Rubber roofing explained: costs, types, advantages and disadvantages (2023)

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of rubber roofing? ›

There are three types of rubber roofing (EPDM, TPO, and PVC), which are long-lasting options that offers many benefits you may not have considered.

Single-ply rubber roofing is the ideal material for flat and low-sloped roofs because of its durability and water resistance. Each type of rubber roofing material—whether it contains synthetic rubber polymers or plastic polymers—was specifically designed to protect low-sloped roofs from water damage.

Rubber roofs are very low maintenance however sometimes you may like to give it a clean to keep it as good as new for as long as possible. A handy tip when cleaning your rubber roof is to use dish soap such as fairy liquid and water.

It's robust, durable, and resistant to blistering. It's also easy to install, so it's cheaper than felt. Rubber roofing isn't limited to your home's deeper layers. Rubber shingles and rolls are an excellent replacement for tiles, protecting low-pitch roofs from the weather without requiring heavy maintenance.

Like any other polymer, natural rubber has some disadvantages as well. It does not have very strong heat resistance and is only able to withstand temperatures as high as 180° F (82° C). Due to the presence of double bonds on the backbone of the polymer, natural rubber is susceptible to being attacked by ozone.

If installed correctly, you can expect a rubber roof to in excess of up to 50 years. Because an EPDM flat roof is compromised of durable rubber, it can withstand extreme weather conditions such as hail or snow and common weather such as rain and strong winds.

Asphalt and shingles aren't suitable for a rubber membrane to be bonded onto. However, for surfaces such as felt, overboarding and adding an EPDM rubber roof is ideal for adding protection to it and further insulating your roof.

So if nothing's going to be installed on the EPDM after it's been installed then we would normally just recommend the 1.2 membrane .

Is rubber roofing cheaper than shingles? ›

Opting for rubber shingles will cost you three to four times more than you would pay for asphalt shingles. However, asphalt shingles will come with their costs, such as repairing own shingles and installing roof trusses or rafters. The reason why rubber roofs cost significantly more is that they are so durable.

The most expensive type of roofing material is slate.

For labor and materials, you can expect the cost of a slate roof to start around $15.00 per square foot and has the potential to get up to around $30.00 or more per square foot.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt is the cheapest of all roofing materials in the market and will last you between 15 to 30 years. This is the best option for homeowners facing budgetary constraints. It is also widely available and comes in a variety of colors.

TPO has a higher resistance to punctures than EPDM. Additionally, TPO seam strength is nearly four times that of an EPDM adhered/taped seam. That said, on average, EPDM roofing membranes are proven to last considerably longer than TPO.

In fact, about every two to four years is ideal, depending on the kind of weather you have and the type of environment you drive through on a regular basis. Certain kinds of climates can cause more wear and tear on the roof than others. And always, after a large storm or heavy snow, inspect the roof for damage.

First off, let me answer the popular question of “How often do I need to reseal my RV roof?” It's case by case, roof by roof, of course, but the recommendation is to reseal your roof each and every year. Every 10 years it is recommended to replace the entire roof. Failure to do so will cause leaks.

Rubber roofing is lightweight, making it easy to install, but it is also thick and strong. This helps to repel heat in the summer, keeping your space cool and saving on air conditioning costs. It also absorbs warmth in the winter, making it perfect for those biting UK winters too!

Underlayment is a waterproof or water resistant barrier that's installed directly to your roof deck before the actual roof material is installed. Here are some good reasons to use underlayment: It provides protection for the roof deck before and during the installation process.

EPDM rubber membrane is the ideal solution as it is easy to install and lasts a lifetime.

When you are fitting an EPDM roof, you need to make sure that it is glued down properly. During the membrane application process, you will need to apply two different types of adhesive. The first is a water-based adhesive. Use Permaroof deck adhesive for the best results.

What is the danger of rubber? ›

Rubber product manufacturing puts workers at risk of breathing in hazardous dust and chemical fumes. Symptoms of respiratory illness may develop over time.

ADVANTAGES: NATURAL RUBBER exhibits high resilience, good tensile strength, and tear resistance. In addition to excellent wear resistance, NATURAL RUBBER also offers low permanent set characteristics plus good flexing qualities at low temperatures.

It has excellent tensile, elongation, tear resistance and resilience. It has good abrasion resistance and excellent low temperature flexibility. Without special additives, it has poor resistance to ozone, oxygen, sunlight and heat.

What is rubber deterioration? Most elastomers undergo rubber degradation over time and the most common rubber deterioration causes are exposure to light, oxygen (ozone) and heat.

Natural rubber vs synthetic rubber

Synthetic rubber also excels in extreme temperatures due to good heat resistance and heat-aging qualities. However, it is not recommended to use synthetic rubber in applications that involve ozone, strong acids, oils, greases, fats and most hydrocarbons.

Leaks can be a real problem for rubber roofs that haven't been properly maintained, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. EPDM rubber is a waterproof material that should protect your home in all weather conditions.

Trapped Air

As the sun warms the roof, it will begin to appear as bubbling along seams. The EPDM membrane will often contract back into its normal position after the sun sets and the temperature cools. When installing the warm deck insulation, it's important to make sure the underlying roof structure is dry.

Technically, some rubber roofs can be laid over existing layers, but it's always best practice to tear off the old roofing and replace it new.

EPDM rubber roofing can be installed to a few different surfaces, but it works best when it adheres to timber deckings such as roofing grade plywood or OSB sterling board. Sometimes EPDM can be bonded to lightweight concrete and other surfaces that are non-porous like fibreglass and tissue faced insulation.

It's usually recommended that a rubber flat roof shouldn't be installed in temperatures under 5°c. Before carrying out any installation in colder conditions, always check the manufacturers' recommendations.

What is rubber roofing called? ›

A rubber roof, known in the roofing business as an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roof, has a lot of advantages and only a few disadvantages. One of the big advantages to rubber is the cost.

Answer: 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner does list RV roofs on the label. 36 of 45 people found this answer helpful.

Normally, 1:80 (0.72⁰) is the recommended minimum angle for a slope, and this is universal across the vast majority of flat roofing systems, regardless of the materials that they incorporate.

Roofing professionals emphasize that the choice of flat roof insulation should feature the appropriate R-value. The most expensive and highly recommended insulation is Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) rigid foam. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is also an optimal choice, along with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

Asphalt shingles! These are some of the lowest-cost materials on the market for roofing. Asphalt shingles are very common and great for budget-conscious homeowners. Their lifespan is shorter than other roofing materials with warranties of 15-30 years (about half as long as metal roofs).

The cheapest roof design is a roof with just hips, which are the sloping part, while the gable is the triangular bit on the end of the roof. A lot of subdivisions require a roof with hips and gables (rather than just a hip roof) so that is the most common form of roof construction.

Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever. If you ever travel abroad, you might notice many homes in Europe have slate or clay tile roofs simply because they were easy to manufacture years ago and have been proven to stand the test of time (and the elements).

From the above information, we can conclude that color doesn't determine the durability of shingles. Both light-colored and dark-colored shingles can last longer if given the necessary maintenance.

What Are the Least Expensive Roofing Options? Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing materials because they have relatively low upfront costs. Still, there are other things to consider, such as the lifetime cost of materials and how often you have to replace them.

What roof is best for lower insurance? ›

Material: A slate roof is considered more stable and may earn you a lower rate. A wooden roof isn't fire-resistant and poses a risk, resulting in a higher rate or may make you ineligible for a policy. Shape: Gable roofs and hip roofs are the two most common roof types.

A metal hip roof offers the most durability of any common roofing design. Because hip roofs have an inward slope, they're ideal for regions that are prone to strong wind and frequent snow.

The disadvantages of EPDM rubber include relatively poor resistance to petroleum-based fuels, most oils and non-polar solvents. Given these characteristics, EPDM is not a suitable material for petro-chemical applications. It should be noted that the inert nature of EPDM also makes it difficult to adhere to.

The cost of EPDM installation adds another $1.50 to $3 per square foot. For a 1,500 square foot roof, expect to pay between $8,000 and $22,000. The price range for an EPDM roof is incredibly vast due to various factors such as the cost of materials, adhesive, labor, equipment, and many other things.

If installed correctly, you can expect a rubber roof to in excess of up to 50 years. Because an EPDM flat roof is compromised of durable rubber, it can withstand extreme weather conditions such as hail or snow and common weather such as rain and strong winds.

Typically, moisture cure silicone roof coatings can last for about 15 years. This tends to be the average. This requires that you ensure the roof is properly cared for during that time.

There are three different types of single-ply underlayment: thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). If you're considering EPDM rubber membrane for flat roof installation, here what you need to know.

It's a good idea to plan for a new coating every five years to ensure its integrity and continued performance.

You need to make sure you choose paint that's durable, can settle on rubber, can hold up against direct sunlight and can withstand all types of weather. An acrylic coating specifically designed for rubber roofing would be ideal.

How much does it cost to rubber coat a roof? ›

Roof coating materials range from $0.15 to $2.50 per square foot. Acrylic coating is the most affordable (even the best kinds cost under a dollar per square foot). Liquid rubber and high-end polyurea (which requires two coats) will cost $2 to $2.50 per square foot.

Technically, some rubber roofs can be laid over existing layers, but it's always best practice to tear off the old roofing and replace it new. So once you have all of your tools and materials, it's time to start tearing off the old roofing.

High winds can lift or otherwise stress flat rubber roofing on your home. Windy weather can completely rip away a rubber roof or cause tears and looseness that allow water to penetrate. Bubbles in the rubber indicate wind damage and should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

In colder temperatures, especially below freezing, the adhesives and primers will fail to correctly bond the EPDM rubber membrane to the surface. It's usually recommended that a rubber flat roof shouldn't be installed in temperatures under 5°c.

Properly installed EPDM rubber should be able to withstand the water without absorbing any, but it's still important to drain any puddles as soon as you spot them. Regular maintenance and inspections will help to identify any problem pooling areas on the roof.