EPDM, or modified bitumen roofing, has grown in popularity in recent years. Shrinkage is one of the most typical problems associated with this type of membrane. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including material deterioration, improper installation and exposure to UV light. However, shrinkage issues on EPDM roofs have greatly lessened as a result of technological advancements.
Continue reading to understand more about roof shrinkage and how it occurs in EPDM and modified bitumen roofs as discussed by gutter guards experts at Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC.
What Is Roof Shrinkage?
For starters, most homeowners aren’t even aware that roof shrinkage can happen. Roof shrinkage is commonly misunderstood to be the actual shrinking of your roofing materials as a result of the passage of time.
Roof shrinkage is defined as the “shrinking,” of the membrane on a roof or other structure. This membrane, also known as the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), helps to protect your property from severe damage caused by extreme temperatures, weather and other damage from debris striking your roof. EPDM is a type of rubber that is used to make roofing membranes. The flashings at curbs, penetrations and walls are pulled out of place by a shrinking roof.
If left unaddressed, this membrane will shrink over time, resulting in a variety of complications. Cracks split, and ridges in the roofing materials are just a few of the problems that might occur.
Why Does Roof Shrinkage Occur?
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Poor Installation
Poor installation is a problem that affects all types of roofing systems. An untrained roofer can easily make a mess of the process of installing gutter covers and roofs, which is a complicated process. The prevalence of substandard roofing work is exacerbated by the fact that many membrane manufacturers do not need roofing contractors to be certified in order to purchase and install their products. If you decide to go with a membrane roof, make sure you contact an experienced roofing professional to do the job.
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Inadequate manufacturing or application of membrane and materials
The EPDM membrane must be developed and applied to the roofing materials in a precise manner, which requires several painstaking stages. If there is a lack of quality in the membrane’s creation at any step, the membrane’s longevity can be substantially reduced, and the membrane’s ability to protect your property can be severely compromised.
Even though the membrane’s quality is excellent, if the oil is not properly mixed before being applied to the roofing materials, the membrane will lack the necessary flexibility to perform as intended and will fail.
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Separation
When it comes to roofing systems, membranes feature seams that will inevitably leak. Seams come apart, whether as a result of roof shrinkage or for other reasons. This results in leaks. However, while membrane roof separation is unavoidable, competent roof installation and gutter guards maintenance can keep a membrane roof watertight for more than 10 years.
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Design
The design of a roof can have an impact on how long a membrane will last on that roof. Roofs should be constructed in such a way that they can adjust for membrane shrinkage while also being sturdy enough to endure regular EPDM shrinkage. Since this can harm significant parts of a roof at once, larger roofs and their materials are more sensitive to this type of damage.
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Inexperienced roofers
EPDM roofing installation is a complicated process that should only be carried out by a qualified and experienced specialist. Roofers who are inexperienced are more likely to make beginner mistakes that may negatively impact the roof’s effectiveness.
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Required Maintenance
Membrane roofing is delicate and necessitates frequent inspection and repair. The maintenance of all roofing systems is recommended, but failing to maintain a membrane roof will almost probably result in irreversible damage. Just like gutter covers, membrane roofs are low-cost and environmentally friendly. If you are able to hire roofing professionals to properly maintain your roof, then this will benefit you greatly. A membrane roof should only be installed if you are completely dedicated to performing regular maintenance on it.
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Environmental Impact
Rubber is not beneficial to the environment. A membrane-based roof is not a smart solution for those who are concerned about reducing their carbon footprint.
EPDM and other membrane-based roofs are facing significant difficulties. Roof shrinking is a severe problem that affects every membrane-based roof system. While good maintenance might help to minimize shrinking, it is an unavoidable part of the life cycle of membrane-based roofing systems. The most significant advantage of a membrane-based roof is the low cost of installation. If your company’s upfront expenditures are a major concern, a membrane roof may be an attractive option for you. It is crucial to realize, however, that membrane-based roofs are associated with a number of difficulties that will ultimately cost you money in the long run.
Best ways to prevent EPDM roof shrinkage:
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Engage the services of a seasoned roofer. If you want to save money, pick gutter protection services and roofing experts who have a lot of experience. Although they may charge a higher price than newer companies, the quality of their workmanship and materials will be of superior quality, allowing you to get more bang for your buck in the long term, as a result.
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Never compromise on the quality of your materials. Make a significant investment in high-quality mixtures and materials. Make sure to engage with a reputed manufacturer and roofer to ensure that you receive the best product and workmanship possible for your roofing system installation.
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Reinforce the substrate. Don’t forget to prioritize the basis of your roofing system. Take steps to ensure the longevity of your substrate and you’ll avoid costly complications in the future.
Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC has years of roofing experience in the areas of Rockford, Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, and is one of the most dependable roofing and gutter protection services providers in the area. Throughout our many years in business, we have always remained true to our promise to assist each and every customer before attempting to sell them something. Our current qualifications, on-time personnel and high-quality workmanship are what distinguish us from other roofing businesses.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please complete our handy online request form or contact us today for a free estimate at (815) 788-6699. We are always delighted to welcome a new customer. We serve residents of Rockford, IL, and the surrounding areas.