EPDM Roofing for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
Durable rubber membrane systems, straightforward to detail around penetrations and proven through decades of Indiana weather.
EPDM has the longest field track record of any single-ply membrane, and in a climate that swings from below zero to the nineties it earns that reputation. The rubber stays flexible in cold weather and handles the constant expansion and contraction that opens up more rigid systems.
We install new EPDM, repair seams and punctures on existing rubber roofs, and apply reflective coatings to extend the life of roofs that are still structurally sound.
What EPDM does well
Because EPDM comes in wide sheets, a typical roof has far fewer seams than other systems, and seams are where most single-ply roofs fail. It is also forgiving to detail: curbs, pipe penetrations, and irregular parapets are easier to flash cleanly with rubber than with most alternatives, which matters on older buildings with a lot going on above the deck.
Its weak points are mechanical: punctures from foot traffic and dropped tools, and adhesive-related seam failures on older roofs where the original tape has aged out. Both are repairable, and both are the reason we recommend walkway pads under service routes to rooftop units.
EPDM is a strong fit when
- The roof has many penetrations, curbs or irregular parapet details
- The building sees heavy freeze and thaw exposure
- An existing EPDM roof has open seams, punctures or failed flashings
- A sound rubber roof is nearing end of life and could be coated instead of replaced
- Long service life matters more than surface reflectivity
Our EPDM work
New installation
Mechanically attached, fully adhered or ballasted assemblies with new insulation and corrected slope.
Seam and puncture repair
Aged seams cleaned, primed and re-taped or covered, punctures patched with matched membrane.
Reflective coatings
White coating systems over sound black EPDM to cut heat gain and add warrantied service life.
Traffic protection
Walkway pads along service routes so the roof survives the people who maintain the equipment on it.
Common questions
- How long does an EPDM roof last?
- Well-installed and maintained EPDM commonly performs for twenty to thirty years in this climate, which is part of why it remains widely specified.
- Can black EPDM be made reflective?
- Yes. A white reflective coating over sound EPDM reduces heat gain and extends service life without a tear-off.
- Are old EPDM seams repairable?
- Usually. Seams from the tape-and-adhesive era can be cleaned, primed and covered with modern seam tape, which is a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Keep reading
Related guides: EPDM Roofing Guide, TPO Roofing Guide for Indiana Buildings and Commercial Roof Coatings vs Roof Replacement.
See this work on a real building: EPDM Re-Roof on 80,000 sq ft Elkhart Warehouse.
We provide epdm roofing in Elkhart, Goshen and South Bend, and across our full Northern Indiana service area. When you are ready, request a free roof inspection.
Let's look at your roof first.
Free inspection, photo-documented findings, and a straight answer about repair, restoration or replacement.