Top 10 reasons to use EPDM

Thinking about how to choose a single ply membrane for your roofing project? We think you should give EPDM a serious look, and here’s why.

Below are the top 10 reasons to choose EPDM on your next roofing project.

1.      EPDM has Proven Performance

EPDM is time-tested in real-world conditions. Black EPDM roofing systems have been used for more than 50 years. Testing of 30-year old EPDM shows tear, tensile strength, and flexibility meet or exceed today’s standards. Longer life means longer whole-life cost.

2.      EPDM has Superior Weathering Resistance

• EPDM has advanced resistance to UV exposure, heat, and mould:
• Xenon Arc Test = 41,580 kJ/m² for black EPDM
• ASTM D573 for heat aging = 68 weeks at 115°C
• ASTM G21 for fungi = zero (no growth)

3.      EPDM is Thicker

EPDM’s nominal 1.2mm of weathering protection is significantly greater than the 0.5 – 0.6mm over scrim of most plastic-based sheets. A thicker membrane contributes to greater longevity.

4.      EPDM is Futureproofed

EPDM remains repairable throughout its long life. Unlike with some other membranes which degrade over time and cannot be altered later, with EPDM, rooftop additions such as skylights, vents and other penetrations can be successfully installed to old roofs and repairs can be carried out at any stage of the roof’s lifespan. Futureproofing means longer life and less likelihood of a later need to overlay or replace the membrane.

5.      EPDM has fewer seams

EPDM is available in large membrane sizes, reducing the number of seams by up to 67% when compared to the 3m wide sheets of bitumen systems. Fewer seams means faster installation and fewer opportunities for problems.

6.      EPDM has high quality seams

Labour-saving Factory-Applied Tape (FAT™) and pressure sensitive flashings improve the quality and consistency of seams. Electrical seaming equipment consumes natural resources and is dependent on the installer using the correct speed, temperature, and pressure to avoid false or cold welds. Better seams mean a better install.

7.      EPDM is Energy Efficient

In northern, cooler climates, the solar thermal benefits of black EPDM help to reduce heating costs, which are typically 3-5 times greater than air-conditioning costs. The cross-linked nature of EPDM can handle the heat of all climates. Energy efficiency means EPDM can save operational costs.

8.      EPDM has the lowest Global Warming Potential

EPDM also has extremely low life cycle costs and puncture resistance. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s TRACI model, EPDM has the lowest global warming potential, acid rain and smog impact among the popular roofing membranes available today.

9.      EPDM is Dimensionally Stable

EPDM is the most dimensionally stable membrane, remaining flexible even in extremely cold conditions.  EPDM is more flexible at -17°C than TPO is at 37°C. Flexibility and stability means longer life and easier installation.

10. EPDM is A+ Rated

EPDM achieves an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide, part of BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method), the respected accredited environmental rating scheme for buildings. Using EPDM with other suitable products means you can achieve Very Good to Outstanding BREEAM ratings more easily.

In Conclusion

EPDM is a durable material that has more than 50 years of proven, in-field performance. With significant physical property advantages, warming benefits in northern climates and innovations in product technologies, EPDM continues to define the standard in roofing.

Rubberbond FleeceBack, a Carlisle SynTec EPDM product available exclusively in the UK through Flex-R, offers an ideal solution for nearly any low-slope roofing situation.

Download our ten steps as a pdf here.

Over to You:

Is there another reason why you use EPDM on your projects? Let us know in the comments!