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I. Balance between brand and price
Brand quality advantage and premium: These well-known brands such as Firestone and Carlisle do have a good reputation for quality. they have accumulated a large number of successful cases in the market for a long time, and their products have processed a strict quality control system to ensure the stable performance of EPDM membranes, of course ,without economy, they produce best EPDM roofing membrane for flat roofs. However, their products also tend to be more expensive due to the inclusion of distribution costs, brand management and brand maintenance. This may cause cost pressure for some projects with limited budgets. For example, in some small commercial buildings or residential flat roof projects, the brand premium may cause the budget of the entire roof waterproofing project to exceed expectations.
The cost-effectiveness advantage of medium-sized manufacturers: Medium-sized EPDM manufacturers are good choice for some contractors. Although these companies do not have as wide a reputation as large well-known brands, they are able to produce EPDM rubber membrane of high-quality comparable to brands such as Firestone. This is because they also have certain production technology and quality control capabilities. Moreover, without high brand management and marketing costs, their product prices are relatively reasonable and have a high cost-effectiveness. For roofing contractors, choosing such products can effectively control costs while ensuring quality, thereby gaining more advantages in market competition.
2. Excellent material performance is the key characteristics of EPDM.
EPDM roof membrane has excellent weather resistance among all roofing materials. It can effectively resist ultraviolet radiation and prevent the material from aging and degradation caused by ultraviolet rays. At the same time, its antioxidant properties are also strong, and it can maintain the chemical stability of the material during long-term use. Studies have shown that the quality of EPDM roof membranes can still remain in good condition after 30 years. In terms of waterproof performance, this durability is unmatched by other materials. Compared with TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), EPDM roof membranes have more significant long-term economy. Most medium-sized and above manufacturers can produce the qualified EPDM membrane and meet the quality requirements of roof waterproofing.
3. The most important factor affecting the service life of EPDM roof membrane is the quality of the overlap and seaming.
The quality and treatment of the overlap or joints of the EPDM roof membrane have a crucial impact on its service life and waterproofing effect. Fewer joints means a lower possibility of leakage. Therefore, wide EPDM roof membranes are always popular around contractors. However, since EPDM membranes are relatively heavy, suitable equipment such as forklifts or cranes need to be selected during transportation and handling to avoid damage to the material. For example, for large flat roof projects, if a narrower EPDM membrane is used, more joints will be generated, which not only increases the risk of leakage, but also increases construction time and cost.
In addition to the width of the EPDM roof membrane, we have listed other factors to consider when choosing the best EPDM roof membrane for different construction processes.
Hot welding process: Hot welding is a common EPDM roof membrane construction method. This method has relatively low requirements for the EPDM roof membrane itself, but it has high requirements for the technical level and work attitude of the operators. Workers need to have professional knowledge and skills, and be careful and focused during the welding process to avoid leaking welding. Moreover, the temperature and speed during welding need to be continuously stable to ensure the quality of welding. In addition, this also puts forward requirements for EPDM manufacturers. Manufacturers need to use high-quality raw materials and develop innovative and advantageous formulas to produce EPDM roof membranes with good adhesion. Because the vulcanized EPDM materials produced by some small workshops may have poor adhesion and are not suitable for hot welding processes.
Cold bonding process: If the cold bonding process is selected, there are strict requirements for the production quality of the EPDM roof membrane and the adhesive used. Generally speaking, butyl glue is a commonly used bonding layer material, and its thickness is usually between 0.2-0.4mm. This adhesive has good sealing performance and weather resistance, and can effectively connect EPDM roof membranes together to ensure waterproofing.
“Single Ply Roof Membranes and Common Design and Warranty Considerations,” Berman & Wright, July 16, 2013，http://web.archive.org/web/20230315013347/https://bermanwright.com/single-ply-roof-membranes-and-common-design-and-warranty-considerations
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