Is EPDM The Best Option For Your Flat Roof?
EPDM Roofing Might Be The Best Option For
Your Flat Colorado Roof
In Denver, flat roofs are typically seen on commercial buildings, but occasionally the can be found on person’s home or part of a home’s roof. Often porches, garages, or an addition will have a flat roof. Due to the fact that flat roofs aren’t extremely common in Colorado a homeowner may be unaware of their options and what the pros and cons are for your Denver flat roof.
There are five types of commonly recognized flat roofs:
- EPDM (short for ethylene propylene diene monomer)
- Modified Bitumen
- Built-Up Roof (BUR)
- PVC
- TPO
This week we will be talking about EPDM.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM is a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane consisting of two primary components – ethylene and propylene. These components are derived from natural gas and oil. EPDM can be purchased in various widths ranging from 5 feet to 50 feet, come in either 45 or 60 mils thickness and are available in white or black.
EPDM can be assembled in three different ways: mechanically fastened, ballasted, or fully adhered.
Mechanically Fastened
Mechanically fastened roofs are installed by attaching the membrane to the underlying deck. The membrane is attached using either round plates or batten strips. This is a light weight option that is ideal for all sizes and building types including your Colorado commercial roof or your private residence’s roof.
Ballasted
Ballasted installation accounts for 35% of EPDM installations. Ballasted installation is done by using large panels measuring up to 50 feet by 200 feet. These panels can cover a large area and quickly making it a relatively low cost option. This is a great option for Denver commercial roof replacement, a residential roof commercial buildings or new build Colorado commercial roofs.
Fully Adhered
Fully adhered roof systems use panels measuring up to 30 feet by 100 feet. In this situation, the membrane is bonded to the insulation which has been attached via mechanically fastened, adhesives and/or stress plates. This is a light weight option that fully adheres and can even be utilized on a high-slope application. In Colorado and throughout the United States this application method is becoming the most popular option.