There is no shortage of options available when it comes to roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, sheet metal, tar and cement, clay tiles – these are just a few of the choices that homeowners and business owners have. However, one option stands out from the rest – liquid rubber roofing. It can be installed at a residence or on a business, and it offers quite a few important benefits. We’ll take a closer look at six of those below.
1. An Eco-Friendly Solution
Liquid rubber roofing might not be made from natural rubber, but that does not mean that it isn’t a green roofing solution. Because it is made largely from recycled materials, it removes waste from landfills and helps to prevent pollution. It also helps reduce the need for air conditioning by controlling the temperature within the building better, thereby reducing your demand on the local power grid.
2. Reduced Need for Maintenance
Another significant benefit of liquid rubber roofing is the reduced need for maintenance. With other types of roofing, even those vaunted metal roofs that can last up to 50 years, there’s a need to reseal periodically, or to replace damaged shingles and tiles. With rubber roofing, there is very little need for anything but the occasional recoating of the roof with a single layer of new rubber.
3. Reduced Installation Time
Liquid rubber roofing requires less time for installation than traditional asphalt shingles, or sheet metal, and drastically less time than clay or slate. The material can simply be poured onto a flat roof and then rolled out. On other roofs, it can be sprayed on for even faster application. Not only does that save a dramatic amount of time, but it reduces costs associated with labor, too.
4. No Seams to Worry About
The weakest points on any roof are the seams where materials are joined together. These are the most common sources of leaks, and the most likely point of failure in high winds. With liquid rubber roofing, there are no seams to worry about. The material is sprayed or rolled on, and then it self-levels, creating a single, seamless membrane (called a monolithic membrane). With no seams to fail, you have fewer worries about leaks or storm-related damage.
5. Low or No VOC Emissions
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are found in a wide range of things, from new carpeting to furniture to roofing materials. These can create serious health problems, including asthma and COPD. However, liquid rubber roofing formulations contain low or no VOCs, dramatically reducing the potential for odors and unwanted health issues with family members or employees.
6. Outstanding Waterproofing
Finally, liquid rubber roofing is completely waterproof, and it is from the second it is applied. Unlike other like roofing materials, EPDM-based roofing material repels water naturally and does not need to wait for curing to be waterproof. This is a boon for installers, homeowners and business owners, as it means that an unexpected storm during application doesn’t mean disaster. However, note that this material does require time to cure. It will take several hours to dry to the touch, up to two days to dry to the point it can be walked on, and up to seven days to cure completely.
As you can see from the information above, there are many benefits associated with EPDM liquid rubber roofing. Affordable, easy to install, durable, environmentally friendly and inherently waterproof, it is one of the best choices available for homes and businesses alike.