The Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing
If you want to upgrade your old roof to a more durable, new finish, you may have considered EPDM. EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber that can provide a more energy efficient and durable material to replace a worn out, old roof. This increasingly popular material can offer a straightforward solution, but before you make a final purchase decision, it is important that you understand both the pros and cons of EPDM roofing.
The Pros
EPDM roofing offers some fantastic benefits in a variety of applications, particularly compared to other roofing materials. These include:
- Long Lasting & Low Maintenance: EPDM is leaps and bounds ahead of many traditional roofing materials, such as felt. This rubber roofing can be used in extreme conditions to provide a reliable and durable roof that can last between thirty and fifty years. While felt flat roofs can accumulate moss and algae, synthetic rubber will not support moss growth, so you can avoid the problems of moss intrusion causing splitting and leaks.
- A Greener Option: EPDM is made using recycled materials, which makes it a greener option compared to some alternative roofing materials. EPDM systems are also BBA Certified to provide assurance that the product is made to the highest quality standards.
- Custom Solutions: EPDM membranes can be cut to the exact specifications for the fit of your roof, including the necessary overhang to facilitate an easy installation. Having your roofing material cut to size allows a standard roof to be installed with one piece of membrane to minimise the risks of leakage along seams.
- Easy Damage Repair: Repairing any damage to a EPDM roof is very easy. The damaged surface will need to be thoroughly clean to prevent interruption of the bonding process. The surface will need to be primed before flashing tape is used to cover the damage completely. This can eliminate much of the stress of performing repairs.
- No Cracking, Rotting or Blistering: Unlike many roofing materials, the natural properties of EPDM will mean that once installed, the product will be resistant to cracks, blistering and rotting completely.
The Cons
Although EPDM roofing can offer some fantastic benefits, you should be aware of the potential cons. These include:
- Potential Complications: Unfortunately, the installation for your roof may not be straightforward and simple. If you have a completely flat roof with no obstacles, it is likely to be relatively easy, but this is not the typical scenario. Your roof is likely to have chimneys vents or even lanterns that will require the EPDM material to be cut to shape and then sealed with flashing tape to ensure water tightness. For this reason, it is vital to rely on an experienced professional who can perform a complete installation to eliminate the risk of leaks.
- Potential for Damage: Although EPDM is exceptionally durable, it is not indestructible. Falling objects such as storm debris and tree branches or foot traffic have the potential to tear the membrane. While this can be easily repaired, it is crucial to watch out for any damage to ensure that your roof remains watertight. Additionally, although there is a potential for damage, you can reduce this risk by choosing a thicker membrane, but this will come at a higher price.
- You Need the Right Installer: While rubber roofing has been around for decades, it is still a relatively new product compared to other materials. This means that you need the right installer to carry out your roofing project. Fortunately, our recommended professionals have vast experience in EPDM roofing to ensure that your roof is fully watertight and can protect your home for many years to come.
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Recent Reviews About The Roofers
First class service from start to finish. Alan called within about 10 minutes of my online request, looked at roof the next day as promised and called with findings and quote. Arrived to do job on the exact day that he said he would and completed job. Would definitely recommend without hesitation!
Elaine More
Very swift response from Louis, followed by speedy and successful repairs at a reasonable price . Very efficient, knowledgeable and friendly team. Would use them again and recommend to others.
Anonymous
Have used L and M a few times now for several different properties. Outstanding service each time and managed to find and repair faults that others could not. Highly recommend!!!
Anonymous
I called Louis when I was horrified to discover I was missing a tile on my roof and I had 1 sq ft hole in my roof. He came by the same day, within a couple of hours, climbed onto the roof and replaced the tile within 5 minutes! He then declined payment in favour of a good review here. So, once again, many thanks Louis - you're a lifesaver!!
Anonymous
So glad we have found a roofer which we can call upon for any future roofing works. Pleasant, honest and genuinely a nice guy. The job was done promptly and he even left us some extra tiles as spares. Thank you Louis for responding to our enquiry so quickly! Job satisfaction 100%! Would not hesitate to recommend.
Anonymous
Thank you Louis and your team Lloyd Scott &Fred you were all very polite,cheerful,and friendly and nothing was too much trouble.You informed us of what would happen from start to finish with the roof and what a great job you have made of it.Everything was swept and tidied away after a days work.If we could give you more than ten out of ten we would.We cant praise you highly enough for the work you have done.We would recommend you to anyone.A brillant roofing company.Thank you. Val and Gordon Dicks
Val
Louis came the next day for a quote, which was reasonable and fixed out roof tile quickly, very happy with the service. Would use again.
Anonymous
A+ roofer, will definitely use again.
Buckland
Louis provided a fantastic service, he was able to visit us the day after I asked for his help, and called beforehand to say he was on his way. A section of the wire mesh protecting our solar panels had come loose. Louis carefully repaired it so that we don't have to worry about those pesky squirrels and pigeons making a nest. Excellent job, so friendly and courteous. Thank you Louis. Would 100% recommend.
Eastney
The company was exquisite and delivered a quality service. They were nothing but friendly and honest. Everything was delivered on time, especially in the hot weather, and to an exceptional standard. I would have no problem recommending Lewis and his team again as they are experts at what they do.
Cosham
This is the third time we have used Louis. Another exceptional job carried out on my property. Will definately use again and will highly recommend to friends and family.
Anonymous
Louis came the next day for a quote, which was reasonable and fixed out roof tile quickly, very happy with the service. Would use again.
Anonymous
Louis came out promptly to quote. He was very knowledgeable, and suggested with the age of the roof it would be better to replace rather than repair. I am glad we did as the roof did not have any boarding and there had been signs of water damage where the roof joined the garage. He arranged a team to clear the Debris before he started to lay the new roof, so the area was kept clean and clear. Louis and his team were very polite and nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend them.
Hampshire
Paul and his team recently replaced our roof. They did an excellent job, carrying out the work in a professional and friendly way. I will be recommending Paul to our friends, family and neighbours.
Andy B
Quick to respond and turned up on time with work completed Can't fault these guys at all will definitely recommend and use them again
Neil Mitchell
We found Michael very knowledgeable and a excellent worker very clean and tidy at the end of a job would highly recommend him to anyone .
Patricia york
Brilliant job done, kept us informed every step of the process and the price was price paid, great people to deal with always on time. Cleaned up during and after job done. Full roof replaced at a great price and would have no hesitation using the company again or recommending them to friends and family or anyone who needs work on there roof. 5 STAR SERVICE
John
Can't fault the professional and personal approach from C.R.S Roofing. When you're putting your trust in someone coming to your home and carrying out works than can be expensive and time-consuming, it's crucial you have someone who communicates well, often and appropriately; doesn't feed you excuses but is upfront and honest; arrives when they say they're going to arrive; and do what they say they're going to do, at the agreed price and time, and to a high standard. C.R.S Roofing did all of this. We required a chimney and old skylight to be taken away, with a velux window and new skylight fitted. This was done quickly, with minimal disruption or mess, and we are very happy with the results. Any delays or issues were quickly raised, discussed and mitigated. Highly recommended.
Alan B
Great and reliable service. Alan repaired my roof giving good advice and carrying out the work when he said he would. Will definitely use him again.
Neil
Very satisfied with work carried out on gutters. Competitive price, polite very pleasant to deal with. Will definitely use CRC Roofing again. Thanks.
Patricia
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