Color should be one of many considerations when purchasing a roof membrane, and should not be treated as the only deciding factor.
White ENERGY STAR/CRRC membranes are often the best choice for flat roofs in temperate climates. These membranes reduce solar radiation collected by roofing surfaces and therefore decrease air conditioning energy use.
1. Durability
Durability should be one of the primary considerations when selecting a roof membrane system, in addition to cost. Durability also depends on where a building is situated and exposure it receives to weather extremes.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) membranes are highly durable, able to withstand severe weather conditions like hail and heat for decades without failing. A study by EPDM Roofing Association even shows a 30-year-old EPDM membrane performing up to ASTM standards!
Black EPDM roofs are durable solutions suitable for various applications, from low-sloping roofs to irregular shapes that need contoured. Their flexible material helps ensure seamless construction.
Black EPDM membranes are an excellent long-term choice for buildings receiving regular maintenance and inspection services. Their longevity, durability, energy-efficiency and ability to withstand intense heat loads such as snow loads or hail makes them a reliable investment.
2. Energy Efficiency
Black roofing membrane is an ideal choice for energy-efficient buildings because its reflective qualities reflect solar heat and light away, saving energy by keeping your building cooler and decreasing air conditioning needs.
Cool roofs are also more cost-effective to operate, making them an attractive option for commercial building owners. However, not all locations and climate zones may suit them well.
Step one in selecting an energy-efficient roof material is to assess current energy usage and costs in your building. Once this information has been established, consult a roofing specialist on which type of roof would best meet both your needs and budget.
Roof color alone does not determine its overall performance; other considerations must also be taken into account, including insulation system quality. A proper insulation system prevents heat transfer between different areas such as attic, ducts and walls – helping keep warm air inside during winter and retaining cooler air during summer.
3. Aesthetics
Black EPDM membrane offers durable and energy efficient advantages as well as being an aesthetically pleasing choice for commercial flat roofs. With its smooth finish, fire resistance features and ease of maintenance – black EPDM roofing membrane is also an aesthetically pleasing choice that makes the roof easy to keep looking its best!
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), another popular choice for low-slop roofs since the 1960s and available in white, gray and tan colors, has also proven itself in low slope roofs as an economical option. Unfortunately it does not hold up as well against dirt accumulation compared to its counterpart, EPDM membrane.
Selecting the proper roofing membrane requires careful consideration of several key aspects, including whether or not you plan on using it for residential or commercial purposes.
4. Weather Resistance
Black EPDM roofing material is an extremely durable, weather-resistant system designed to withstand adverse climate conditions and help lower building heating costs. Furthermore, Black EPDM also helps melt ice and snow off rooftops more quickly reducing potential slippery conditions that could pose risks.
EPDM material offers resistance against chemicals and oils that could damage asphalt shingles or tile roofs, such as petroleum products, pesticides, gasoline and antifreeze. Furthermore, this material is extremely dimensionally stable at low temperatures.
EPDM roofing membranes offer outstanding UV, extreme temperature and hail protection, according to ASTM testing. Non-reinforced black EPDM is proven to outshone white plastic-based materials when it comes to UV resistance and thus are the go-to commercial roof choice for long-term durability.