The
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) rubber roofing membrane
has been an appealing choice of the low-slope commercial roofing
industry for over 40 years, with more than 500,000 warranted
roof installations on 20 billion-plus square feet. Annually, EPDM
accounts for over 1 billion square feet of new roof coverings in
the United States, and is the most frequently used roofing material
in the marketplace. Building Design and Construction magazine
and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) confirmed
in their 2002-2003 market surveys that EPDM continues to be the
number one roofing choice of architects, roof consultants and contractors
for both new construction and replacement roofing projects.
Superior Performance
The greatest test of any construction material
is how it performs under actual field conditions. Forty years of
empirical experience in field applications has shown EPDM to have
the roofing industry's longest average service life. Characteristics
that contribute to this superior overall system performance include:
Cyclical membrane fatigue resistance
Proven hail resistance
High resistance to ozone, weathering and abrasion
Flexibility in low temperatures
Superior resistance to extreme heat and fire
Thermal shock durability
Ultraviolet radiation resistance
EPDM's high resistance to wind damage has also
proven to be an increasingly desirable attribute. These roof systems
can be designed to meet a variety of wind uplift criteria from Factory
Mutual, including 1-60, 1-90, and 1-120 ratings and greater, and
the stringent code of Dade County, Florida.
Architects, roof consultants and contractors have come to depend
on EPDM's time tested, long-term performance.
For more information about the attributes of EPDM, please click here to view/download a PDF version of the EPDM Attributes Brochure.
Please note that EPDM is a commercial roofing product, designed to be used in non-residential roof systems.