EPDM has long been a trusted roofing solution for commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs. Among the services our company offers, EPDM roof replacement is especially popular.
This is for good reason, since EPDM is known for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation, making it a favorite among business owners and property managers.
Traditionally, black EPDM has dominated the market, offering excellent weather resistance and longevity. However, this prominent single-ply membrane has a unique variant that you should consider. White EPDM is gaining attention as an energy-efficient alternative. But is it the right choice for your building, or should you choose the more traditional option? Keep reading to find out!
The Popularity of Traditional Black EPDM
Black EPDM has been a go-to roofing material for decades. It’s valued for several key reasons:
Durability: With a lifespan of 25 to 30 years when properly maintained, EPDM is not only the longest-lasting single-ply roofing membrane, it’s the longest-lasting commercial roofing option.
Flexibility: The material remains pliable even in extreme temperatures, allowing it to expand and contract without cracking.
Cost-Effective: Compared to other single-ply roofing systems, black EPDM is often more affordable to install and repair.
Proven Performance: It has been tested in all kinds of weather conditions, proving its resilience against UV rays, hail, and heavy rains.
Despite these benefits, traditional black EPDM has one notable downside — it absorbs heat. In order to fix this, manufacturers have crafted white EPDM
To learn more about EPDM roofing membranes, read our guide here.
What Is White EPDM?
White EPDM is essentially the same material as black EPDM but with a white surface that enhances reflectivity. The difference comes from the manufacturing process — while black EPDM contains carbon black, which gives it strength and UV resistance, white EPDM substitutes this with titanium dioxide or other reflective pigments (also called fillers). This modification allows it to reflect more sunlight, reducing heat absorption and improving energy efficiency.
This type of EPDM is produced either as a fully white membrane or as a black EPDM sheet with a factory-applied white layer. This surface treatment does not compromise the core durability and flexibility of EPDM, it instead enhances its ability to keep buildings cooler in warm climates.
Benefits of White EPDM Roofing Membranes
White rubber roofing membranes have the same material base that you associate with black EPDM, so while it retains most of the characteristics, it also offers something entirely different.
White EPDM Solves The Problem Of Heat Reflectivity
The white reflective surface of this membrane helps it reduce heat buildup in your building. During the summer months, traditional black EPDM absorbs a significant amount of heat, which causes your HVAC system to work harder in order to keep the interior cool. White EPDM, thanks to the color, reflects more sunlight. In this regard, it creates tough competition for TPO roofs, leading to lower cooling costs and an overall more comfortable indoor environment.
White EPDM Is More Environmentally Friendly Than Black EPDM
By lowering your energy consumption, white EPDM contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. Many property owners looking to achieve LEED certification or meet energy efficiency standards prefer white EPDM for its environmentally friendly properties. Some EPDM membranes also use recycled components.
UV and Ozone Resistant Roofing Membranes
White EPDM provides strong resistance against UV rays and ozone exposure, just like black EPDM. The added reflective surface enhances this protection, potentially extending the life of the roof by reducing thermal stress and degradation.
Comparable Durability to Black EPDM
While some single-ply roofing materials trade durability for reflectivity, white EPDM maintains the same flexibility and weather resistance as its black counterpart. It stands up to extreme temperature fluctuations and provides excellent protection against leaks when properly installed by the roofing contractor.
Is White EPDM Right for Your Building?
Your decision to install a white EPDM rubber roof will depend on numerous conditions, with the weather being one of them. Luckily, this roofing membrane is perfect for the following scenarios:
Buildings with Energy-Efficient Goals
Commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, or hospitals require constant use of HVAC systems, and white EPDM can be a great choice for these buildings. Its reflective surface helps reduce heat absorption, keeping the building cooler and lowering the need for air conditioning and its related expenses.
The large surface area maximizes the cooling effect, making it an excellent choice for flat-roofed commercial buildings looking to minimize energy usage during the summer months.
Urban Areas & Heat Island Effect
For commercial buildings in urban environments, white EPDM can help combat the heat island effect, which involves the surrounding environment becoming significantly hotter due to buildings and pavement absorbing and re-emitting heat. By reflecting sunlight, white EPDM can help reduce this effect.
Can Black EPDM Be Coated White?
This is one of the most common questions property owners have if they’re still deciding between black and white EPDM.
Yes, if you already have a black EPDM roof but want to gain the benefits of a reflective surface, you can apply a white coating. Roof coatings designed for EPDM are available in acrylic, silicone, or elastomeric formulas that stick to the membrane and provide a reflective, UV-resistant layer. But note that this is not the same as installing a white EPDM roofing membrane.
How Does a White Coating Compare to White EPDM?
Durability: A factory-produced white EPDM membrane is inherently more durable than a black EPDM roof that was coated white. While coatings can extend the life of a black EPDM roof, they require periodic reapplication to maintain their effectiveness.
Reflectivity: White coatings can improve heat reflectivity but may degrade over time, whereas white EPDM maintains consistent performance throughout its lifespan.
Cost: Coating an existing black EPDM roof is often more affordable than replacing it with white EPDM, making it a good option for property owners looking for an immediate energy efficiency boost without full replacement.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Roof Coatings: Benefits, Types, and Application
Your Trusted Experts For EPDM Roof Installation
For Wisconsin property owners, white EPDM roofing membranes can help cut down cooling costs during the summer.
Whether you choose white EPDM or the ever-reliable black EPDM roofs, our experts at Prestige Roofing LLC can help with the installation. We have been installing EPDM roofing membranes for years and provide expertise and maintenance services to ensure your roof lasts for decades.
If a full replacement isn’t in the budget, we also offer professional roof coating services too. Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 to learn more.