When it comes to roofing systems, especially for commercial buildings and low-slope roofs, choosing the proper material for your roof can be daunting.
There are multiple options to choose from a long list of products on the market, but EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roofing membrane is one of the most trusted and effective solutions available for your help.
If you’re considering upgrading or installing a new roof on your business or home, you may have heard about this single-ply membrane, but you might be wondering if it’s the right choice for your needs. So, let us guide you through everything you want to know about EPDM roofing systems.
What Is An EPDM Roofing System?
EPDM is a single-ply roofing membrane made from synthetic rubber. It was developed in the 1960s as a replacement for natural rubber due to its skyrocketing price and is made up of synthetic materials like ethylene and propylene.
The roofing membrane is typically available in two different colors (black and white) according to the needs of the buyer. The black membrane, however, is preferred over the white membrane due to its high heat absorption qualities. Which helps absorb maximum heat in colder climates and maintain the heat inside the building. On the other hand, white is better suited for warmer climates, due to better heat reflection.
Benefits of Installing EPDM Roofing Systems
Before installing the EPDM roofing system over your property, you need to understand why this roofing system is best suited for your needs. So, here are some of its advantages:
👉 Durable
Known for its exceptional durability, EPDM rubber roofs can easily withstand extreme temperatures, UV rays, hail storms, snowfall, and other harsh weather events. The synthetic components of EPDM also possess extreme longevity, lasting up to 30 years if they’re properly maintained at regular intervals. Due to the synthetic rubber used in the EPDM material, it is most likely to withstand harsh climatic conditions, UV rays, and extreme temperatures, depending on your location.
👉 Cost-Effectiveness
EPDM is relatively affordable when compared to other roofing materials like TPO (thermoplastic olefin) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Due to its easy availability and installation process, it does not require much maintenance, resulting in an increased value for your money. Made up of recyclable materials, EPDM is widely available at an affordable price that does not require much to produce. As we know, the lower the production cost, the lower the selling price of the product. It is also relatively easy to install compared to any other roofing material.
👉 Versatility
This is an ideal roofing material for flat and low-slope roofs. Its flexibility also makes it a great choice for buildings with unusual configurations or even features like skylights.
👉 Environmental Benefits
Made from recycled, synthetic rubber compounds, an EPDM roofing membrane is fully recyclable at the end of its life, allowing it to reduce energy costs (especially the white version) and making it a sustainable option for eco-conscious building owners.
Limitations Of The EPDM Roofing System
Even though EPDM has a lot of advantages under its belt, there are a few limitations that need to be considered before you install it on the roof over your home, office, or garage.
👉 Appearance
EPDM roofing membranes are usually available in black or white. So, this might not be the most aesthetically pleasing option compared to other roofing materials, especially if you’re trying to enhance curb appeal.
👉 Vulnerability to Punctures
Although highly durable, EPDM roofs can be susceptible to punctures from sharp objects, heavy foot traffic, or nails. The reinforced membranes or the protective layers of the sheet might need special attention in high-foot-traffic areas, where the rubber membrane has much more exposure.
👉 Heat Absorption
Black EPDM roofs absorb much more heat as compared to the white-colored membrane. So, it is advisable not to use black material in the warm climate. However, this can be reduced by opting for the white EPDM material as a substitute for less heat absorption.
EPDM vs. TPO vs. PVC
Below is a breakdown of how each roofing material differs so that you can see the ways in which EPDM matches up to other materials.
| Specifications | EPDM | TPO | PVC |
| Appearance | EPDM roofing membranes are usually available in black or white | TPO is a white or light-colored roofing material that has a shiny, reflective appearance | PVC is a transparent, smooth roofing material that comes in many different shades |
| Durability | Lasts up to 30 – 40 years | It can last up to 15-30 years | PVC roofing systems can last around 20-30 years |
| Heat Absorption | It absorbs more heat as compared to other membranes | Manufactured with UV stabilizers, it absorbs less heat | Raw PVC membrane has the highest capacity of heat absorption among these three |
| Vulnerability | Due to the high heat absorption of the membrane, it can stretch, shrink, and crack after a long period | UV rays can weaken the membrane over time, making it vulnerable to water damage | PVC can shrink and leak, if not installed properly. It also has a very low tolerance to colder climates, which can make it brittle |
| Cost | The EPDM material costs around $2.50 – $5 per square foot | TPO costs $5 – $7 per square foot | The material of a PVC roofing system comes at a price of $8 – $10 |
How Much Does An EPDM Roof Cost?
The cost of an EPDM roofing system may vary depending on various factors, such as the thickness of the membrane, the size of the roof, and the complexity of installation. Here’s a breakdown of general price ranges:
👉 Material Costs
The materials typically cost between $2.50 and $5.00 per square foot. The thicker (60 mil) sheets are slightly more expensive but much more durable than the less thicker ones (40 mil).
👉 Installation Costs
The EPDM roofing membrane requires being properly glued down in order to hold onto the structure of the home. This tiring process needs professional help to be done with precision. Labor costs will depend on the professional you choose and local labor rates.
👉 Total Costs
The total cost of installing an EPDM roof on a 1,500-square-foot home can range from $5,000 – $22,000 including the materials and labor cost, which makes it an ideal alternative compared to other popular roofing membranes like PVC or TPO.
The Energy Efficiency of EPDM
Energy efficiency is becoming a critical factor in roofing choices, especially for commercial buildings with substantial energy costs. EPDM offers energy-efficient benefits in different climates:
👉 Colder Climates
In colder regions, the black EPDM roofing membrane absorbs heat from the sun, which can help reduce heating costs during the winter months.
👉 Warmer Climates
White EPDM reflects sunlight, reducing cooling costs by lowering the overall temperature of the building. It’s particularly effective in sunny, hot climates, helping to reduce the heat island effect that often affects urban areas with large commercial buildings.
EPDM Roof Maintenance
EPDM roofing systems are so popular because of their low maintenance requirements. Unlike other roofing materials, EPDM doesn’t need frequent attention. However, there are a few basic maintenance steps to ensure its longevity:
👉 Regular Roof Inspections
Even though it does not require much attention during its lifespan, it is advisable to inspect the roof annually or after severe weather to check for any tears, punctures, or seams that may need repair.
👉 Cleaning
Keep the roof clean by removing debris like branches, leaves, and dirt. This helps prevent water from pooling on the surface of the roof and seeping between seams in the membrane.
👉 Timely Repairs
If any damage or leaks are found, they should be repaired as soon as possible. The great thing about EPDM is that repairs are usually simple and inexpensive, often just requiring a patch or adhesive.
👉 Restorations
Over time, EPDM membranes may become worn down, especially after 20 or more years. Instead of full roof replacement, restoration with a coating system can extend its life and improve energy efficiency by reflecting more sunlight. These coatings are typically acrylic or silicone-based and are applied directly over the EPDM membrane.
Hire the Best For All Your Needs
EPDM roofing systems offer a cost-effective, durable, and energy-efficient solution for commercial buildings and low-slope roofs. With a lifespan of 30 years or more, minimal maintenance requirements, and the ability to withstand extreme weather, it’s an investment for building owners looking for a long-lasting roofing system.
Whether you’re seeking an eco-friendly option or simply want the most reliable roof for your property, our team can help. At Prestige Roofing we offer premier EPDM roofing services. Our team will ensure all your needs so you can have an easy roof installation process. You can reach us at (920) 791-0414 for further help.