Expected Lifespan
25–35 years
Install Method
EPDM system
Best Applications for EPDM
EPDM is the right material when one or more of these conditions describe your building:
- Older brick commercial buildings where flat-roof tradition matters
- Buildings with significant foot traffic on the roof
- Cold-climate roofs (northern NJ) where membrane flex matters
- Owners who prioritize proven longevity over reflectivity
- Re-cover projects where the existing substrate is intact
EPDM System Specifications
- 60-mil or 90-mil sheet thickness
- Fully-adhered, mechanically-attached, or ballasted install options
- Seam tape with primer for clean installs (older systems used liquid seam adhesive)
- Up to 30-year manufacturer warranties available
- Excellent cold-weather flexibility (Northern NJ winters)
How We Install EPDM
Sheets are rolled out, seams primed and taped (or hot-air welded for modern formulations), and the field is either mechanically fastened, fully adhered with bonding adhesive, or ballasted with river rock. All penetrations get pre-fabricated EPDM flashings adhered into place with cover tape over the seams.
EPDM — Pros & Cons
Strengths
- Longest proven track record of any single-ply membrane
- Outstanding cold-weather flexibility — handles freeze-thaw cycling well
- Lower cost than PVC, comparable to TPO
- Excellent resistance to UV (black rubber doesn't degrade in sun like some thermoplastics)
- Repairs are straightforward with patches and primer
Trade-offs
- Black membrane absorbs heat and increases summer cooling loads
- Adhesive-based seams (in older systems) can fail before the field membrane does
- Not Energy Star qualified unless coated with white reflective coating
- Susceptible to grease and animal-fat damage near commercial kitchens
EPDM — Frequently Asked
How long does an EPDM roof last in New Jersey?
Well-installed EPDM in NJ typically lasts 25–35 years. We routinely see EPDM roofs from the 1980s and early '90s that are still serviceable — usually the field membrane is fine but the seams need redoing.
Should I choose EPDM or TPO?
EPDM if proven longevity is your top priority, the building is in a cold-climate part of NJ where membrane flex matters, the rooftop sees regular foot traffic, or you want a no-frills install. TPO if energy efficiency, reflectivity, or LEED certification matters more — TPO's white surface saves real money on cooling.
Can EPDM be installed over an existing roof?
Yes, EPDM is one of the best materials for re-cover (going over an existing roof) when the substrate is intact. We add a cover board over the old roof, then adhere the new EPDM membrane. Saves significant tear-off cost — but we still recommend full tear-off when the substrate is wet or compromised.
What's the warranty on a new EPDM roof?
Manufacturer warranties on full system installations typically run 20–30 years and cover material defects and workmanship through the certified installer network. Our written workmanship warranty is separate and covers the installation labor.
Other Commercial Roof Systems
Not sure EPDM is right for your building? Compare with these alternatives:
TPO
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing
The most-installed commercial flat-roof membrane in New Jersey
PVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Roofing
Chemical-resistant flat-roof membrane for restaurants and industrial
Mod-Bit
Modified Bitumen (Mod-Bit) Roofing
Multi-ply asphalt-based system for traffic, parapets, and complex roofs
Metal
Commercial Metal Roofing
Standing-seam and structural metal for warehouses and industrial