Have you ever heard of a building having a rubber roof? Believe it or not, rubber is actually a common roofing material, and there are many reasons it might be the right choice for your home or business. What are the pros and cons of rubber roofing?
The Pros and Cons of Rubber Roofing
If you’ve ever had to spend some time researching commercial roofing options, you know that there’s a lot to learn about the different types of materials that can be used. The more you know about individual roofing options, the more confident you’ll feel in your final choice. Do you know all of the pros and cons of rubber roofing for your home or business?
PRO: Rubber roofing is safe and durable.
Did you know that installing a rubber roof might convince your insurance company to give you a rate reduction? That’s because the material rubber roofs are made of, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), is both fireproof and lightning-proof. EPDM even resists wind and sun damage, so no matter what kind of outside circumstances you have to deal with, you can trust it to last. In fact, a well-installed rubber roof can last for up to 50 years!
CON: Your design options may be limited.
While you can count on a rubber roof to last, you can’t necessarily count on having it match your exact aesthetic. Most rubber roofs are black, though white and off-white are sometimes used in residential situations. If you’re looking for a specific color choice or a variety of design options, you may be disappointed. That said, a good roofer will be able to work with you and find a version of rubber roofing that works for your project. You can also add your own flair to a rubber roof by customizing it with acrylic paint, though if you go this route, be aware that touch-ups will be required throughout your roof’s lifespan.
PRO: Rubber roofs are environmentally friendly.
Your rubber roof might be black or white, but if you’re environmentally conscious, you’ll be happy to know that rubber roofs are also a solid green technology investment. Rubber roofs are both efficient home insulators and great sun reflectors, which can help you keep your energy costs down. Rubber roofs are also 100-percent recyclable and usually made of recycled materials.
CON: You need the right roofer for the job.
Rubber roofs are common, but working with EPDM can be tricky for an inexperienced roofer. If they don’t have the experience they need to do the installation correctly, you can expect damage and other issues to pop up shortly thereafter. You can avoid this problem by working with an experienced roofing company.
PRO: Installations and repairs are easy.
If you have your rubber roof installed by experienced professionals, you can expect a low-maintenance roof that will last for decades to come. Rubber roofs can be overlaid on existing roof structures with minimal hassle and little expense, and require virtually no maintenance throughout their lifespan. If you’re looking for a roof that will make your life easier and keep your building maintenance costs low, a rubber roof should fit the bill.
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Now you know about the pros and cons of rubber roofing, but don’t stop learning about your roofing options. Check out the rest of our blog for more in-depth posts on different roofing materials, guides on how to maintain your roof, and more.
If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help. Our experts can help you sort through commercial roof systems, maintain an older roof, perform emergency repairs, complete tear-offs and recovers, and perform remodeling services. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing materials, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!