With summer fast approaching, you may be wondering how to best maintain and care for your EPDM flat roof. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need for summer roof care, while also highlighting the importance of regular checks and why they are necessary.
General
What is the Best Roofing Material for Hot Weather?
The best roofing materials for hot weather are those that reflect sunlight and resist heat absorption. White EPDM excels in this respect, owing to its reflective properties, which prevent the conduction of heat through the roof substrate.
How To Keep Your Roof Cool in Summer Naturally?
To keep a roof cool naturally in summer, it is essential to use a roofing material specifically designed to reflect the sun's rays away from the roof, ensuring they are not absorbed by the membrane. White EPDM is a fantastic solution for this; however, standard black EPDM, when paired with adequate insulation and ventilation beneath the roof, will also help keep your roof cool in summer.
What Colour Roof is Best in Hot Weather?
Lighter coloured roofs—such as white or light grey—are best for hot weather. Lighter colours reflect sunlight, reducing the heat absorbed by the roof during summer.
What is White EPDM?
White EPDM is a variant of EPDM that substitutes carbon black for titanium dioxide during manufacturing. This reduces sunlight absorption and keeps your roof cooler during the hotter months.
Maintenance
Can You Protect a Flat Roof Against UV Damage?
Flat roofs can be protected against UV damage by using a membrane with excellent UV resistance, such as EPDM. EPDM’s chemical structure provides natural resistance to UV rays, making it a fantastic roofing material throughout the year.
How Does Hot Weather Affect Roof Maintenance Needs?
Hot weather increases the need for regular roof inspections, as extreme heat can cause damage to most roofing materials. The most common cause of roofing damage in hot weather is the expansion and contraction of the roofing system. However, EPDM can stretch up to 300% before breaking, with minimal to no damage occurring during hot months or heat waves.
What Are Common Summer Roofing Problems?
Common roofing problems in summer include thermal expansion leading to cracks, membrane shrinkage, UV degradation, and punctures. However, EPDM avoids many of these issues due to its inherent flexibility, UV resistance, and puncture resistance thanks to its manufacturing process.
How Can Summer Heatwaves Impact Roof Performance?
Hot weather can cause several types of roofing damage, including weakened seams due to thermal expansion and the eventual failure of adhesives and fasteners. EPDM is a standout material in this category, as it can expand by 300% before cracking, ensuring performance is not impacted during hotter months.
How Do You Prepare Your Roof for a Hot Summer?
Prepare your roof for summer by conducting a full inspection for existing damage, clearing debris from drains and gutters, reinforcing vulnerable areas, and ensuring ventilation systems are functioning properly.
What happens to roofing membranes in high temperatures?
In high temperatures, roofing membranes can soften, stretch, shrink, or crack. This type of damage can lead to water ingress that may damage the substrate or roof structure over time.
Using EPDM as a roofing membrane eliminates this risk due to its heightened flexibility and heat resistance. EPDM’s synthetic nature provides excellent heat resistance.
What should be included in a summer roofing maintenance checklist?
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Inspect for cracks and seam splits
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Clear debris from drains and gutters
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Check for ponding water after storms
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Inspect and repair flashing and sealants
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Check the loft for adequate ventilation
Schedule a professional inspection if unsure.
Installation
Is summer a good time to install a new flat roof system?
Summer is an excellent time to install a new flat roof system due to longer daylight hours and fewer weather concerns. If you are undertaking a DIY installation, we recommend checking the operating temperatures of the adhesives you are using and taking extra precautions if the membrane is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods before installation.
How do you ensure a roofing membrane bonds correctly in summer?
To ensure your bonded EPDM is both watertight and secure, we recommend checking the operating temperature of your roll-on adhesive before applying it to the membrane. Always use a bonding adhesive specifically designed for EPDM, such as our Water-Based Bonding Adhesive.
Considerations
How do you choose a heat-resistant roofing material?
Choose a heat-resistant roofing material by looking for products with high solar reflectance (SRI ratings), UV resistance, and durability under thermal cycling. EPDM’s heat resistance makes it an excellent choice for a year-round roofing system.
How does insulation under roofing membranes help in summer?
Insulation under roofing membranes helps maintain stable indoor temperatures by blocking external heat from penetrating the building. EPDM, when coupled with effective insulation, reduces reliance on air conditioning, lowers cooling costs, and protects the membrane from temperature extremes, thereby prolonging its lifespan.
How does roofing ventilation affect summer energy costs?
Good roof ventilation removes trapped heat from the loft or roof cavity, preventing it from radiating into the building below. This reduces the air conditioning load, improves indoor comfort, and significantly lowers summer energy bills.
