White EPDM Roofing

White EPDM roofing can help you to control your air conditioning costs during the hottest months of the year. That makes it a popular choice here in the Southeast, where our sultry summers can quickly drive your utility bills through the roof.

But is white EPDM rubber roofing truly the best option for your commercial building? The answer to that question depends on several factors, including your local weather patterns and elevation. What works for one region of North Carolina may not be the best solution for another.

What is EPDM?

EPDM stands for “ethylene propylene diene monomer.” It’s a rubberized single-ply material used in commercial roofing applications for more than 60 years. EPDM stands up well to heat, cold, precipitation, and the sun’s UV rays. It’s tear-resistant and highly flexible, so it fits around pipes, HVAC units, and roof-mounted utility structures. This makes it an ideal material for protecting flat roofs.

White EPDM Rubber Roofing Installation

Here at Premiere Roofing & Gutters, we begin the EPDM installation process by removing fasteners, debris, and old roofing materials from the top of the building and giving it a good cleaning. Then we roll out the EPDM, which typically comes in 10′ x 100′ rolls. We let it sit for 30 minutes or longer to adapt to the contours of the roof.

We place individual sheets of EPDM in an overlapping pattern and bind them together with pressure-activated primer and waterproof adhesive. We may also use a special caulking agent at T-joints and across flashing to give added protection against leaks.

Once this step is complete, we attach the EPDM to the roof using mechanical fasteners, ballast, or a combination of the two. The client always has the opportunity to inspect the final result and give it a thumbs up.

An EPDM roof’s lifespan depends on the thickness of the material and the care used during installation. Here at Premiere Roofing & Gutters, we use commercial-grade EPDM designed to last for at least 25 years. Our professionals follow the roofing industry’s best practices during every step of the process.

White EPDM Roof Repair

Perhaps your commercial facility has an existing white EPDM roof that’s past its prime. In most cases, these problems can be repaired by a qualified roofing contractor. If the damage is severe, however, complete replacement is probably the best solution. An inspection by a qualified roofing professional is the only way to be sure.

White vs. Black EPDM: What’s the Difference?

Traditionally, most EPDM roofs are black. This offers many advantages, including superior heat retention during the winter. Here in the Southeast, however, more and more of our commercial clients are choosing a white EPDM roof. That’s because light-colored material does a better job of reflecting the sun’s heat.

However, a white EPDM roof membrane may or may not be the best choice for your building. That’s because North Carolina’s average elevation changes dramatically as you travel from the coast to the mountains. For example, Wilmington is 36 feet above sea level, while Asheville’s elevation is more than 2000 feet.

As elevation increases, average temperature decreases. Heatwaves are less common, while snow and ice are more likely. This means that a black EPDM roof may be your best choice in hilly regions (around Hickory for example). On the other hand, a white EPDM roof is usually a better option for buildings closer to the North Carolina coast.

Our EPDM roofing systems brochure is a great resource to find more information on the EPDM roofing system options available, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. Our experienced commerical roofing experts will walk you through your options and help you decide which EPDM roof is right for your commercial building.

White EPDM Roofing Contractor

These are just a few of the things to consider when deciding what type of commercial roof is right for your needs. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options and provide a free estimate, giving you the facts you need to make an informed decision.