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When it comes to choosing the best roofing material for your property, durability should always be your top priority. EPDM rubber roofing is renowned for its long-lasting performance across a range of conditions, but how long does a rubber roof last?
In this guide, we’ll reveal the lifespan of rubber roofing, what affects the longevity of this material and what you can do to extend the life of your roof.
If you’re looking for flat roof installation in Leeds, there’s no better option than here at Alvadac. Our professionals will install your roof to the highest standards to ensure it holds up, come rain or shine.
How long does rubber roofing last?
Rubber roofing is a brilliant long-term investment for a range of buildings. There are a number of factors that affect the longevity of rubber roofs, but typically, EPDM rubber roofing lasts between 25 and 50 years.
If you are living in an area with a harsher climate or your roofing is not regularly maintained, you can expect your roofing to have a lower estimate. If your roofing is installed by experts and is well maintained and protected from adverse weather conditions, you can expect it to last on the high end of the scale.
What affects the lifespan of rubber roofing?
EPDM rubber is known for its reliability and durability as a roof material, but several factors can influence how long your roof lasts.
Installation
The quality of your roof installation can have a massive impact on the longevity of your rubber roofing. When you hire expert fitters like ours at Alvadac, you’ll receive the best quality service available. Poor installation can result in gaps in seals and flashing, which can, in turn, lead to leaks and damage.
When you choose a high-quality service like ours, we ensure your EPDM rubber roof is installed to the highest standards so you can make the most of your roofing solution.
Climate and weather conditions
Although rubber roofing is known for its durability, harsh environments play a significant role in how long your roofing lasts. Heavy downpours can cause water pooling on uneven surfaces, whilst ice and rain buildup can damage the roofing membrane over time. Similarly, high sun exposure and UV rays can break down rubber without the right coating.
Roof traffic
Most roofs are not typically used as walking surfaces, but in the case where your roof is used for things like HVAC access, then wear and tear will inevitably be higher from increased foot traffic. Although rubber membranes are durable, they can still be worn down or punctured by objects, which can decrease your roof’s lifespan.
Maintenance
Like all roofing, rubber roofs also need regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they last for years to come. If the weather has been windy, it’s important to clean debris like fallen leaves and branches from the roof, as build-up can cause punctures or water pooling. It’s also important to do annual inspections and apply any protective coating or sealants where needed to extend your roof’s life.
How to prolong your rubber roof’s lifespan
Compared to other roofing solutions like metal and plastic, rubber is very low-maintenance. There are, however, a few steps you should take to keep your roof in top condition for as long as possible.
1. Annual Inspections
Schedule an inspection each year or after severe weather conditions like a storm. Look for any signs of damage like punctures, tears or areas where water has pooled. From here, you can go about managing any repairs or reinforcing areas to prevent damage.
2. Regular Cleaning
Brush any leaves, twigs or debris that fall onto your roof. If your building is in a more rural area, also check for signs of wildlife on the roof, as they can also cause damage.
3. Seasonal protection
UV-resistant coatings should always be applied to rubber roofs, especially in summer, as they can reduce heat and sunlight damage. For locations prone to rain, you should also invest in waterproofing your flat roof to keep out leaks.
When harsh winter weather hits, you should also prepare your EPDM rubber roof for winter with additional sealants and covers.
4. Make repairs as soon as you notice issues
If you spot a puncture during your inspections or notice loose seams, don’t wait to carry out repairs, as this will only lead to further damage that can create a dent in your finances to fix.
5. Consider professional check-ups
The best way to ensure no issues are missed during roof inspection is to enlist the help of professionals. When you choose experts like Alvadac for your flat roofing, we’ll not only be there from purchase to installation, but we also offer customer service and a 20-year guarantee. This means that should you encounter any issues, our team of professionals are on hand to help you solve the problem and can provide the support needed to rectify any issues.
Long-lasting rubber roofing with Alvadac
When done right, you can benefit from a rubber roof that lasts for decades. At Alvadac, we take pride in providing top-quality services from installation to ongoing support. With a 20-year guarantee on all of our rubber roofing, paired with advice on maintenance and repairs whenever you need it, you’ll benefit from a cost-effective low maintenance roofing solution for years to come. If you’d like to get your own flat roof supplies in Bradford or you live in Leeds or surrounding areas, we’ve got you covered in that department too!
To begin your flat roofing project today, call us on 01274 317091 or email us at [email protected]. We’re always on hand to help with any questions or queries you have. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!