MythBusters: EPDM Edition

EPDM has been a time-tested roofing system for more than 60 years, providing superior weathering and hail resistant characteristics; making it a popular choice. There may be some myths about EPDM in the industry, but we want to set the record straight about the benefits of EPDM membrane from Carlisle SynTec Systems.

Myth #1
EPDM is only for roofs in Northern Climates.
Fact: EPDM is also popular in hail prone central climate zones due to its proven resistance to hail damage. EPDM rubber remains flexible and less prone to fracture than other materials that tend to get more brittle with age.

Myth #2
EPDM does not offer energy efficiency benefits in warmer climates.
Fact: White EPDM is an excellent option for cooling dominated climates where the cooling energy savings is greater than the heating penalty. White EPDM is available in widths up to 20’ in 60-mil and 10’ for 90-mil and FleeceBACK options.

Myth #3
Seaming EPDM membranes is more complicated than seaming thermoplastic membranes.
Fact: Applicators are noticing that they have very few, if any, “call backs” on EPDM seams due to the straightforward “Prime, Peel, and Stick” application with Factory-Applied Tape or hand-applied SecurTape.

Myth #4
All 60-mil single-ply membranes provide the same weathering performance, no matter which membrane you choose.
Fact: Not only does EPDM exhibit some of the highest resistance to UV weathering in the industry, but you have a full 60-mils of weathering material in non-reinforced EPDM; compared to less than 25-mils over the scrim with reinforced membranes.

For more information contact Carlisle’s EPDM Marketing Manager, Ron Goodman.