EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene terpolymer Membrane, but it could also mean Excellent Prime Durable Membrane.
It is an ideal choice for flat roofs. In New England you will see it in use over large commercial buildings as well as on the roofs of smaller companies and office blocks.
We use it extensively at Chaffee Roofing, not only because our clients request it but due to the quality and durability of the product.
Our clients often ask what is so good about EPDM and what makes it so durable?
Let’s take a closer look behind the letters, to see why EPDM is such a popular roofing membrane.
Resistance is in the design
The design of the EPDM polymer makes it very resistant to exposure to UV light, ozone and the extremes of cold temperature.
All this adds up to a membrane which will not crack under sunlight nor the worst of our winter weather.
EPDM is also protected from attack by pollutants in the air from the unique design of its chemical components.
Dealing with heat
The EPDM roofing product has carbon fillers in its composition.
The fillers will absorb the UV rays of the sun and convert the energy into heat.
The EPDM roof will release the heat slowly back into the atmosphere and will not deteriorate under the pressure of hot days.
Stability is the key
EPDM is a very stable chemical composition, and the membrane does not get brittle with age.
As it does not rely on plasticizers for flexibility, EPDM will remain very flexible throughout its long life.
Buildings expand and contract in warm and cold weather. Such movement puts a lot of pressure on standard roofing products,
but the flexibility of EPDM means it will not crack or shrink.
Long lasting product
Studies show that the thickest and most durable EPDM membranes can have a working life of over 40 years.
It is straightforward to repair and maintain, though its durability means that the membrane rarely splits or cracks.
The long life and low maintenance of EPDM increase the value of investing in such a roofing membrane.
EPDM shows in the toughest of conditions that its durability is a key asset.
The chemical composition of the membrane is ideally suited to our New England weather.
When considering your next roofing project, you should factor in the durability of EPDM into the budget calculations.
The less you worry about your roof, the better it will be for your business.