Rubber roof or regular roof?

Inger-michele
by Inger-michele
I'm trying to decide if I want a rubber roof or regular roof. Which one last longer and how do I pick a good roofer to do the work out of a bunch of spoil apples?
  9 answers
  • William William on Apr 21, 2016
    Rubber roofs are generally put on flat or almost flat roofs. Shingles are used on pitched roofs. Architectural shingles last longer than three tab shingles. Look around your neighborhood and see what other homes have. Talk to neighbors and friends if they can give you a referral. Somebody knows somebody in the business. Get at least three estimates. Make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured. Ask for proof, don't just take their word. You an also call the building department in your village hall and ask for a referral.
  • Debbie Kuhar Debbie Kuhar on Apr 22, 2016
    First think when I think of rubber of think of it being hot, what effect is this goingto have on your attic? Plus, you should consider the cost. Had my roof done about 8 years ago, expensive. Even rubber is a petroleum based product also. Consider the cost. Have you checked into it?
    • Inger-michele Inger-michele on Apr 22, 2016
      @Debbie Kuhar I'm still working on it. My problem is I really wanted a regular roof but everybody is telling me rubber roof is the best. Like I said early I not sold on that.
  • Larry Chura Larry Chura on Apr 22, 2016
    As William stated, it is a mater of pitch. This is the amount the roof rises from the top of the outside wall. The greater the pitch, the better the 3-tab shingle will work. For low pitch to flat roofs, go with a rolled, hot tarred type of roofing. With picking a good roofer, ask your BBB for their list of roofers they recommend .
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    • Inger-michele Inger-michele on Apr 22, 2016
      @William Thank you very much for that example.
  • Euroshake Euroshake on Apr 22, 2016
    Euroshield from Canada makes a High Slope rubber compound roofinf shingle that is made from recycled rubber tire saving space in land fills. Davinci and Ecostar are also servicable alternates to Euroshield. Price is a consideration in their use. Any competent qualified roofer can install any of these products.
  • Barbara C Barbara C on Apr 22, 2016
    The only Rubber Roofs I have ever seen is on a Commercial building.Is this a Home or business?
    • Inger-michele Inger-michele on Apr 22, 2016
      @Barbara C This is my home an it is a flat roof. Everybody in the Philadelphia area are buying rubber roof. I'm not really all that sold on a rubber roof just because everybody is buy them does not mean it good for. Undecided
  • William William on Apr 22, 2016
    Larry Chura had suggested to go with rolled roofing and hot tar. I have not seen any roofer installing a rolled hot tar roof for years. They all use rubber roofs for flat roofs. The problem with rolled roofing is they don't last. Over time the roofing material dries out and the seams will start to separate and develop leaks. While a rubber roof is practically seamless. Any seams are vulcanized (welded). The best shingled roof (for homes with a high pitch (angle) will last about 50 years while a rubber roof (for flat and low pitch (angle) roof) can last 100+ years. Of course a rubber roof is more expensive, but it will last much longer. Since your roof is flat, I suggest going with a rubber roof.
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    • William William on Apr 23, 2016
      @Larry Chura Here in the Chicagoland area, roll roofing and hot tar was the was the norm for flat roofs. Mainly for commercial applications. Problem was the edges of the roll roofing would dry out, start to peel, and raise. When rubber roofs came out, roll roofing was gone. Rubber roofs came in large sheets with very little seams and any seams were vulcanized. This created one solid sheet that spanned the roof with no chance of any leaks. A little more expensive, but would practically last forever.The roll roofing that is available now is an asphalt impregnated polyester mesh and primarily use as an underlayment instead of felt paper, not the main roofing material.
  • Debbie Kuhar Debbie Kuhar on Apr 23, 2016
    About 7 yrs ago when I put my roof on, got the 3 dementional shingles. They look nice, but oil was up at that time. Prices have fallen, but prices of things still go up. I live up north in PA. sometimes the weather can get bad. Do not forget to put a ridge vent in to get air circulating in the attic. We have a fan in attic also. Let me know what you decide? Have you talked to a contractor yet to get an opinion? Keep in touch.
  • Larry Chura Larry Chura on Apr 23, 2016
    Yes, you do have hotter summers than we do on the most part. A self adhesive rubber membrane is being used as a replacement for roofing felt on three tab applications as an underlayment. Each area seems to have their own best type. A free market system at its best!
  • EPDM Member EPDM Member on Apr 14, 2023

    In my experience, rubber roofing is better as it is more durable and long lasting. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (M-class), or EPDM, is a synthetic rubber that is extremely durable and used across a variety of applications especially for roofing. EPDM is heat and weather resistant with its two main ingredients derived from natural gas and oil, making it an ideal flat roofing material. It has the life expectancy of over 50 years with its long lastingness and cost effectiveness making it the ideal choice for thousands around the globe. Moreover, it can easily be managed or restored by DIY EPDM liquid butyl rubber that is the best sealant for a fraction of cost due to its unique features and outstanding properties.