets out over your roof surface in an overlapping pattern to achieve total coverage and waterproofing. Then, we’ll secure the roofing system with adhesives or fasteners (including plates and anti-rust screws).
- Install flashing around your roof’s weakest areas, like chimneys and vents.
- Add trims and other finishing touches.
- Complete the job with a thorough roof inspection to make sure your new roof is perfect.
Is EPDM Roofing Right for Your Commercial Building in Louisville, KY?
Are you gearing up for a commercial roof replacement, and would you like to know whether EPDM roofing is the best choice for you? It’s a fair question. While EPDM roofing membranes are an exceptionally durable choice, other roofing options may be better if your commercial roof is very complex, shaped irregularly, or subject to constant foot traffic (from people who aren’t professional roofers).
At Anti-Leak Roofing, we want to make sure you choose the best commercial roofing company in Lousiville, KY — whether that’s EPDM or any other system. If you’d like to pick our brains, your path to an informed decision can start with a free consultation. Let’s talk — our veteran roofers would be happy to answer all your questions!
