How Long Does Rubber Roofing Last in Albuquerque?
Submitted by Andy_B on Thursday, 03 June 2021 Page Views: 350
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Rubber roofing, also known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) serves as an excellent alternative to the roofing types popularly used in buildings. They are made from a mixture of recycled tires, sawdust, and slate dust and are perfect for covering structures with a flat or slightly sloped top. To aid conveyance, rubber roofs are packaged in two different formats; they can either be rolled up like a sheet or cut in the form of shingles. Rubber roofs that allseasonsroofer.com builds come with a lot of advantages which include being affordable, environmentally friendly, durable, lightweight, easy to maintain, energy-efficient, and fire-resistant. Most importantly, rubber roofing has a very long lifespan.
This article will show you the life expectancy rate of rubber roofing and how you can make yours last longer.
How long can a rubber roof last?
Rubber roofs can last for up to 50 years and even longer if properly installed and well maintained. This single advantage is what makes rubber roofs appealing to homeowners. They became popular in the late 1960s and today, we can still find homes that still have their rubber roofs intact from that period.Three reasons why rubber roofs last longer
1. Its weather resilient natureRubber shingles are tough and so do not crack easily under harsh weather. Unlike some traditional roofs, rubber roofs allow water to run off quickly instead of pooling and causing damage. It is almost impossible for sharp icicles to penetrate a rubber roof when it snows. This weather-resistant nature of rubber roofs reduces the occurrence of leakages and in turn, reduces roof damage.
2. Its fire resistance
Rubber roofs are produced with the capacity to withstand fires, so lightning strikes cannot affect them. In cases where a building is aflame, a rubber roof delays the spread of the fire until help arrives, and sometimes, insurance companies offer homeowners a discount for installing rubber roofs.
3. Its Durability
Rubber roofs are very durable due to their different thickness levels. They are sturdier than traditional roofing options, so they don’t crack over time and are not affected by thermal shock or cyclic fatigue. Their durable nature also stems from their ability to keep moisture out of a building thus reducing the chances of leaks and the spread of mold. Rubber roofs are sturdy enough to support rooftop gardens and will not be easily punctured by holes from tree branches.
Top Three ways to ensure your rubber roof lasts long.
1. Insist on Proper installationEven though DIY roof installations are popular today, do not install a rubber roof yourself if you are not qualified. Also, do not give the installation contract to just anybody without proper vetting. This is because, wrongly done installation will cause breakages, shrinkage, blisters, and leaks. This will, in turn, ruin your rubber roofing, and cause you to waste money carrying out repairs and replacements.
So, only hire qualified and well-experienced roof contractors to install your rubber roof. Remember to check if their licenses are valid and look at their past jobs to determine how good they are.
2. Clean and maintain your rubber roof regularly
Debris, if left unchecked, can destroy the toughest of roofs within a short time. This debris may include sand and leaves, which can clog gutters and cause water to pool on a roof. Also, tree branches can puncture a rubber roof and animals and birds can cause severe roof damage too.
To avoid this, carry out regular roof cleaning by clearing snow, sand, leaves, and tree branches from your roof. Occasionally call roofing contractors to carry out professional cleaning for you. And also call pest control services to help get rid of animals that may have made a home on your rubber roof.
3. Carry out regular roof inspections and repairs.
Climb up to your rubber roof at regular intervals and take a cursory look to see if there are any damages or inspect the interior part of your building for signs of leaks. Check to see that nearby trees are not too close to your roof and that shingles are not falling off or breaking. Watch out for unusual swellings on the roof and rusty flashings, make sure the interior walls are not damp, and inspect the walls for flaking paint and blisters. And if you find any abnormality, get a roofer to conduct in-depth inspections and subsequent repairs
In conclusion, rubber roofs are a long-lasting solution to your roofing needs as they can last for 50 years or longer. Their fire and weather-resistant nature, as well as their durability, are the reason for this extended lifespan. They will last even longer if properly installed and regularly maintained.
With many thanks to The US Wildlife Service and Will Scullin for their kind help and support of this article, including Creative Commons photos.
