Rubber Roofing Problems

Sources of rubber based roofing slates shingles.

Rubber roofing problems.

Rubber roofing epdm single ply membranes is the most common flat roofing system in new england ma ct nh ri etc and the rest of us flat roofing marker. Vapour from contact bonding adhesive. These bubbles of trapped air moisture can be caused by a variety of issues which are all avoidable if the roof design is correct and the membrane is correctly installed. Regular cleaning with a cleanser and sponge mop to combat grime and black mold spots is recommended.

While the rubber roofs are known to be durable they also need maintained. Unprofessional contractors poor roof installation. Also read repairing rubber roof. These types of roofs may also be expected to release phthalates into roof runoff.

Little evaluation has been conducted of the newer synthetic materials such as ethylene propylene diene monomer epdm or rubber roofing thermoplastic polyolefin tpo or flexible polyvinyl chloride pvc. The system is not attached mechanically. Cleaning mould and mildew on epdm roofing as roofs are exposed to a whole host of weather conditions and don t always have time to dry out properly in between bouts of bad weather mould and mildew can be a potential problem. Many contractors praise and install the epdm roofing system.

Epdm roofing is can last up to 50 years under optimal conditions but you will need to make regular repairs to keep it in working order. Here is an industry fact that most homeowners don t know even when a rubber roof. Most people refer to a flat roof as a rubber roof. Whilst bubbles or blisters on a one piece epdm roof can be unsightly they will not cause the rubber membrane to fail.

Epdm roofs are fully adhered or as many call it glued down. However rubber roofs have many inherent problems. The main reason for such popularity of rubber roofs is the lower initial price tag. Three most common problems with rubber roofs is improper installation shrinkage and the seams.

Virtually the only negative for a rubber roof is appearance and even that drawback can be overcome with the use of rubber shingles or acrylic paint. Wind has the ability to blow rubber and cause it to zipper open once its been torn or cut. Using the wrong roofer to install a rubber roof can lead to problems down the line due to incorrect installation and can even negate a warranty on the rubber itself. By performing regular inspections of your flat rubber roof you can stay on top of the common rubber roof problems.

These problems cannot be solved by technology because of their design as well as issues with unprofessional contractors claiming to be. Seams failure leaks. That small piece of rubber flapping in the breeze can quickly become a large tear and an expensive leak.