For many flat or gently sloping roofs, EPDM roofing membrane and PVC rubber roofing are two of the most common options on the market today. For this reason, many people are rightfully interested to learn the advantages of each of these products, especially compared with the other.
As with all building materials, each has its pros and cons, and it is ultimately how these pros and cons affect your particular project that make one of them the ideal choice. Here are some of the reasons why you may select EPDM over PVC, and vice versa.
As with most materials, these products will both wear down over time, but the extent of this all depends on the circumstances that the material is placed in and quality of the product and its installation.
EPDM roofing membrane is known for being a very resistant product, and can endure all types of weather conditions. This is useful in all kinds of climates, including hot ones, very cold ones, and those with variable weather conditions throughout the year. Extremes of temperature do not affect this product at all.
This can be compared with PVC, which has greater issues with certain weather conditions. This is especially true in colder weather, where the material can actually shatter in colder temperatures. For this reason, EPDM may be a better choice for buildings that are subject to colder or more variable weather conditions than PVC.
On the other hand, chemical products and grease have been known to cause damage to EPDM, whereas this is not the case with PVC roofing. If your roofing is likely to come into contact with any grease or chemical products, then it is possible that the latter product is more likely a better choice for you.
It should also be noted that while EPDM is fire resistant, PVC is not, and this can be an issue for certain buildings where fire resistance is of key importance. If you are unsure about how these resistance issues may affect you and your building, it is important to talk to a roofing specialist, who will help you make the right choice for your particular needs.
Both materials can be resistant to other damage, including puncture damage. In both cases, it is important to choose a product from a reputable manufacturer that has been produced with adequate thickness and resistance to puncture damage in mind if this is a concern for you. Generally, these products are made in similar thicknesses, so the final choice is really up to you.
One place where EPDM roofing membranestandsapart from PVC is in the fact that it is a much more environmentally friendly product. Indeed, in some countries in the world the latter product is considered dangerous or toxic to the environment, and has actually been banned. For this reason, check what is safe and legal to use in your local area.
On the contrary, EPDM is considered one of the most environmentally friendly roofing products on the market today in the construction industry. As the amount of energy used in producing it is far lower than with other materials it is considered one of the most sustainable roofing options available, and it can be recycled and reused after it has been discarded.
Lastly, it is important to note that both materials have a temperature impact on the roof surface, with PVC cooling the roof, and EPDM heating it. The choice between the two depends on whether on not there is equipment on the roof which can be affected by heat – if so, PVC can be the better option.
These are just a few of the differences between PVC and EPDM roofing. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but in many cases one material will be better than the other in certain circumstances. If in any doubt, ask your local roofing supplier which is the best option for you and your particular property.
Residential Roofing
Commercial Roofing
Myrtle Beach Roofing Company
