EDPM rubber roofing installation & repair

EPDM (short for ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber, single-ply roofing membrane used for covering low-slope roofs. It is a thermoset material, which means once it cures after installation it cannot be reheated and softened to accommodate for shrinkage.

EPDM roofing membrane is a popular choice for both new construction and roof replacements, with an estimated 20 billion square feet covering the roofs of commercial buildings throughout the US. Installation is much easier than built-up roofing systems, and there are no fumes or odors.

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EPDM Roofing Benefits:

• Lower cost than any other roofing system
• Ease of installation, no fumes or odors
• Weighs less than other single-ply membranes
• Available in rolls as large as 50’ x 200’ for fewer seams
• Requires regular maintenance and will need to be re-seamed after 5 to 7 years
• The black color absorbs UV light, which shrinks the membrane and makes it brittle—decreasing service life
• Protective walk paths are needed to protect against punctures caused by stepping on any sharp object
• Not eco-friendly due to oil-based byproducts used in manufacturing it

How long does an EPDM roof last?

Properly installed EPDM roofs in southern Wisconsin typically last around 25 years, contingent on factors like environmental conditions, drainage, foot traffic, and installation quality. Routine maintenance and repairs play a significant role in prolonging their lifespan. Our expert services, including inspections, clearings, and washings, can help safeguard your EPDM roofing for years to come. Learn more about our EPDM maintenance services, EPDM repair services or contact us for a free estimate.

Thermoplastic or EPDM Roofing?

EPDM has always been the standard for commercial flat roofing, but TPO (thermoplastic) roofing has been gaining popularity in recent years. EPDM and TPO are both popular choices for commercial flat roofing, but they have distinct advantages. EPDM absorbs heat, making cooling systems work harder, while TPO reflects sunlight, saving energy. EPDM is better for weather protection, but TPO can last longer. However, TPO is costlier to maintain and requires welding for repairs, unlike EPDM. Both are great options for Milwaukee roofs. 

EPDM Roofing Repair for Commercial & Industrial Buildings in Milwaukee

For commercial and industrial buildings, having to repair an EPDM roof is one of the last things you want to have to deal with. Depending on the type and severity, leaks can be extremely difficult to detect, much less pinpoint where it's stemming from. While rubber roofing is considered one of the toughest, durable, and longest-lasting roofing materials, it is also very easy to accidentally puncture. These punctures can lead to leaks from holes so small that only experts will be able to detect them. Leaks of any size can lead to costly water damage.

Save yourself the hassle, stress, and money in the long run by hiring expert EPDM repair contractors in the first place. All Alois contractors are well trained with many years of experience dealing with rubber roofing. Highly skilled in installing, replacing, maintaining, and repairing any and all commercial and industrial EPDM roofing systems, you won’t be able to find better or more knowledgeable contractors in the Milwaukee area.

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The 3 Most Common Causes of Leaks, Drafts and Mold for EPDM Roofing Systems

Splitting

Splitting is a common issue and can stem from a wide variety of causes like stress to the rubber membrane from recurring foot traffic, freeze-thawing, standing water (ponding) and even improper installation or repairs. This will allow water to leak into your building when it rains.

 Ponding

Flat roofs are designed to be flat with a slight slope to them to allow any water to run off in order to prevent pooling or standing water, but most roofs are not 100% flat. Ponding is usually the result of insufficient or clogged drainage, but will also form when one section of the roof is lower or sunken in. This can result in deep, concave indents that will continue to get larger as more water is able to pool there, damaging the material and allowing water to seep through into your building over time.

Blistering

During the summer months, the air becomes warmer and can begin to form small air pockets throughout the roof. As the temperature changes, the pocket will continue to expand and contract and may eventually cause the thin EPDM membrane to burst. This forms a small hole in the material, allowing water into the building when it rains. If the blister forms on a seam, it can allow moisture into the roof even without popping.

All of these issues are fully preventable with routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs. While there are DIY solutions for these, it is best to leave any repairs to the experts. Contact the specialists at Alois for a free estimate or get more information on our EPDM maintenance services.

Superior EPDM Roof Replacements in Milwaukee

EPDM roofs demand frequent maintenance to endure over 25 years. Neglect due to this frequent upkeep can hasten deterioration, signaling the need for replacement. For reliable EPDM roof replacements in Southeastern Wisconsin, turn to Alois Roofing.

While some companies may attempt repairs on aging EPDM roofs, it often incurs higher costs than a full replacement. Trusting experts like Alois Roofing ensures proper installation and maintenance, avoiding the pitfalls of cheaper alternatives. Our specialized teams focus solely on EPDM roof installation, repair, and replacement, guaranteeing efficient and effective service.

Don't settle for roofing companies using generic teams for all roof types. Choose Alois for unparalleled expertise and longevity in EPDM roof solutions. Visit our Project Portfolio for a glimpse of our superior workmanship in EPDM roofing.

How Much Does an EPDM Roof Replacement Cost?

Roof replacements can be tough to estimate. Multiple factors go into determining the price like previous maintenance of the roof, the amount of damage, square footage, and more. This is why Alois Roofing offers free quotes on all EPDM roof replacements so we can provide accurate estimates at a price that will reflect our high-quality craftsmanship.

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Commercial Rubber Roofing Maintenance Services From the Experts at Alois

Routine EPDM maintenance is vital to extending the roofing’s service life and ensuring the integrity of the roof. Splitting, ponding, and blistering are a few of the largest dangers building owners face when using rubber roofing but are all preventable with routine, professional maintenance. If ignored or not caught early enough, these issues will lead to leaks, drafts, mold, and other issues that will drive up your electric bill and cause costly water or structural damage.

Far too often, inexperienced or amateur roofers will be hired to maintain a commercial or industrial building's rubber roofing to save some money. Improper maintenance or repairs performed by inexperienced roofers on an EPDM roof can sometimes be even worse than doing nothing at all. EPDM maintenance and repairs should only be performed by experts who know what they are doing. Trying to improve the bottom line by paying less for routine maintenance will likely just end up costing you more in the long run than if you had hired specialists in the first place.

EPDM Roofing Maintenance Frequency

EPDM roofs should receive routine inspection and maintenance services at least once a year, but two inspections per year are highly recommended. All flat roofs are susceptible to seasonal damage, but rubber roofs are much more vulnerable than most other types of roofing and should ideally be checked in both the spring and fall.

Most Common Sources of Wear and Damages for Commercial EPDM Roofing:

• Recurring foot traffic without the necessary precautions
• Falling debris from a tornado or other strong winds
• Animals and birds
• Hail
• Snow and ice
  
• Inexperienced snow and ice removal

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Expert Commercial EPDM Roof Inspections

Our team will inspect and evaluate your roofing for any flaws in the material, like holes or tears, and then complete any necessary repairs to fix the issues before any permanent or costly damage occurs. We can also remove any debris, like leaves or branches, and then wash the roof for you. EPDM tends to get much hotter than other commercial roofing options during warm weather. It can even begin to crack if not properly maintained and cleaned, causing water to leak inside your building when it rains.

Cyanobacteria, mold and mildew can all begin to infest the EPDM membrane when not properly cleaned. If you even suspect you have an infestation of any of these, contact us immediately! This is a potential health hazard since mold and mildew are able to spread into HVAC units and any other vents on the roof. This is most effectively prevented and defeated with a wash using EPDM membrane soap that kills any and all germs on the roofing. Dealing with this improperly may lead to even more structural damage, so this should be left to EPDM experts.

Contact Alois Roofing & Sheet Metal to learn more about our EPDM commercial roofing services from Milwaukee to Madison.

Frequently Asked Questions