Rubber roofing is a smart alternative to using conventional roofing shingles for flat or low-sloping commercial roofs. Although traditional shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, they are typically made from materials like asphalt, ceramic, tile, metal, slate, and more. Such materials are not always adequate enough to provide long-term protection, along with an impenetrable seal against water leaks and more. They also require on-going maintenance and upkeep, which can be costly and time-consuming. For this reason and more, many commercial real estate investors and builders are choosing rubber roofing systems.

Continue reading to learn more about EDPM commercial rubber roofing, including its various advantages and how to get your commercial roofing project off on the right track.

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EDPM Commercial Rubber Roofing Facts

Rubber roofing is referred to as EDPM roofing, which stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. Such roofing delivers a wide range of benefits for commercial investors and business owners. Commercial rubber roofing is waterproof, lightweight, quick (and simple) to install, highly durable, long-lasting, and inexpensive. Furthermore, commercial rubber roofs are low maintenance, plus easy and inexpensive to repair.

Composition

EDPM rubber roofs are made from PVC plastic polymers or rubber polymers. Single-ply synthetic roofing is another term commonly used for this as well. Since these shingles can replicate slate or asphalt shingles in appearance and can be easily installed over existing roofing. Roofing material is usually measured by the square, which means 100 square feet. For example, 4 squares of roofing material are equal to 400 square feet. They typically come in rolls for flat roofs, and shingles for custom commercial roofing projects and repairs.

Average Cost

You can expect commercial rubber roof materials to cost anywhere from $300 to $400 per square, so 4 squares of rubber roofing can add up to $1,600 or more, not including labor and supplies. Although initially costly, rubber rooftops can last twice as long as traditional shingles and won’t need as much routine maintenance and repair. There are several more benefits to commercial rubber rooftop installation as well!

Installation

Rubber shingles or flat rolls can be installed over existing rooftops, making the typically dreaded roof repair project much less complicated and time-consuming. Existing roof shingles are sprayed with a roofing foam to provide a fresh surface and added installation. Then a water-proof membrane is applied to the entire surface before the rubber materials are installed. The simplicity of commercial rubber roof installation reduces labor and time, which cuts costs.

Energy Efficiency

Additionally, commercial rubber roofing ensures optimal insulation. And the more tightly sealed and secured, the less heat and air are wasted, all of which cuts monthly energy costs, year-round. Rubber roofs are also energy efficient because the materials used in the process reflect sun and heat. This keeps a commercial building cooler in warmer climates and saves on energy costs.

Dependability

Aside from all of these wonderful benefits, rubber roofs are great alternatives because they are fire-resistant and less likely to crack. Their durability allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions and changing climates, year after year.

Now is the right time of year to get started on your exterior commercial renovation needs in Indiana! Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for reputable commercial general contracting in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

EPDM Rubber Roofing Basics

Before jumping into a comparison between ballasted and mechanically-fastened roofing systems, it is important to have a basic understanding of commercial rubber roofing. EPDM roof membrane (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is the most common thermoset roof membrane in the industry. EPDM roofing mainly contains two compounds, ethylene and propylene, which are derived from oil and natural gas. In terms of installation, they are either fully-adhered, mechanically attached using batten bars, or ballasted. In this blog, we will be discussing the difference between mechanically-fashioned EPDM roofing and ballasted EPDM roofing.

Ballasted Roof Systems

Ballasted roofing installation involves laying loose layers of insulation sheets atop the roof decking, followed by sheets of EPDM roof membrane. Sheets that adjoin are overlapped and fastened using seam tape. Next, all accessible points and the perimeter of the roof are sealed or flashed in accordance with technical specifications. Lastly, river-washed ballast is applied to weigh the entire roofing system down for ultimate security.

Mechanically-Fastened Roofs

Although quite similar in design and performance, mechanically-fastened roofing is installed using a different process and different materials. Starting off with layers of insulation on top of the decking, these roofs are then secured mechanically using insulation plates and fastening hardware. Next comes the layers of EPDM roof membrane sheets over the insulation sheets and plates. Like ballasted roofs, all adjoining sheets are overlapped and secure with seam tape. But rather than being flashed and sealed, they are secured in place using seam plates and fasteners.

Quick Comparisons:

Mechanically-fastened roofing is generally more expensive than ballasted roofing.

Ballasted roofs are most compatible with buildings that have large, open roofs and few roof penetrations. Mechanically-fastened roofs are better suited for buildings with roof penetrations or higher uplifts.

Mechanically-fastened roofs are lighter in weight.

Ballasted roofs usually have a shorter installation timeline.

Roof leaks can be easier detected on mechanically-fastened roofs.

Ballasted roofing is heavier and larger in size compared to mechanically-fasted roofs, and therefore, must be upsized to accommodate the weight of the ballast.

Are you ready to move forward with your commercial real estate design-build project in Indiana? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to speak with an expert Indianapolis commercial general contractor about your commercial construction needs and options, today. We serve clients in all industries and throughout all of Central Indiana.

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Notable Advantages of Commercial Rubber Roofing