EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) has been promoted for many years as an environmentally friendly option for roofing. That claim is based, among other things, on research by the German research institute SKZ, in which the environmental impact is assessed as extremely low. That sounds nice, but how is the environmental impact of material actually measured? We will discuss this issue in more detail below. You can find EPDM sustainable roofing from Roofers in Toronto. Check out the link.
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A high lifespan ensures a low environmental impact
An important reason that EPDM is hardly harmful to the environment is its long service life. The material will last for at least half a century and will not be broken down during this time. Once the roofing material has nevertheless exceeded its maximum useful life, it is easily recyclable and the rubber gets a new life in the form of another product.
The combination of lifespan and reusability ensure that the environmental impact of EPDM is minimal. While many other roofing materials are either long-lasting or relatively easy to recycle, only a few materials combine these characteristics. It is not without reason that environmental organizations such as Greenpeace see EPDM rubber as an ecologically responsible building material.
Energy-efficient method of production
Although a long service life and simple reusability are important, this mainly concerns the environmental impact of the ready-made product. But roofing must also be produced and that is where many other building materials show their less sustainable side. Fortunately, EPDM foil is an exception to this rule.
The production of some roofing materials costs a lot of energy. At first, this may seem like a drop on a glowing plate, but when added together, this results in considerably higher energy consumption of large production locations around the world. Relatively little energy is used for the production of EPDM, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Suitable for green roof solutions
Once applied to the roof, there are several factors that influence the environmental impact of roofing material. Under the influence of temperature, sun, and other weather conditions, some materials can release toxic substances into the environment. This is not the case with EPDM, because it always remains stable due to the special composition.
The ecological benefits of EPDM are further enhanced by the fact that the material is excellent for combining with environmentally friendly roof constructions such as green roofs and flat roofs with solar panels. More information about the sustainable properties of EPDM? Then contact us without obligation.