The roof is one of the most important elements of just about any structure. It is important to make sure you take great care of the roof and find ways to lengthen its life, and always take care of any problems and leaks before they get out of control.
One of the best materials on the market to help keep roofs safe from many different types of common problems is EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). Both the EPDM membranes and liquid coatings can provide some nice benefits and protection.
Protection from Water and Leaks
One of the most common problems that people will face with their roof is leaks. Over time, many roofs end up getting cracks in them. Even if there is a small crack, it can spell disaster for the roof if it is not taken care of immediately. The water can get into the structure of the roof and cause damage. It can damage wiring and electronics, cause damage to items below, and it can cause mold to grow, which would create an unhealthy environment.
In addition to the typical water damage, consider what might happen to a roof in a cold climate. During a thaw, some of the water might start to make its way down into the cracks. If there is another freeze, the water would expand, and this could create massive damage to the structure of the roof.
Sun Damage and Dealing With Temperature Changes
With many types of roofs, the UV rays from the sun are going to take their toll over the years. This does not happen with EPDM roofs, which are UV resistant. This means that the sun is not going to cause the roof to age and degrade prematurely. In addition, because Liquid EPDM is available in both black and white, you can use the sun to your advantage when it comes to energy efficiency. Those who are in the southern part of the country where the sun constantly shines will find that having a white roof can help to reflect some of that sunlight. Those in areas where it gets cold may want a black EPDM roof, which can help to absorb the heat.
It is no secret that with changing temperatures, the materials used in buildings are often going to expand or contract. This is true of wood, for example. This is also true with some roofing materials. However, when some of those materials expand or contract, they end up cracking or causing issues with the roof. You will not have to worry about this when you have an EPDM roof. One of the big benefits of the material is that it has the ability to handle those fluctuations in temperature. It can also work well for buildings that are still settling.
Weather damage and debris falling onto the roof are all possible problems that could arise, as well. However, the EPDM membranes and coatings can do a very good job of handling these and many other types of issues that could typically affect a roof. They tend not to need much in the way of repairs or maintenance, and they can last for decades with no problem.
If you are currently considering a new roof, or you need to make some repairs to the roof, it might be in your best interest to consider getting an EPDM coating. They are affordable, and they tend to be easy and fast to have installed. Consider all of the benefits when compared with other types of roofing materials.