Rubberized roofing maintenance doesn't need to be dreaded, and proper maintenance ensures prolonged protection. Rubber roofing, while incredibly resistant to wear-and-tear situations, may require extended cleaning. Minimizing efforts requires either advanced services or industry know-how, but protecting a structure’s roof is simple when necessary preventative methods are taken.
Seam Splitting, Scuffs and Marks
Rubber roofing, primarily, serves a structure’s uppermost inclusions through preventing decay while providing impact resistant surfaces. Its material is composed of Propylene Diene Monomer, abbreviated EPDM by providers and homeowners.
EPDM is tough, and it’s incredibly resistant to weather effects. However, an EPDM surface may split when in contact with sharp material, prolonged exposure to dry, hot areas, or mold. Regular cleaning is required to maintain the EPDM surface, and consistent washes ensure resistance from heat cracking.
The Routine Cleaning Process
When conducting routine rubber roofing cleans and check-ups, sweep away any excess leaves, sticks or material resting upon the rooftop. For this process, take the following steps:
Sometimes, regular cleaning isn’t enough. As mentioned above, EPDM surfaces are incredibly susceptible to tears and mildew. While routine cleanings may prevent buildup, several circumstances may reduce a rubber roof’s “surface life”, including:
Sometimes, the above factors may create a “critical situation”, in which a rubber roof’s membrane splits, unraveling a roof’s protection. In other instances, mildew collection may ferment between a rubber roof and rooftop—creating unseen dangers for homeowners.
Protective Replacement and Enhanced Protection
Often, classic, black rubber rooftops rely upon glue to maintain appearance and durability. Unfortunately, such surfaces experience the above-mentioned critical situations due to the rubber’s exposed glue. When these EPDM surfaces rupture, instant patching is required.
However, complete rubber rooftop replacement can increase a household’s protection. White membrane rubber roofing, created from Duro-Last is a custom-fabricated roofing system. Its material is incredibly split-resistant, and it provides the following benefits for homes and businesses:
Above two billion square feet of white PVC rooftop membrane have been installed in North America. Duro-Last’s material specifically resists fungus growth, making it a viable option for building owners residing in hot, humid areas.
Feasibility and Consistency
Regardless of personal rubber roofing selection, the best cure is prevention. Stopping a problem before it arises prevents costly repairs, and removing harmful materials prolongs a rooftop’s lifespan while keeping a building aesthetically pleasing.
Rubber roofs should be inspected, cleaned and treated approximately four times a year. Rubber roof cleaners and treatments contain necessary anti-spore and lubrication chemicals—so dust, pollen and dirt are directly targeted.
Additionally, specialized “mildew squares” may be installed to areas at risk. Roof areas near gutters, corners, chimneys and windows may be subject to dirty water, moisture buildup and spore accumulation, and preventative roof sections may be required to prevent costly damages.
Routine sweeping, washing and inspection are keys to rooftop integrity and functionality, and a diligent mindset is incredibly useful. Where streaks, rips and tears are concerned, consistent check-ups both reduce damage and increase appearance, making a rubber rooftop a prime investment for any home or business owner.
