EPDM Roofs — When You Need A Replacement
EPDM roofs are extremely popular when it comes to commercial roofing due to their ability to resist wear for a long period of time. However, you should know that the roofs do need to be torn off and replaced every 15 to 20 years. This should happen as soon as you start to see some substantial wear patterns. Wearing may show up in a few different ways, so keep reading to learn about a few things you may see.
Dips Or Indentations
It can be hard to identify whether or not an EPDM roof has started to leak. While this is true, you are likely to see the aftermath of the leak issue once it has evolved over a period of time. One of the most common signs of this is when one or several dips appear along the surface of the roof. The dips are places where water has seeped under the rubber and has started to degrade the insulation underneath.
Dips are areas where water is likely to settle which can exacerbate the leaking problem. So, it is wise to have the EPDM replaced as soon as possible. And, at the same time, the insulation boards should also be inspected and replaced if there is a need. This may require the removal and replacement of the entire deck structure depending on the extent of the issue.
As the EPDM is replaced, speak with your roofer about the inclusion of flashing, flanges, and other types of patches that help to prevent leaks around susceptible areas of the roof.
Wrinkles or Rips
Rubber will lose its ability to stretch over time. This occurs due to sun damage and the drying of the material. You will often see some cracks forming when this happens. However, when it comes to thinner rubber constructions, like the ones used to create an EPDM roof, you may see shrinking, wrinkling, and open seams where the membrane was previously sealed off.
The EPDM roof will continue to lose elasticity and shrink further, leading to larger sections of the roof becoming exposed. So, you want to catch the wrinkling issue when it starts to develop so a new membrane can be installed to give the underlying deck some protection.
Sometimes, wrinkling can be attributed to the failure of the glue that holds the membrane to the deck. If this is the case, then your roofer can readhere the membrane until a replacement is scheduled.
EPDM roofs can be replaced by a commercial roofing professional, so contact one if you need assistance. For more information about commercial roof replacement, visit a website like http://www.durafoaminc.com.