13 May EPDM Roofing: Material Matters for Modern Buildings
Understanding EPDM: The Workhorse of Flat Roofing
EPDM roofing material is a synthetic rubber membrane widely used on low-slope and flat roofs for commercial and residential buildings. Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
| EPDM Basics | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer |
| Material Type | Synthetic rubber membrane |
| Common Thicknesses | 45, 60, 75, and 90 mil |
| Standard Colors | Black (most common), White (for energy efficiency) |
| Sheet Widths | 7.5 to 50 feet |
| Typical Lifespan | 25-30 years (up to 50 years with proper maintenance) |
| Installation Methods | Fully adhered, mechanically attached, ballasted |
| Cost Range | $7-$17 per square foot (installed) |
For over 50 years, EPDM roofing material has been the go-to solution for flat and low-slope roofs across North America. Currently accounting for about 20% of all commercial roofing installations, this durable synthetic rubber offers exceptional weather resistance, flexibility, and longevity that few other roofing materials can match.
What makes EPDM special is its remarkable adaptability to extreme conditions. It can withstand temperatures from -40°F to 300°F without cracking or deteriorating, making it perfect for South Florida’s intense heat and occasional cold snaps. The material’s elasticity allows it to expand and contract with your building, preventing the cracks and leaks that plague more rigid roofing systems.
When properly installed by experienced professionals, an EPDM roof provides decades of reliable protection with minimal maintenance. Its exceptional durability against UV radiation, ozone, and severe weather explains why it remains one of the most trusted commercial roofing solutions despite newer alternatives entering the market.
I’m Jason Blair, owner of Aastro Roofing, and I’ve installed and maintained hundreds of EPDM roofing material systems throughout South Florida, helping property owners protect their investments with this exceptionally reliable roofing solution.
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Why Read This Guide
If you’re dealing with persistent leaks on your flat roof or facing a complete replacement, this guide will help you determine if EPDM roofing material is the right choice for your building. We’ll walk you through everything from basic composition to installation methods, helping you make an informed decision that could save you thousands in energy costs and prevent future headaches.
The right roofing material choice is especially crucial in South Florida, where intense UV exposure, heavy rains, and occasional hurricane-force winds put roofing systems to the ultimate test. With over 70 years of combined experience, our team at Aastro Roofing has seen how EPDM roofing material performs in these challenging conditions.
EPDM Roofing Material 101: What It Is & How It Works
EPDM roofing material is essentially a giant rubber blanket for your building. Short for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, this synthetic rubber membrane has been protecting buildings for over five decades. Unlike its thermoplastic cousins that can be repeatedly melted and reshaped, EPDM is a thermoset material—once it’s manufactured and vulcanized, its chemical structure is permanently set, like a cake that can’t be unbaked.
What’s in this remarkable material? EPDM combines ethylene and propylene (derived from oil and natural gas), diene monomers (which create those crucial cross-linking sites during vulcanization), plus carbon black in dark membranes for UV protection or titanium dioxide in white versions for reflectivity. A blend of processing oils, stabilizers, and curing agents rounds out the recipe.
“The beauty of EPDM roofing material is its simplicity,” explains Mike, our lead commercial installer with 25 years under his belt. “It’s basically one giant rubber sheet that creates an incredibly durable, waterproof barrier when properly installed. I’ve seen these roofs perform beautifully for decades in South Florida’s brutal conditions.”
These rubber sheets come in impressive dimensions—anywhere from 7.5 feet to a massive 50 feet wide, with lengths up to 200 feet. This means fewer seams (the Achilles’ heel of any roofing system). You’ll find EPDM available in thicknesses of 45, 60, 75, and 90 mil, with 60 mil being the sweet spot for most commercial applications. For reference, a dime is about 49 mil thick.
Understanding EPDM Roofing Material Chemistry
The secret sauce behind EPDM roofing material’s impressive performance lies in its chemistry. During manufacturing, the raw ingredients undergo vulcanization—a process where sulfur or similar agents create cross-links between polymer chains, changing the material from plastic-like to rubber-like.
This cross-linked structure gives EPDM superpowers: it can stretch up to 300% without breaking, bounce back to its original shape after stretching, stay flexible even in bitter cold, and shrug off degradation from UV radiation, ozone, and harsh weather. EPDM carries an ozone-resistant rating of ‘A’ in temperatures up to 100°F and performs reliably in temperature extremes from -40°F to 300°F—perfect for everything from Minnesota winters to South Florida summers.
The molecular structure also makes EPDM highly resistant to water absorption, with a perm rating of ≤1. In plain English, it’s like an impenetrable fortress against moisture, preventing water damage to whatever lies beneath.
Types & Thickness Options
EPDM roofing material comes in several flavors to match your specific needs and budget:
By reinforcement, you’ll find unreinforced EPDM (the standard membrane offering excellent stretch and flexibility, typically used in fully adhered applications) and reinforced EPDM (containing a polyester scrim that boosts puncture resistance by about 50% but reduces stretchability, ideal for mechanically attached systems).
Thickness options include 45 mil (entry-level, good for residential applications with minimal foot traffic), 60 mil (the commercial standard, balancing durability and cost), 75 mil (improved durability for high-traffic areas or severe weather regions), and 90 mil (the premium choice providing maximum puncture resistance and potential 25+ year lifespan).
Modern EPDM roofing material often comes with factory-applied tape (FAT) along sheet edges, significantly improving seam quality and installation speed. This innovation has addressed one of EPDM’s historical weaknesses—field-applied seam adhesives.
Working with wide EPDM rolls isn’t for amateurs. “A 50-foot wide roll weighs hundreds of pounds,” notes our project manager. “You need proper equipment and trained crews to handle it safely. But the payoff is substantial—on a 10,000 square foot roof, you might have just one or two seams instead of dozens.”
Color Choices & Energy Impact
When it comes to color, EPDM roofing material keeps it simple with two primary options, each with distinct performance characteristics:
Black EPDM is the traditional choice, containing carbon black for UV protection. It absorbs heat, with surface temperatures reaching a sizzling 180°F on hot days. This heat absorption can be beneficial in colder climates by helping melt snow and ice. It generally costs less initially than white membranes and shows less dirt, maintaining its appearance longer.
White EPDM is the cool kid on the block. Containing titanium dioxide for reflectivity, it can bounce back up to 90% of sunlight, significantly reducing cooling costs. Surface temperatures typically run 50-60°F cooler than black membranes—imagine walking barefoot on black asphalt versus a white sidewalk on a summer day. White EPDM complies with Title 24 and other energy code requirements but shows dirt more readily and may need more frequent cleaning.
Your location largely determines which color makes sense. Here in South Florida’s perpetual summer, white EPDM roofing material often delivers better energy performance. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory research, buildings in hot climates can slash cooling costs by 10-30% by switching from dark to reflective roofing. However, you’ll need to weigh these savings against white EPDM’s higher initial cost.
It’s worth noting that while white EPDM exists, white TPO or PVC membranes are more common for cool-roof applications. Many building owners opt to coat black EPDM with white acrylic to achieve similar reflective properties, though this requires periodic reapplication.
For a deeper dive into the science, check out this research on cool-roof energy savings, which confirms that your ideal color choice depends on your specific climate zone, building insulation, and energy use patterns.
Want to know if EPDM is right for your building? Book a free roof inspection online today or get an instant roof quote for replacement through our website. We offer easy financing with terms up to 20 years and the industry’s best warranty options to protect your investment.
Installation Systems & Ideal Applications
When it comes to EPDM roofing material, versatility is the name of the game. This remarkable membrane can be installed in several different ways, each with its own set of advantages for different building types and budgets. Most EPDM installations happen on relatively flat surfaces – specifically roofs with a slope of 3:12 or less (meaning the roof rises no more than 3 inches for every 12 horizontal inches).
No matter which installation method you choose, the details make all the difference. Careful attention to curbs, penetrations, and perimeter flashings is absolutely critical – these transition areas can make or break your roof’s performance over time.
Fully Adhered Systems
Think of fully adhered systems as the premium option in the EPDM roofing material world. With this method, we bond the rubber membrane directly to the substrate (usually insulation boards) using specialized adhesives.
As Maria, one of our veteran installers, often tells clients: “Fully adhered systems give us the most control over the final product. When we do it right, there’s simply nowhere for water to travel between the membrane and substrate.”
This method truly shines in high-wind areas like South Florida, where it provides superior uplift resistance. The membrane won’t billow or flutter, even during those nerve-wracking hurricane winds. It’s also perfect for buildings with complex roof shapes or numerous penetrations, and structures where weight is a concern.
The installation process is meticulous – we clean the substrate thoroughly, apply bonding adhesive to both surfaces, let it get tacky (what we call “flashing off”), and then carefully roll the membrane into place. The seams get special treatment with primer and specialized tape or adhesive to ensure watertight integrity.
Mechanically Attached Systems
Need your roof done faster or working with a tighter budget? Mechanically attached systems might be your answer. With this method, we secure the EPDM roofing material to the deck using specialized fasteners and plates along the seams.
This approach speeds up installation considerably compared to fully adhered systems, which means lower labor costs for you. While still providing good wind performance, it does require reinforced EPDM (with an internal scrim layer) to prevent the membrane from tearing around those fastener points when the wind kicks up.
Mechanically attached systems work beautifully for large roofs where installation speed matters, retrofit projects over existing decks, and buildings in moderate wind zones. The installation is straightforward – we position the membrane, secure it with fasteners and plates along designated seam areas, and then seal everything up tight.
Ballasted & Vent-Secured Systems
Ballasted systems take a completely different approach – they use weight to hold the EPDM roofing material in place. Typically, we’ll use river-washed stone or concrete pavers at a rate of 10-12 pounds per square foot.
This is hands-down the fastest installation method and requires minimal seaming. The ballast layer also provides excellent protection from UV rays and physical damage. The downside? All that weight – your building needs the structural capacity to handle it, and finding leaks becomes more challenging when they do occur.
A newer innovation in this category is the vent-secured system, which uses specialized V2T vents to create negative pressure that helps hold the membrane down. This clever approach requires less ballast, offers improved wind performance, and makes accessing the membrane for repairs much easier.
Ballasted systems are ideal for large warehouse roofs and other structures with substantial load-bearing capacity. In high-wind zones like ours, we carefully follow ANSI/SPRI RP-4 guidelines for ballast size and weight requirements, typically using larger stones or pavers at perimeters and corners where wind uplift forces are greatest.
Best Use Cases for EPDM
After installing hundreds of EPDM roofing material systems throughout South Florida, we’ve found certain applications where it truly excels.
For commercial buildings, EPDM is perfect for warehouses, shopping centers, office buildings, and medical facilities. Its incredible resistance to UV degradation makes it a natural fit for our sunshine-drenched climate. The material handles our thermal cycling beautifully – expanding and contracting with temperature changes without cracking or splitting.
On the residential side, EPDM works wonderfully for flat or low-slope residential roofs, room additions, carports, garage roofs, and even mobile homes. For buildings with rooftop equipment requiring frequent maintenance access, we often recommend stepping up to 90-mil EPDM for maximum puncture resistance and durability.
Want to know if EPDM is right for your specific building? We’re happy to provide an instant roof quote right on our website, or you can book a free roof inspection online. We offer easy financing with terms up to 20 years, along with industry-best warranty options that will give you peace of mind for decades to come.
Pros, Cons & Comparisons (EPDM vs TPO & PVC)
When you’re investing in a new roof, comparing EPDM roofing material with other single-ply options like TPO and PVC is essential. Let’s break down what makes each unique so you can make the best choice for your building.
Key Advantages of EPDM
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after installing hundreds of commercial roofs, it’s that EPDM roofing material is the marathon runner of roofing systems.
The durability is truly remarkable – we’ve inspected 30-year-old EPDM roofs that are still performing beautifully. This rubber membrane shrugs off UV radiation and extreme weather like nothing else on the market. In hail impact testing, EPDM outperforms thinner systems by up to 300 times, which explains why it’s so popular in storm-prone areas.
From a budget perspective, EPDM delivers exceptional value. With installed costs typically ranging from $7-$12 per square foot on larger projects, it’s generally more affordable than TPO or PVC alternatives. When you factor in its 25-50 year potential lifespan, the long-term value becomes even more apparent.
One of my favorite things about EPDM roofing material is how forgiving it is when repairs are needed. Unlike heat-welded membranes that require specialized equipment, EPDM can be patched with adhesive or tape in almost any weather condition. I’ve seen building maintenance staff successfully handle minor repairs themselves, though we always recommend professional assessment for larger issues.
The temperature flexibility of EPDM is impressive too – it remains pliable from -40°F all the way up to 300°F without becoming brittle or soft. This makes it ideal for buildings that face extreme temperature swings.
Environmentally conscious building owners appreciate that EPDM is recyclable. Old membranes can be repurposed into walkway pads, playground surfaces, and even new roofing products. The recycling infrastructure for EPDM is more developed than for many other roofing materials.
Limitations & How to Mitigate
Being honest about limitations is part of giving good advice, and EPDM roofing material does have a few considerations worth noting.
While extremely durable, EPDM can be more vulnerable to punctures than reinforced TPO or PVC, especially in its thinner forms. We typically recommend opting for thicker 75 or 90 mil membranes in high-traffic areas and installing dedicated walkway pads around HVAC units and other service points.
Another consideration is EPDM’s sensitivity to petroleum products. Oils, grease, and some chemicals can degrade the membrane over time. For restaurant roofs or buildings with heavy mechanical equipment, we might suggest installing protective membranes in vulnerable areas or considering PVC as an alternative.
Seam strength represents another potential limitation. While modern factory-applied tape systems have significantly improved seam performance, they still don’t quite match the molecular bond of heat-welded thermoplastic membranes. Proper installation technique is absolutely critical here – we ensure meticulous primer application and careful seaming on every project.
Aesthetically, EPDM offers fewer options than some competitors, primarily available in black or white. For buildings where appearance is paramount, this may be a consideration. White coatings can be applied to black EPDM for improved reflectivity and appearance, though these will require periodic reapplication.
Finally, while EPDM roofing material handles ponding water better than many alternatives, prolonged standing water can affect seams and potentially reduce lifespan. We address this by ensuring proper drainage during installation and correcting any low spots we identify.
Comparison Table: EPDM vs TPO vs PVC
| Feature | EPDM | TPO | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Thermoset rubber | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic |
| Typical Cost/ft² | $7-$12 | $8-$14 | $9-$15 |
| Expected Lifespan | 25-30+ years | 15-25 years | 20-30 years |
| Seam Method | Adhesive/Tape | Heat-welded | Heat-welded |
| Colors | Black, White | White, Gray, Tan | Many options |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (except petroleum) | Good | Excellent |
| Puncture Resistance | Good (thickness dependent) | Good | Very Good |
| Recyclability | Excellent | Good | Good |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
| Flexibility in Cold | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Energy Efficiency | Good (white) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Repair Ease | Very Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
When to Pick TPO or PVC Instead
While I’m a big fan of EPDM roofing material for many applications, I’m always straightforward with clients about when another material might better suit their needs.
TPO makes more sense when energy efficiency tops your priority list. White TPO typically offers higher solar reflectance than white EPDM, potentially delivering greater cooling cost savings in our hot South Florida climate. It’s also generally a more economical cool roof option with a clean, bright aesthetic that some building owners prefer.
PVC becomes the frontrunner when chemical exposure is a concern. For restaurant roofs regularly exposed to kitchen grease, or industrial buildings with chemical emissions, PVC’s superior chemical resistance makes it the safer choice. It also offers the strongest possible seams and comes in various colors if architectural appearance matters for your building.
As one of our long-time clients put it after we helped him choose between materials: “I appreciated that they didn’t just push one product—they helped me understand which system made the most sense for my specific building.”
Ready to explore which roofing system is right for your building? Get an instant roof quote on our website, book a free roof inspection online, or ask about our easy financing options with terms up to 20 years and industry-best warranties.
Cost, Longevity, Maintenance & Warranty Breakdown
When it comes to protecting your building, understanding the complete lifecycle costs of EPDM roofing material helps you make a smart, long-term investment decision.
Most building owners are pleasantly surprised by EPDM’s value proposition when looking at the complete picture. Here’s what you can expect to invest initially:
The material itself typically costs between $3.25-$4.25 per square foot, with installation labor adding another $2.50-$3.50 per square foot. Don’t forget the additional components like insulation and fasteners, which generally run $1.25-$2.75 per square foot.
All told, complete installation costs usually range from $7.00-$12.00 per square foot for larger commercial projects (over 10,000 sq ft), while smaller projects under 5,000 sq ft might run $9.00-$17.00 per square foot due to economies of scale.
“What surprises most of my clients is how affordable EPDM becomes when you spread the cost over its exceptional lifespan,” says our commercial estimator Mark. “When you’re getting 25+ years from a roof system, the annual cost becomes remarkably reasonable.”
Don’t let budget concerns keep you from choosing the right roof system. At Aastro Roofing, we offer easy financing with terms up to 20 years, making premium EPDM roofing material systems accessible for virtually any budget. You can get an instant roof quote through our website to see exact pricing for your specific project.
EPDM Roof Lifespan Drivers
The remarkable longevity of EPDM roofing material doesn’t happen by accident. Several key factors determine just how many decades you’ll get from your investment:
Membrane thickness plays a crucial role in determining lifespan. A 45-mil membrane typically lasts 12-15 years, while 60-mil systems generally deliver 15-25 years of service. Step up to 75-mil and you’re looking at 20-30 years, while premium 90-mil installations regularly achieve 25-50 years of protection.
Installation quality is perhaps even more important than thickness. A properly prepared substrate, correct adhesive application, and carefully executed details at terminations and penetrations can mean the difference between a roof that lasts decades and one that develops problems within years.
South Florida’s environmental factors put unique stresses on roofing systems. Our intense UV exposure, occasional extreme temperatures, and seasonal heavy rains all impact longevity. Buildings with frequent roof access for equipment maintenance will also experience more wear and tear.
Regular maintenance practices significantly extend EPDM’s lifespan. Simple steps like scheduling inspections 1-3 times annually, promptly addressing minor issues before they become major problems, and keeping the roof clean of debris can add years or even decades to your roof’s service life.
According to a comprehensive EPDM Roof Longevity Study, properly installed and maintained EPDM roofs regularly exceed their expected service life. Researchers found numerous examples of 30+ year old EPDM roofs still performing well, with some approaching the remarkable 50-year mark.
I recently spoke with Dave, a facility manager whose EPDM roof just celebrated its 32nd birthday. “We’ve replaced practically everything else in the building at least once,” he told me with a laugh, “but the roof just keeps going. It’s been the best investment we ever made in the building.”
Maintenance Checklist & DIY Tasks
Maintaining your EPDM roofing material isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Think of it like changing the oil in your car—simple preventative maintenance that saves you from expensive repairs down the road.
After major storms or quarterly throughout the year, take a few minutes to remove debris from the roof surface and drains. Look for obvious damage or punctures, check for any membrane displacement, and ensure all drainage points are flowing freely. These simple steps prevent most common problems before they start.
Once a year, conduct a more thorough inspection. Check all seams for proper adhesion, examine flashings around penetrations and edges, and look for signs of membrane shrinkage or tenting. This is also a good time to clean the roof surface with mild detergent if needed and inspect for any signs of chemical contamination that could damage the membrane.
Every 3-5 years, consider having a professional inspection performed. This might include applying a reflective coating if desired, addressing any areas of ponding water, and checking insulation for compression or moisture intrusion. Our team can easily schedule your free roof inspection with online booking through our website.
Many building owners are surprised to learn they can handle minor EPDM repairs themselves. Small punctures can be repaired with EPDM patch kits, loose seams can be cleaned, primed, and resealed, and routine tasks like debris removal and drain cleaning are straightforward DIY projects. For more significant issues, however, professional attention ensures proper repairs that won’t compromise your warranty.
Warranty Options & What They Cover
The warranty protecting your EPDM roofing material is a crucial part of your investment, and not all warranties are created equal.
Manufacturer material warranties typically provide 10-15 years of standard coverage, with extended 20-30 year options available. These warranties cover manufacturing defects in the membrane itself but are often prorated after the initial period, meaning coverage decreases over time.
More comprehensive system warranties offer 15-30 year terms covering both materials and installation quality. These premium warranties require certified installers and often include regular inspection requirements. The best system warranties include coverage for consequential damages—meaning if a roof leak damages your building’s interior, those repairs are covered too.
For South Florida’s unique challenges, consider improved warranties with specific riders. Wind riders provide coverage for higher wind speeds crucial during hurricane season. Hail riders cover punctures from severe storms. Overburden removal covers the cost of removing and replacing items on the roof to make repairs. For commercial properties that might change hands, transferable warranty options maintain coverage through a building sale.
“The warranty is only as good as the company behind it,” explains Sarah, our warranty specialist. “Always check how long the manufacturer and contractor have been in business, and their track record of honoring warranty claims. A 30-year warranty from a 2-year-old company simply doesn’t offer the same protection as one from an established manufacturer and installer.”
At Aastro Roofing, we offer industry-best warranty options, including non-prorated, transferable warranties up to 30 years. We stand behind our EPDM roofing material installations with comprehensive coverage that gives you peace of mind for decades, backed by our long-standing reputation in South Florida.
Troubleshooting, Sustainability & Choosing the Right Contractor
Even the best EPDM roofing material will face challenges over time. The good news? Most issues are fixable when caught early. Let’s explore common problems and solutions to help you get the longest life from your roof investment.
Common EPDM Roofing Material Problems & Repairs
That tug-of-war between Florida’s blazing sun and sudden downpours can take a toll on your EPDM roof. Here are the issues we most commonly see:
Membrane shrinkage happens when your EPDM contracts over time, pulling away from walls and flashings. It’s like what happens when you accidentally put a cotton shirt in the dryer on high heat. You’ll notice the edges pulling back or tenting at corners. The fix involves cutting the membrane, allowing it to relax, and installing a properly sized patch with adequate slack.
Seam failures are the nemesis of any EPDM system. When we investigate leaks, seams are usually the first place we look. Improper cleaning during installation, adhesive issues, or simple aging can cause separations where water happily makes its way inside. Repairing these requires thoroughly cleaning the area, applying fresh primer, and installing new seam tape or adhesive.
“Most EPDM failures aren’t material failures—they’re installation or maintenance failures,” says our repair specialist with 22 years of experience. “A properly installed seam can last decades, but one rushed during installation might fail in the first heavy rain.”
Punctures and tears are surprisingly common, especially on commercial roofs with regular foot traffic. The rubber nature of EPDM roofing material makes it resilient, but not immune to sharp objects. Maintenance crews, fallen branches, or even determined wildlife can create holes that need prompt attention. Repairs involve cleaning the damaged area, applying primer, and adhering an appropriately sized patch that extends at least 3 inches beyond the damage in all directions.
Fastener back-out occurs when the screws holding your roof system in place begin to work themselves loose due to the constant expansion and contraction from temperature changes. You might notice small tents in the membrane or even visible fastener heads. This requires removing the offending fastener, installing a new one nearby, and patching over the area.
Chemical damage is particularly concerning for restaurants or industrial buildings. EPDM roofing material doesn’t play nicely with grease, petroleum products, or certain solvents. If exposed, the membrane may swell, discolor, or become brittle. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix here—damaged sections need complete replacement with fresh membrane.
Environmental Benefits & Recycling Paths
In today’s eco-conscious world, the environmental impact of your roofing choices matters more than ever. EPDM roofing material offers several green advantages that might surprise you.
The longevity of EPDM is perhaps its greatest environmental benefit. A roof that lasts 30+ years means fewer replacements, less manufacturing impact, and reduced waste in landfills. Think about it—installing one EPDM roof instead of three shorter-lived alternatives cuts your environmental footprint by two-thirds over the building’s lifetime.
Energy efficiency is another significant advantage, especially with white EPDM in our sun-drenched South Florida climate. By reflecting solar radiation rather than absorbing it, your cooling system works less, using less electricity and reducing your carbon footprint. Many building owners report noticeable drops in summer cooling costs after switching to reflective roofing.
The manufacturing process for EPDM roofing material requires less energy than many alternatives, particularly asphalt-based products. This lower embodied energy means each square foot of EPDM starts its life with a smaller carbon footprint before it ever reaches your building.
Perhaps most impressive is EPDM’s recyclability. When an EPDM roof reaches the end of its useful life, it doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. According to the EPDM Roofing Association, over 25 million square feet of EPDM has been recycled since 2006. These recycling programs transform old roofing into walkway pads, playground surfaces, and other rubber products.
“We’re particularly proud of our recycling initiatives,” shares our sustainability coordinator. “When we tear off an old EPDM roof, we make every effort to divert that material from landfills. It’s not just good business—it’s the right thing to do for our community.”
For more details on recycling options, check out the EPDM recycling details from the EPDM Roofing Association.
Selecting an EPDM Specialist in South Florida
Choosing who installs your EPDM roofing material is arguably more important than the material itself. Even the best roofing products can fail prematurely in the hands of inexperienced installers.
Proper credentials should top your checklist. Ensure your contractor holds current state licensing specifically for commercial roofing, carries substantial liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, and maintains certification from the EPDM manufacturer. These certifications aren’t just papers—they mean the installer receives ongoing training in proper installation techniques.
“Always ask to see proof of insurance,” advises our operations manager. “You’d be shocked how many ‘contractors’ work without proper coverage, leaving building owners exposed to significant liability if something goes wrong.”
Experience with EPDM systems is non-negotiable, particularly in South Florida where our unique climate presents challenges unknown in other regions. Hurricane-force winds, intense UV exposure, and torrential downpours require specialized knowledge and installation techniques. Ask potential contractors about similar projects they’ve completed and request references from buildings with similar requirements to yours.
Quality assurance processes separate professional roofers from the rest. Your contractor should provide detailed written proposals that clearly specify materials, thicknesses, attachment methods, and flashing details. They should explain their quality control procedures during installation and offer post-installation inspections to verify work quality.
Customer service and support matter tremendously when you’re making a decades-long investment. Look for responsive communication during the estimate process—it often indicates how they’ll handle any issues that arise later. Clear warranty terms, transparent pricing without hidden fees, and availability for ongoing maintenance are all hallmarks of a reputable contractor.
At Aastro Roofing, we’ve spent decades building our reputation as South Florida’s EPDM specialists. We understand the unique challenges of our climate and install EPDM roofing material systems engineered to withstand everything Florida throws at them. Our team makes the process simple with online booking for free roof inspections, instant roof quotes for replacements, easy financing with terms up to 20 years, and industry-best warranty options.
With over 70 years of combined experience serving Palm Beach, Broward County, Boca Raton, and throughout South Florida, we’ve seen roofing trends come and go—but quality craftsmanship never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions About EPDM
How long does an EPDM roof really last?
I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times in my 30+ years in the roofing business, and I love giving the answer: EPDM roofing material is truly the marathon runner of roofing systems.
Most properly installed EPDM roofs will serve you faithfully for 25-30 years, but that’s just the minimum expectation. With good maintenance and a little TLC, these remarkable rubber membranes can protect your building for up to 50 years or even longer.
What affects this lifespan? Think of it like caring for a car – the better you treat it, the longer it lasts. Thicker membranes (like 90-mil vs. 45-mil) naturally outlast thinner ones. Quality installation makes a huge difference – those careful details around pipes and edges really matter. Your local climate plays a role too – South Florida’s intense UV exposure is challenging for any roofing material, but EPDM handles it beautifully.
I’ve personally inspected 30-year-old EPDM roofs in Boca Raton that are still performing wonderfully. The owners simply kept them clean, had regular inspections, and addressed small issues before they became problems. That’s the secret to getting those extra decades of service.
What thickness should I choose for hurricane-prone areas?
Living in South Florida means preparing for hurricane season every year, and your roof is your building’s first line of defense. When it comes to EPDM roofing material in hurricane country, thicker is definitely better.
For most South Florida buildings, I recommend at least 60-mil EPDM as the minimum. But if you want true peace of mind during those nail-biting hurricane warnings, 90-mil is the gold standard. The extra thickness provides significantly better resistance to punctures from flying debris, superior tear strength when those 100+ mph winds are testing every seam, and better hail impact resistance (yes, we occasionally get hail in Florida too).
Just as important as thickness is how your EPDM is installed. A fully-adhered system provides the best wind uplift resistance – there’s simply nowhere for the wind to get underneath and pull. We also pay special attention to securing the perimeters and corners, where wind forces are strongest. All our installations meet or exceed Miami-Dade County’s stringent high-velocity hurricane zone requirements.
Want to see if your current roof is hurricane-ready? Take advantage of our free roof inspection with online booking. We’ll evaluate your roof’s hurricane preparedness and recommend any needed improvements.
Can I coat EPDM to make it white or reflective?
Yes, you absolutely can transform your black EPDM roofing material into a cool, energy-efficient white roof with specialized coatings – but there are some important things to know before you decide.
First, you’ll need coatings specifically formulated for EPDM. Not all roof coatings adhere properly to rubber membranes, and using the wrong product can create a mess. Proper preparation is crucial – the membrane needs thorough cleaning and priming to ensure the coating bonds correctly.
That coatings aren’t a one-and-done solution. You’ll typically need to reapply every 5-10 years as they weather and lose reflectivity. The good news? Each reapplication is much less expensive than the initial coating job.
For many of my South Florida customers concerned about energy efficiency, I often suggest comparing three options: coating your existing black EPDM, installing new white EPDM, or switching to a naturally reflective membrane like TPO. Sometimes the coating makes perfect sense, especially if your existing roof is in good condition but you want to reduce cooling costs.
Curious about the potential energy savings from a cool roof? We can provide an instant roof quote online that includes options for both traditional and cool roof systems. With our easy financing options extending up to 20 years, an energy-efficient roof upgrade might be more affordable than you think – and our industry-best warranty options ensure your investment is protected for decades.
Conclusion
After exploring all aspects of EPDM roofing material, one thing becomes crystal clear – this isn’t just another roofing option. It’s a time-tested solution that’s weathered decades of real-world challenges across thousands of buildings in South Florida and beyond.
I’ve seen how an EPDM roof installed in the 1990s still performs beautifully today, even after enduring countless hurricane seasons and relentless sun exposure. That’s the kind of peace of mind you simply can’t put a price tag on.
What makes EPDM roofing material truly special is its remarkable versatility. Whether your building bakes under the South Florida summer sun or occasionally faces those surprising winter cold snaps, EPDM handles temperature swings from -40°F to a scorching 300°F without breaking a sweat (or more importantly, without cracking or deteriorating).
The environmental benefits shouldn’t be overlooked either. With a lifespan that can reach 50 years with proper care, you’re reducing waste and resource consumption dramatically compared to roofing systems that need replacement every decade or so. And when an EPDM roof does eventually reach the end of its life, it can be recycled rather than ending up in a landfill.
For building owners focused on the bottom line, EPDM roofing material offers compelling financial advantages too. The initial installation cost is typically lower than comparable single-ply options, maintenance requirements are minimal, and the repair process is straightforward when needed. When you factor in energy savings, especially with white EPDM or coated systems, the lifetime value becomes even more attractive.
Ready to explore whether EPDM is right for your building? We’ve made the next steps simple. Get an instant roof quote directly through our website – no waiting, no sales pressure, just clear information to help with your decision. If you’d prefer eyes on your current roof first, our online booking system makes scheduling a free roof inspection quick and painless.
Concerned about the upfront investment? Our easy financing options with terms up to 20 years make quality roofing affordable for virtually any budget. And for ultimate protection, we offer industry-best warranty options that truly stand behind our work.
At The Expert Roofer—Aastro Roofing, we’ve dedicated ourselves to mastering EPDM roofing material installation and maintenance. Our team understands the unique challenges of South Florida roofing and how to design systems that stand the test of time.
Want to dive deeper into our EPDM capabilities? Visit our EPDM services page for more detailed information about how we can help protect your investment with this exceptional roofing solution.
Your roof is too important to trust to just anyone. Partner with a team that brings decades of experience, manufacturer certifications, and a genuine commitment to excellence to every project, large or small. Your building deserves nothing less.