The weather of the United Kingdom was believed to be rain clouds and grey skies in the past. However, British weather has become unpredictable in the last couple of years. In June, there are torrential downpours. In October, the temperatures are mild. And in April, there is snow. It is, therefore, not possible to prepare for the weather. Many property owners are worried because they cannot prepare for the weather.
Residential and commercial buildings are exposed to several extreme elements. These buildings need extra protection from these elements. Rubber roofing, for example, can keep your building safe and protect your building from harsh weather conditions. However, you must use rubber roofing correctly. Here are some tips from Rubber Roofing Direct.
Table of contents
What Is Rubber Roofing?
Rubber roofing is a toughened rubber made of rubber or PVC plastic. It is attached as a membrane to a flat roof to create an impenetrable seal. Many homeowners incorporate a gutter or a slight camber through which rainwater runs off. Trained specialists install rubber roofing. The specialists roll it into place and use a strong adhesive to attach it to the roof. And they use water-tight tape to cover the seams.
There are so many variations on the market. However, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) is the best product on the market. It is a flexible rubber.
Applications
It is easy to cut rubber roofing to shape because of its elasticated properties. It is, therefore, ideal for multiple applications.
Contractors use rubber roofing on both commercial and domestic projects, such as portable huts, sports centers, warehouses, schools, office blocks, extensions, garages, and balconies. It can also be used in ventilation and skylights.
Many homeowners use rubber roofing to replace their inefficient, damaged, or old roofing. It is highly recommended to select EPDM because of its long lifespan and strength.
What Are the Benefits of Rubber Roofing?
Unlike flat roof methods, such as concrete, asphalt, tar, and gravel, you can use rubber roofing to get an impenetrable seal between your building structure and outside elements. Roofing materials crack and leak over time. It can, however, take time to spot cracks and leaks on your roof. Roof leaks can cause serious damage to your roof.
EPDM, on the other hand, will not crack or leak. It can also cope with temperature changes. You can even pair EPDM with a special fleece backing to protect your roof from leaks. The fleece prevents punctures.
Rubber roofing is more efficient. Installing rubber roofing can, therefore, save you money in the long term. However, you need to choose premium EPDM. The lifespan of the premium EPDM is over 50 years. You will not spend more money on repairs because it is leak-free. Rubber roofing can add financial and aesthetic value to your property. It can also reduce your heating and cooling costs because of its insulating effect.
In addition, EPDM does not contribute to environmental pollution. It cannot contaminate rainwater. If you do not want to contribute to environmental pollution, you can install rubber roofing. In fact, it is safe to use rainwater in your home. You can use rainwater harvesting systems to collect rainwater.
Durability
Almost all forces of nature, such as icy conditions, unprecedented heat waves, or hot temperatures, can damage a flat roof. Strong winds and torrential rains can also damage the roof. Your rubber roofing should be strong enough to withstand extreme weather conditions.
However, human activity or even pecking birds can damage some flat roofs. For example, if you carrying out building work on your flat roof, your roof may easily get damaged. Therefore, you need to check the performance record of the roof before installing it on your home. Do not forget to check the credentials of potential roofing contractors before hiring them.
If you will walk on your roof, then you need to apply a safe surface on top of the rubber. You can fit stone slabs, tiles, or wooden decking to protect the rubber. If you can properly maintain your flat roof, it can last for a long time.
Care and Maintenance
Installing rubber roofing correctly can reduce maintenance costs. It is advisable to choose a premium EPDM product. Once you install the EPDM product, you can forget about it for several years. This is because EPDM does not require repairs, maintenance, or even replacement. If you do not want to spend more money on repairs, maintenance, or replacement, you should choose the EPDM product. You will never have to think about your roof for a very long time.
Do not choose the cheaper varieties. Why? They need regular care. They are expensive to maintain them.
It is, however, best to inspect your roof regularly. Check your roof after heavy storms. Remove leaves from your roof. The leaves can cause blockages on your roof. In addition, you need to remove rainwater to prevent water pools on your roof. If there are water pools on your roof, the water can seep in to damage your house.
If you want to upgrade your flat roof, you should choose a rubber system. It is recommended to install rubber roofing in dry weather, especially in early summer or late spring. If you install it in rainy or windy conditions, the rain or wind can negatively affect your rubber roofing.
In summary, rubber roofing can protect your property and save you money. You will have peace of mind because you know your roof will withstand harsh weather conditions.