Why use EPDM on Your Shed Roof?
For many years, the most popular roofing materials for sheds of all shapes and sizes was shed felt attached with clout nails. This was applied to treated timber used to construct the shed and was effective at keeping out the weather for a period of time. Unfortunately, the majority of felt membranes have a lifespan of around four years, after which time they begin to deteriorate and may no longer offer the protection needed for the valuable content of your shed. But now it is becoming increasingly popular for EPDM Rubber Membrane to be used by DIYers for shed roof coverings and outbuildings. But why use it on your shed roof?
What is EPDM shed roof covering?
EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is material used in membranes for a wide variety of roofing jobs around the world. One of the most popular uses of the material is for flat roofs because it is resistant to UV and infared light without any additional coverings, it is resistant to both weather damage and environmental chemicals, including the most aggressive emissions from nearby industries. It is also very resistant to heat and cold as well as damage from ozone.
EPDM for shed roofing is also very eco-friendly, as qualified by the UK government and the International Kyoto Energy Agreement recommendations. This is because all of the materials used to make EPDM are eco-friendly and use very little energy to create. They are also very long lasting and can be used with green shed roofing materials such as sedum plants. If the material is involved in a fire, there are no toxic emissions and it can be thermally recycled even after being on a roof for many decades.
EPDM started out in the US in the 1960s and most of those originally roofs are still in place today including factories for big names such as Microsoft, Barclaycard and even the Play House Theatre. Around 1 billion square metres are currently in use around the world. While from an aesthetic point of view, EPDM may not be the most beautiful roof covering, what it loses out on for its looks, it makes up for in its durability.
Using as a shed roof covering
Because a shed roof does not have a large surface area they are ideal for any person of any skill to lay EPDM on. When covering large flat roofs, roofer may have to consider falling slops, ponding and weights, with shed you do not have that issue. EPDM will last for over 50 years if installed correctly which if will more than likely last more than most garden sheds. Normal shed felt starts to feel the effects of UV light and weather within four years of being applied to the shed.
In addition to a shed roof, EPDM is ideal for garden buildings such as summerhouses, outbuildings, tree houses and even for garden roofs. It is also becoming one of the most popular commercial and residential roof material used; with the decline of torch on felt (due to safety reasons). It comes in a thickness of 1.20mm(other thickness's are available but are not required for a shed use) and needs only the contact adhesive to apply.
How to apply EPDM as a shed roof covering
Preparation and planning is key to installing shed roofing EPDM so take a brief look at our short guide to preparing your roof. We have also put together advice on overlapping EPDM sheets which may be of use to you. To view our full range of EPDM products please visit the online store, if you require any further assistance our well trained friendly staff will be more than happy to help.
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