Category: Rubber Roofing

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Metal Roofing Rubber Roofing

Rubber Roof vs Metal Roof: Navigating Your Roofing Choices

Choosing between a rubber roof vs metal roof can feel like a big decision, but understanding your property’s needs will make the choice easier. Both are very smart choices for Virginia’s climate, but they each work best in certain scenarios. A rubber roof is ideal for flat roofs, whereas metal roofs are better suited for sloped roofs. Taking aesthetics, budget, and structural design into consideration, the experts at Piedmont Roofing provide honest advice.

Choosing a new roof should not be an overwhelming decision, but it often is for so many homeowners and commercial property owners. After all, there are many different materials on the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. 

What is the best roof for your property? If you find yourself stuck between two strong contenders, like rubber and metal, this article will help you feel confident in the roof you finally choose.

Rubber Roof vs Metal Roof: What’s the Difference?

Both a rubber roof and a metal roof will serve your structure well. Yet they are two very different options. When weighing a rubber roof vs metal roof, the key differences often come down to slope, durability, and budget.

A rubber roof is a flexible, waterproof material that is generally used on low-slope or flat roofs. Sometimes referred to as TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen, it is durable and easy to install. What’s more, it is great at keeping moisture at bay.

On the other hand, metal roofing is ideal for pitched roofs, though it may be found on low-slope or flat roofs with some extra care. These can be made of different metals like aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc.

Each option has a solid reputation for standing the test of time, but there is no denying that they are very different. As roofing professionals, we know that the best choice depends on your property’s unique needs, budget, and long-term goals, so we take the time to walk through those factors with you before recommending a solution.

Rubber Roofing: The Pros and Cons

Rubber roofing comes with some amazing qualities that set it apart from others, but it does have its limitations. First, let’s take a look at why this could be your best choice.

Does your home or commercial building have a flatter profile? For flat roofs, the rubber roof vs metal roof debate often ends quickly, as rubber offers better waterproofing for low-slope designs. Although not ideal for steep slopes, a rubber roof forms a water-tight seal that reduces your risk of water infiltration. It installs quickly, which means minimal interruptions to get it up and going. And, it can last upwards of 20 to 30 years!

Rubber roofing is lightweight and typically comes with a lower installation cost than metal. This can make it a great choice for older buildings or those on a budget.

The cons? A rubber roof may provide the functionality of a roof well, but it doesn’t necessarily enhance the structure’s appearance. Thankfully, because it is used primarily on flat roofs, its lack of appeal is not as noticeable.

Rubber can be vulnerable over time. It can be torn or punctured if tree branches, hail, or other debris hit it hard enough.

Metal Roofing: The Pros and Cons

Roofs of metal are growing in popularity atop residences and businesses alike. And for good reason, since they offer both functionality and aesthetics. They even come in different styles and colors to match any architectural style.  

If your decision to buy a rubber roof vs metal roof, you may lean toward metal if longevity and aesthetics are your top priorities. Metal roofing is extremely durable and can have a lifespan upwards of 40 to 70 years, depending on the material. Being resistant to wind, fire, and weather impact makes them a perfect solution in areas that have storms and inclement weather.

Metal doesn’t warp, crack, or rot, which means the upkeep is rather simple, with very little maintenance necessary. There isn’t much more to do than have it regularly inspected and ensure it is clear of debris.

As with anything in life, there are a few cons when it comes to metal roofs. For instance, they tend to have a higher cost upfront. And, although the metal may be tough, damage is possible. Things like hail or falling branches can leave dents and scratches on the surface, especially with softer metals like aluminum.

How to Decide Which Roof is Right For You?

Choosing between a rubber roof and a metal roof isn’t just about the material itself, but instead finding the right fit for your property. There are a few key factors that can help you navigate your roofing choices.

The Roof’s Slope

Property owners comparing a rubber roof vs metal roof should first look at slope, as this factor will strongly influence performance. Low-slope or flat roofs require a material that offers superior waterproofing, such as a rubber roof. A metal roof is often a better choice for a property that has a steep slope for water to slide off easily.

Local Climate

In Virginia’s varied weather, the rubber roof vs metal roof choice may depend on how each material handles humidity, snow, and storms. Metal roofs have durability throughout the seasons, while rubber roofing is a better option for moderate climates. Virginia experiences a mix of weather during the year. Summertime can be hot and humid, while the cold winter can bring some snow. Heavy rains, wind, and the occasional threat of a hurricane are all possible. Both metal and rubber can stand up to these, depending, again, on the roof’s slope.

Budget

When cost is the deciding factor in the rubber roof vs metal roof choice, rubber tends to be more affordable upfront. Many find this a great option if working with a tight budget. Metal roofing is a bigger investment, but it does come with a much longer lifespan with little upkeep.

Ready to Choose the Right Roof?

If you’re still unsure about the rubber roof vs metal roof decision, our Piedmont Roofing experts can walk you through the pros and cons for your property. Virginia’s heat, cold snaps, and storms mean that your roof has to make more than just an appearance; the material you choose matters.

At Piedmont Roofing, we bring decades of experience working within your local communities, helping homeowners and business owners make the right decision. We will help you find the perfect roof for your structure and your budget.

With a trusted expert on your side, you don’t have to guess. Contact us today for a consultation and free estimate. 

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Rubber Roofing

EPDM Roofing Material: What Are the Pros and Cons?

EPDM rubber roofing material doesn’t only make for a great roof, it is also environmentally friendly and easy to install. Learn the pros and cons to rubber roofing.

Are you looking for the best way to recover a flat roof? If you’ve been looking online, then you’ll see that many roofers recommend EPDM roofing material.

What is it, and should you use it to cover your roof?

Here are all the pros and cons, so you’re prepared with all the information before you make a decision.

What Is EPDM Roofing Material?

Firstly, you need to know what the EPDM roofing material actually consists of.

EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer roofing, is a type of rubber roofing.

It’s made up of:

  • Recycled tires
  • Sawdust
  • Slate dust

You’ll spend roughly $0.80 per square foot, making it some of the cheapest roofing materials around.

The Pros Of EPDM Rubber Roofing

So why should you consider buying this type of roofing to cover your flat roof? There’s lots of reasons why you should take a look at it.

Here’s just a few for you to think about:

1. The price is cheap:

There’s no doubt that replacing a roof is an expensive job. You don’t want to spend money that you don’t have to, when you’re looking to improve your home.

EPDM roofing is some of the cheapest around, so it’s well worth looking at.

2. Easily installed:

The joy of EPDM roofing is that it’s so simple to install. If you’re a reasonably competent DIYer, then you could install it yourself.

This is what attracts a lot of people to it, as installing it themselves saves money. However, it is also cheaper when you have roofers install it for you, as it won’t take them very long to get the job done.

3. Made with recycled materials:

As already mentioned, the EPDM roofing material is made up of several recycled products.

This is great news for anyone who’s looking to reduce their impact on the environment. You can be safe in the knowledge that you’re not creating any more waste with your roofing choice.

4. Rubber lasts a long time:

As a material, rubber is very sturdy. On your roof, it will last for years to come. If repairs need to be made, it’s fairly easy to do them.

It can be patched with rubber shingles if needed. Also, even though it’s rubber and it does absorb heat, it’s not easily damaged by UV rays.

5. Lightweight and watertight:

When a rubber roof is installed, the easiest way to do it is to strip everything off the existing roof, apply the adhesive and then roll out the roofing.

This method means there are very little seams that can let water in. The roof itself is very lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about the weight of it causing problems later down the line.

6. Options for installation:

There are several ways your roof can be installed, depending on your home and your needs. The easiest way is to glue it down with adhesive.

If needed, it can be fastened down too for extra security. It’s also an option to ballast it with stone, making it look more attractive into the bargain.

7. Fire resistant:

One of the great things about a rubber roof is that it’s almost totally fire resistant. If a fire were to break out beneath it, it’s almost impossible for it to be set aflame.

It can even slow the spread of fire, making it much safer. Some insurance companies will give you a discount if you have a rubber roof, so get in touch with them and see what they can offer you.

 

 

The Cons Of EPDM Roofing

This all sounds really good, but you also need to know the drawbacks of your roofing. Here’s some of the issues of the EPDM roofing material that you need to be aware of.

1. Not as attractive as other roofing materials:

As opposed to other roofing materials, rubber roofing doesn’t look quite as good.

Many homeowners report that their roofs look like a stretched out inner tube. It’s not ideal. In most cases, people use rubber roofing to roof sheds and garages, as it’s a more utilitarian roofing material.

If you use it on your main home, then it may affect the curb appeal.

2. Leads to overheating:

As you’d expect with rubber, you’ll find that EPDM roofing material does absorb heat. This will lead to the rooms below it becoming warmer.

A lot of this can be attributed to the color of the rubber. You can buy lighter colored rubber roofing, which does stop a lot of heating from happening.

However, you will pay more for that roofing.

3. Easily punctured:

The problem with rubber is that it is easily punctured. If you walk on the roof with the wrong kind of boots, or a branch falls on the roof after a storm, damage will occur.

It’s not too difficult to repair it, but you probably will need to repair it at least once.

It’s better to install a rubber roof somewhere away from trees, and ensure that it’s not walked on if at all possible.

Conclusion

There’s lots of reasons why you’ll want to consider a rubber roof. It’s easy to install, it’s fire resistant, and it’s made with recycled materials. There’s all kinds of reasons why it’s great for your home.

The best reason? Just how inexpensive it is. Re-roofing parts of your home is expensive, and you want to save money where you can.

Why not look into how much a EPDM roof will cost you?

There’s lots of benefits to EPDM roofing material. They’re perfect if you’re environmentally friendly, they’re good for DIY enthusiasts who want to install their own roofs, and they’re basically great all round roofs.

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Rubber Roofing

7 Things You Should Know About Rubber Roofing Materials

Rubber roofing materials aren’t always the most common or well-known; but they offer many benefits. Here’s what to know about this type of roof material.

You’ve heard of metal and asphalt shingle roofs, but have you heard of rubber roofing materials? Many people haven’t; and they’re missing out on a great roofing material that can provide many benefits to a home or business owner.

If you’re looking for an energy efficient, long-lasting, and affordable option when it comes to roofing materials, consider rubber. Alternatives like metal are great but they’re very expensive and labor-intensive to install; rubber, however, is quite the opposite.

Consider these top seven benefits of rubber roofing materials for your next roofing project for your home or business.

 

What is rubber roofing?

It’s first important to understand what, exactly, rubber roofing is, as many people have not heard of this concept.

Also known as “ethylene propylene diene terpolymer”, rubber roofing materials are often seen in commercial applications more so than residential. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be useful in the latter.

It can vary in thickness and sheet size, as well.

There are many benefits of rubber roofing materials; from energy efficiency, to durability, here are the seven most popular benefits of this type of material.

 

1. Rubber roofing is very affordable.

Rubber roofing materials are, first and foremost, very affordable.

Prices obviously depend on where you’re at in the country and the nature of your project, but much of the time you can buy rubber roofing for under $10 per square foot.

This is markedly cheaper than options like asphalt shingles or metal.

In addition, rubber roofing is very easy to install, meaning you’ll spend significantly less on labor costs. The material is very lightweight and usually comes in large sheets, making it rather quick and easy to install compared to other roofing materials.

 

2. Rubber roofing is incredibly durable.

Another great benefit of rubber roofing is that your investment will probably last a lifetime.

Usually rubber roofing materials are installed as one large sheet, or several large sheets depending on the grade and shape of the roof.

This means there are no shingles that can fall off and need to be replaced. Many rubber roofs are estimated to last at an upwards of 50 years!

Likewise, there are few seams that will ever need repair or resealing.

For this reason, rubber roofing is incredibly watertight. You won’t have to worry about leaks. And, if for some reason one of the seams does leak, it’s a simple fix that doesn’t involve a great deal of labor like asphalt shingles would.

 

 

3. Maintenance is easy.

In the off chance that your rubber roof will need any maintenance, it’s maintenance that you, the homeowner, will likely be able to do yourself.

Rubber roofing materials are relatively simple which makes its ownership easy and low stress. Repairs are minimal by nature. You may opt to paint it every ten years or so, but this is not required for it to function as it should.

 

4. Rubber roofing materials are environmentally conscious.

Rubber roofing is one of the most “green,” environmentally-friendly roofing options available on the market today.

It is a sustainable roofing material and is completely recyclable at the end of its life.

It can also help your home be even more energy efficient and environmentally conscious.

 

5. As stated above, it’s energy efficient.

Rubber roofing is an economical choice not only because its affordable to purchase and install, but it can also save you money on energy costs, which has the secondary benefit of being great for the environment.

Rubber reflects the sun’s heat, which will keep your home cool in the summer.

It’s also an excellent insulator, which will keep the warmth inside during the winter months.

 

 

6. It helps you keep your structure safe.

Whether you own a home or a business, protecting that structure and all that is contained within it are probably foremost on your mind much of the time.

Rubber roofing materials help your home stay safe and protected for a number of reasons.

First, it can handle extreme temperatures–both hot and cold–without sacrificing quality and durability. In the hottest of summers it will keep protecting your home, and it’ll do the same in the coldest of winters.

It’s aforementioned watertight qualities can also help keep your home dry in wet or moist weather. This will not only keep you comfortable, but will protect against water damage that can negatively impact the value of your home down the road.

Perhaps most importantly, rubber roofing is fire resistant. Compared to other materials like wood or asphalt roofing, rubber roofing won’t feed a fire.

Lightning, brush fires, and other fires won’t ever be able to ignite a rubber roof. In addition, a rubber roof can help reduce flames which can buy you precious time in the event of a fire.

 

7. You have many design options to choose from.

Rubber roofing can come in a number of different textures and colors.

You’re not limited to one color in a plain, flat texture; you can determine what shade and shape looks best for your home and install that style to reap the benefits of rubber roofing without sacrificing aesthetics.

 

Conclusion

Rubber roofing is a lesser-known option when it comes to unique roofing options, but it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked as it can provide a number of benefits to home and business owners.

Since it comes in large sheets, it’s installation is relatively easy for professionals, making it affordable for you.

You’re not limited to one style or color; there are actually quite a few to choose from.

In addition, any problems that arise–though they’re not expected because rubber is so low maintenance–can likely be solved by you, the homeowner, without having to resort to costly labor expenses.

It’s not only affordable and long-lasting, but it can also keep your home safe from water damage and fire. It’s environmentally friendly, as well, and can ensure that your home is kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Ultimately, rubber roofing materials are an excellent consideration if you’re in the market for an affordable and long-lasting roofing option.

If you choose those roofing material, you’re sure to end up with a great look, peace of mind, and energy efficiency.

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Rubber Roofing Blog

Rubber Roofing Installation Tips

Rubber roofing installation is used on flat roofs for the most part. They offer unparalleled protection against leaks and help keep roofs dry, allowing a lot of versatility. These roofs are often made of EDMP or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber. This offers an excellent membrane that acts well, making it easy to maintain and also quite cheap compared to other types of roofing. If you happen to have a roof with a low slope or even a flat one, rubber roofing will be one of the best ways you can handle the situation. One of the first things you will notice is that this type of roofing is very easy to install. Follow these tips to begin your rubber roofing installation process:

Rubber Roofing Installation

The first thing you should do is check out the weather. Make sure you don’t start the project unless there are at least three clear days ahead of you. The adhesives used in the rubber roofing installation will need at least 48 hours to cure properly. The roof will not be waterproof until then. Because you this, you may ruin your installation completely if you have water seeping in while it dries.

Filling the gaps

If you have gaps in the roof that happen to be large enough, you should make sure you fill them. You can fill them with some wooden strips to cover the openings. If you have gaps larger than about a quarter of an inch this may cause your rubber membrane to fail adhering.

Allowing some overlap

You should also make sure you allow enough overlap when you’re placing pieces of the rubber roofing down. At least six inches of the pieces should overlap each other, so they can allow a completely waterproof surface.

Cleaning your roof

You should always make sure your roof is clean before you start with rubber roofing installation. Take away all debris and this will help a tighter, more effective installation. You must make sure everything is clean or otherwise you may not have a level roof which allows water to drop off and away from it.

Checking your roof

You should double-check your roof for leaves, branches and other things to ensure everything is clean and maintained once you install the rubber roofing. Regardless of the fact that it acts like an excellent deterrent to water, this type of roof still needs to be maintained properly just like any other. Thankfully, this type of roof doesn’t add any chemical pollutants to its run-off water, so you can enjoy an eco-friendly home combined with these materials as well. One other thing that may amaze you is that installing that type of roof may allow you to keep a rooftop garden on top or even grow grass on the roof of your home if you feel inclined to do so, and its construction allows it.

 

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Rubber Roofing Blog

What Exactly is a Rubber Roof?

A rubber roof is basically what it sounds like, a material that is generally comprised of rubber, sawdust and slate dust.  Depending on what type of roof you are covering, you can unroll a length of rubber roof sheeting on a flat top roof. You can also look into rubber shingles for the more traditional look on your pitched roof.  Because of their composition, the roofing can outlast wood, slate or even asphalt shingles. Some rubber roofs have a life expectancy of fifty years.

The rubber makes it durable and able to withstand weather extremes as well as maintaining water resistance.   Though they may be a little more expensive than asphalt shingles, rubber roofing is still far less expensive than slate and will not crack or crumble as that particular material will do out in the elements.

Benefits of a Rubber Roof

Durability –

A lot of rubber roofing products are made from durable recycled materials. With so much weathering and debris that are thrown at a roof, it is essential that it holds up no matter what the situation. Rubber is so durable that it will withstand most elements that it is exposed to.

Water Tightness –

The reason that rubber roofing is such a popular option for flat commercial roofs is because sometimes water will pool up when it does not have a slope to run down. When this happens, it tries to seep through the roof and into the building. With many commercial buildings with flat roofs, and even some homes, the rubber keeps the water from dripping into and ruining the structure.

Low Maintenance –

A rubber roof does not take much to keep it in good shape. Gentle cleaning is sometimes required. Because of how durable the material is, it will rarely need to be repaired. If a repair comes to light, it takes little effort to replace a rubber shingle. It can be done in just a short amount of time as well.

Appearance –

Rubber roofing looks just as sleek as any other type of roofing product. Some may envision it as a lesser product when it comes to appearance. However, often times there are customers who cannot tell the difference. There are different options for style and color, making it a great choice for both residential and commercial customers.

Installing a Rubber Roof

If you are interested in learning more about rubber as an alternative and eco-friendly material for roofing, then perhaps you could try your hand out for your next do-it-yourself project.  Start with a smaller project to see how the rubber roof fares. Perhaps consider what adding additional water resistance to a small storage shed might mean. It may greatly help in keeping your items free from water damage.   Apply a sheet of rubber roofing and roll the length of it.

The edge should overlap by a good few inches so make sure that you have the necessary amount.   After determining the size, apply an adhesive with a roller brush. Apply on both the top and bottom, but not the very edges of it.  Take a large push broom to ‘sweep’ out any air pockets before continuing with the adhesive on the very edges as well as the sheeting.  This is another sealer-type glue that you apply to both the rubber roof sheeting as well as the baseboard underneath.

Again, once the glue has a tacky consistency to it, take a small roller-style paintbrush and brush out any air bubbles for that super-tight seal.

Once the glue has bonded, adhere the gutters or edging pieces and cut off the excess rubber sheet.  Applying your rubber roofing can be a simple, weekend project that will help weather any future storms.

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Blog Rubber Roofing

Benefits Of Rubber Roofing

Homeowners seeking a cost-effective roofing solution will realize that rubber roofing can be the best solution to their problem. Before deciding whether it’s the right option for you, it’s important that you research the pros as well as cons of this roofing product.  The following article discusses some of the benefits of rubber roofing.

Benefits of Rubber Roofing

There are many benefits of rubber roofing. We discuss some of the most universal benefits below.

Easy to Install

Rubber roofs are easy to install. Moreover you can even install them over your existing roof, avoiding the task of tearing up and disposing the old roofing. However, this is possible only if the existing roof is still pretty new.

Rubber roofs require very little (if any) maintenance, unlike other roofing materials. All a homeowner has to do to maintain the roof is to repaint it once every 10-12 years with acrylic paint.

Cost Savings

Price is one of the biggest benefits of rubber roofing.  The cost of installing these roofs is cheaper than other roofing options. Rubber is also lightweight; making its installation is quick and easy. This minimizes installation and labor costs.

Durability

Rubber also lasts long. This type of roofing can last a long period of time before requiring to be replaced, usually 30-50 years. Rubber roofs hold out well against water, wind, or even fire, because most are fire-resistant. They’re also UV and ozone stable, making them non-perishable materials.

Environmentally Friendly

Another one of the largest benefits of rubber roofing is that it’s one of the most environmentally-friendly options a homeowner can consider. The rubber itself requires less energy to manufacture than most other materials.  In addition, rubber is often made out of recycled materials and the roofs are 100 percent recyclable upon expiry.

Rubber roofs are also very energy-efficient. A rubber roof reflects the heat from the sun, especially lighter-colored roofs meant for residential use, significantly saving the homeowner’s air conditioning costs. The roof also insulates the house, trapping heat to reduce the cost of utility bills and energy in colder months. You don’t need to worry about the roofing cracking or freezing under the extremes of low temperature.  Modern rubber roofing is made to withstand both extremes of heat and cold.

Rubber roofs are gaining popularity quickly as many homeowners and builders begin to choose environmentally-friendly roofing options. You should consider these roofing materials to enjoy these benefits of rubber roofing for many years to come.

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