EPDM or Fibertite

[raisetheroof]

I have a one story flat roof building that currently has a ballasted EPDM roof that needs to be replaced. I am lloking into putting a Fibertite Roof on, however I am not sure it is worth spending the extra money...

Can anyone help me compare EPDM and Fibertite so I know which is the better choice?

Also what do new EPDM and Fibertite roofs typically cost per square foot?

[SensFan]

Can you provide more details? I'd imagine the costs will vary a lot depending on your needs (ie. 45 mil EPDM? 60 mil?), the expertise of the roofer (assuming you're going to hire a contractor), and your location.

[jwroofing]

Raisetheroof, where are you located? Different products do better in different climates. Some things do better in tropical climates. Amount of rain and wind, etc can make a difference.

JW
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Bal Harbour Roofing (http://www.jwroof.com/)

[grumpydasmurf]

Epdm is a great product. And though I have never worked with fibertite, I hear it has an awesome reputation. I personally prefer thermoplastic products such as pvc and tpo. Fibertite is also a thermoplastic.

Learn more about your Flat Roofing Options (http://reliableamerican.us/services/low-slope-roofing.html)

EPDM will work just fine, and has specifications up to 30 years. I can not specificaly speak for fibertite, but I beleive they too have 30 year specifications. EPDM's only flaw is its adhesives. The seams are glued together either using adhesives or pre applied adhseive tapes. In either case these adhesives on the seams and penetrations have been known to fail within 15-20 years. The 30 years EPDM specification requires double seaming.

EPDM, the material, is probably cheaper than fibertite. I know it is signifigantly cheaper than PVC. However if you compare a 30 year spec to a 30 year spec, the thermoplastic doesn't require the double seaming and thus ends up becoming cheaper.

EPDM is also charcoal black. It will hold heat instead of reflect. This may matter depending on your climate.