How to Extend the life of the Firestone Rubber Guard (EPDM)?
Rubbergard
EPDM*
- Weather Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Easy to apply
How to Extend the life of the Firestone Rubber Guard (EPDM)?
Anyone who has a Firestone Rubber Guard roof understands that these are made to last. On average, an EPDM roof can last up to 30 years. However, The Firestone Rubber Guard can last 50 years and even longer, provided you take care of it.
So, what do we mean you need to care for it? Well, you can take a couple of steps to minimize damage to the roof, which will help to extend its life considerably.
Get Your Roof Inspected
You always want to get the roof inspected, even if it is by a local contractor. This is one of the keys to stretching the life of your EPDM roof in general. The contractor should be able to check and identify areas on the roof or within the building that are wearing out. This issue can then be addressed in time.
Generally, the contractor will be looking out for puddles, blisters, flashing damage, etc. Get your roof inspected every 2 – 3 years on average.
Remove Moss and Debris
Regardless of where you live in South Africa, your roof will receive a fair amount of debris and, if not attended to then, also moss. This happens on all industrial flat roofs and commercial roofs. Then there is also the fact that pests can access the EPDM roof and build their nests on it.
The easiest fix here is to remove debris from your roof. If you have seen pests on the roof, call a pest controller immediately before they do damage to the EPDM membrane.
Rubbergard
EPDM*
- Light weight
- No maintenance
- Eco Friendly
Remove Overhanging Branches
If your home or place of business is in an area with lots of surrounding trees, with branches that touch your roof’s surface, then it’s time to trim them. Sure, trees help to cool the air outside, but they are your Firestone Rubber Guard’s worse enemy (as with any waterproofing system).
Tree branches will reduce the EPDM’s life expectancy as they continue to rub on its surface. Larger branches may also break off when there is a storm and puncture the system. If you opt for Waterproof Lab’s Ballast System (cement tile or stone) … then your membrane will be protected.
Invest In Reflective Coatings
Often roofing contractors recommend a reflective material that can be used to increase the life expectancy of the EPDM. This more a cosmetic choice than to protect the membrane. The membrane does not need the coating for longevity. The coating works by eliminating UV light from being absorbed and resisting leaks. This also helps with improving energy efficiency. That way, the roof is cooler during the summer, and heat is well insulated within the structure in winter.
Most roofing contractors should be able to apply reflective coatings.
Final Word
Generally, EPDM roofs have a very long life expectancy. In most cases, they will outlast the building. However, as everything else, you can take steps to further extend their service life. Fortunately, as you now know, these steps are simple, cost affective and highly effective and will go a long way to increasing the value of your investment in a flat roof waterproofing system.
