Are you in the process of choosing a roofing material for your home or business? With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Two popular choices are EPDM rubber roofing and felt roofing, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner, you can choose roofing felt or rubber, as they are both excellent options. But since the right roofing material protects your investment and ensures the longevity of your roof, you need more details. So, let’s dive in and compare EPDM roofing vs. felt to help you make the best choice for your needs.
EPDM rubber roofing
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber commonly used in roofing. It is typically installed in large sheets glued or mechanically fastened to the roof deck. The installation involves cleaning and preparing the roof surface, laying down the EPDM membrane, and ensuring the seams are properly sealed to prevent leaks.
Here are some advantages of EPDM roofing
- Durable: EPDM rubber roofs have a long lifespan, typically 30 years or more.
- Resistant to weather and UV radiation: EPDM rubber is highly resistant to weather and UV radiation, which can cause other roofing materials to deteriorate over time.
- Easy to install and maintain: EPDM rubber roofing is relatively easy to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial roofs.
There are also some disadvantages to EPDM rubber roofing
- Cost: EPDM rubber roofing can be more expensive than other roofing materials, such as felt.
- Limited color options: EPDM rubber is typically only available in black or white, which may not be suitable for all aesthetic preferences.
Felt roofing
Felt roofing, also known as roofing felt or tar paper, is a type of roofing material made from a combination of asphalt and other materials. It is typically installed in strips nailed or stapled to the roof deck. Installation involves cleaning and preparing the roof surface, laying down the felt paper, and ensuring the seams are properly overlapped and sealed to prevent leaks.
Here are some advantages of felt roofing
- Affordable: Felt roofing is generally less expensive than other roofing materials, including EPDM rubber.
- Easy to install: Felt roofing is relatively easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIY roofers.
However, felt roofing has some disadvantages
- Shorter lifespan: Felt roofing typically lasts 10-30 years, which is significantly shorter than the lifespan of EPDM rubber roofing.
- Prone to weather damage: Felt roofing can be more susceptible to weather damage, including leaks and cracks, than other roofing materials.
- Higher maintenance requirements: Felt roofing requires more maintenance than other roofing materials, including regular inspections and repairs.
EPDM roofing vs. felt
Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of EPDM rubber roofing vs. felt, let’s compare these materials in a few key areas.
- Cost comparison: In an EPDM rubber roofing vs. felt cost comparison, EPDM is more expensive but has a longer lifespan.
- Maintenance comparison: EPDM rubber roofing requires less maintenance than felt roofing, as felt roofing is more prone to weather damage and leaks.
- Environmental impact comparison: EPDM is generally more environmentally friendly than felt roofing, as felt roofing is made from asphalt and other materials that can harm the environment.
- Durability comparison: EPDM beats felt in an EPDM rubber roofing vs. felt durability contest. It is highly resistant to weather and UV radiation.
FAQs
Which is better for residential roofing – roofing felt or rubber?
Choosing EPDM rubber roofing vs. felt has been a long-standing debate when it comes to residential roofing. EPDM is generally more durable but also more expensive than felt roofing, which is more affordable but may require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.
Can EPDM roofing be repaired if it gets damaged?
EPDM roofing can be repaired if it gets damaged. The repair process typically involves cleaning the damaged area, cutting a patch of EPDM material to size, and gluing or adhering the patch to the damaged area.
Is felt roofing environmentally friendly?
Felt roofing is not considered an environmentally friendly option, as it is made from asphalt and other materials that can harm the environment. However, some felt roofing products are designed to be more eco-friendly, like those made from recycled materials or those that use plant-based additives. But if you are comparing EPDM rubber roofing vs. felt in terms of eco-friendly properties, EPDM wins.
Can EPDM roofing be installed over an existing roof?
In some cases, EPDM roofing can be installed over an existing roof, depending on the condition of the existing roof and the local building codes. However, it is important to consult a professional roofing contractor to determine whether this is a viable option.
How does EPDM roofing perform in extreme weather conditions?
EPDM roofing is highly resistant to weather and UV radiation, making it a good choice for areas with harsh weather conditions. It is also flexible and able to withstand temperature fluctuations, which helps to prevent cracking and splitting.
Is felt roofing fire-resistant?
Felt roofing is typically treated with fire-retardant chemicals to make it more fire-resistant. However, it is important to check the specific product you are considering to ensure it meets the necessary fire safety standards.
What is the typical lifespan of EPDM roofing?
EPDM roofing has a typical lifespan of 30 years or more, depending on factors such as the quality of the installation, the climate and weather conditions, and the level of maintenance.
What is the typical lifespan for felt roofing?
The typical lifespan for felt roofing is 10-30 years, depending on factors such as quality of installation, climate and weather conditions, and level of maintenance. Felt roofing is generally considered to be a more affordable roofing option, but it may require more frequent repairs and replacement compared to other roofing materials with longer lifespans, such as EPDM rubber roofing.
Conclusion
You can choose roofing felt or rubber because of their durability and low maintenance requirements. Regular maintenance and inspections are required to preserve their waterproof properties and withstand extreme temperatures, while it’s also important to check local building codes as they may stipulate different regulations for each type of material.
If you’re still unsure which roofing material is best for your situation, consult a professional roofing contractor for expert advice and guidance.
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