EPDM Rubber Roofing Solutions for Rhode Island Businesses

After shopping for a new roof to be put on your commercial property, the chances are good that you have realized that there are a lot of choices. In fact, even once you narrow it down to single ply roofing options, you still need to choose between TPO, PVC, and EPDM rubber roofing. In some situations, the choice is clear. Perhaps you are merely putting on a new roof of the same type to replace an old roof. Or maybe you are choosing a certain solution for brand new construction because it was recommended to you by your builder. However, if you have been looking for an alternative option that will help you to reduce roof maintenance in Providence and the surrounding area, you have probably been doing a lot of research.

Rubber roofing in Rhode Island is nothing new. It’s been around for decades and with good reason. It is a very successful material as far as commercial properties go, as it is perfect for flat roofs and provides comprehensive protection from the elements. You can always consult with a reputable roofing company, such as A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing. By our name, you might think that we would steer you to a metal roofing option, but the truth is that we work with each client to determine the roofing system that is best for their needs, structure, and budget. We can share with you the pros and cons of each type of single ply roofing material to help you make an informed decision.

Why Do Research?

At this point, you might feel like throwing your hands up in the air or just picking the option that is the most affordable, but it pays to make the right choice. Even a basic knowledge of different material types can help you know if you are making a sound investment. Roofing materials and installation costs can be a big part of your budget, but if you choose something that will reduce maintenance and repair of roofing in the future, you could actually save.

However, it is important to note that even the best possible material in the world will still have problems if you do not have it installed by a professional roofing contractor. Don’t try to save a few bucks by sending your maintenance crew or home builder up on the roof to “figure it out” and install it instead. You will likely end up spending a lot on repairs and a possible replacement in just a few short years. As the adage goes, “you get what you pay for,” especially when it comes to installation and roof maintenance in Providence.

The ABCs of Roofing

There are a lot of letters used in the description of single ply roofing materials. That’s because the actual name of the material used is long and difficult to pronounce. For example, TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, which is a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. So even though EPDM is usually referred to as rubber roofing in Rhode Island, TPO is considered to be in the same family of rubber roofing materials. Speaking of EPDM, it stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. This is a synthetic rubber that comes from natural gas or ethylene propylene and oil. Combined with diene, which is an unsaturated hydrocarbon alkene, the EPDM rubber roofing membrane is created.

In addition to TPO and EPDM rubber roofing, which are both available for installation through A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing, there are other types of roofing materials. PVC is probably a much more familiar term, as it is used to create lots of different things, from landscape pipe to outdoor furniture. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials are created through a reaction of ethylene with oxygen and hydrochloric acid in a chemical reaction known as polymerization. In addition to PVC, there are lots of other acronyms used to describe roofing materials that we won’t even get into in this informative article. Why? Because you don’t need to know them all to make an informed decision about single ply roofing.

TPO vs. EPDM Rubber Roofing

There are many similarities between these two types of rubber roofing in Rhode Island. Both are considered to be rubber roofing materials, both fall into the single ply roofing category, and both are applied to your roof in sheets. Installation is quick and easy; however, it is not for the inexperienced. The materials are installed in sheets, which means that they need to be appropriately installed for best results. TPO roofing is a very popular choice in New England, but so is EPDM rubber roofing, which requires little roof maintenance in Providence outside of regular inspections and minor repairs. When installed by a professional, EPDM can last for many years, making it a sound investment. It is UV-stable, ozone-stable, and is flexible enough to move with your building as it shifts over time. It can be used in extreme climates and has been tested in Florida and Alaska with great success. EPDM rubber roofing in Rhode Island can even stand up to the many weather challenges and is an affordable solution for most businesses.

Get a FREE estimate for either TPO or EPDM rubber roofing for your New England Business. Contact A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing by calling 401.654.4128. We provide professional roofing installations, maintenance, and repair services for commercial and residential clients throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Call today to learn more about your options for quality roofing from a trusted and reputable provider.