The 3 most common roof systems used in the US with their advantages and disadvantages are explained.
EPDM Rubber – TPO Vinyl – Modified Bitumen Torch Down Rubber Membranes
EPDM Rubber is a synthetic rubber that is 60 thousand of an inch thick or the equivalent of a quarter coin. Adhesives are used to bond seams together. These adhesives are what fail during extreme heat and compromise the rest of the roof. The EPDM Rubber Roof System has gone through 5 revisions since its introduction 50 years ago. The last revision on the adhesive was in 2016. It’s only been 2 years that this adhesive has been tested in the field. It takes at least 20 years to know if this will work or not.
TPO Vinyl membranes came on the market between 15 – 20 years ago
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