Rubber roofing, known as Ethelyne-Propelene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM) in the construction industry, was first used as a roofing membrane in the 60s and 70s. It was developed by the DuPont company in the 1950s to meet the demand for rubber products. This material has many other uses including bike inserts, weather stripping, hoses, belts, and more.

Although it has been used on flat or low-slope roofs for decades, it has some drawbacks and often requires maintenance and repairs. If it is time to replace your rubber roof, it is typically best to use another single-ply roofing material such as TPO or PVC. If you need rubber roofing services, give us a call today at (801) 907-5177 to consult with a local roofing company.

Types of Rubber (EPDM) Roofing Services We Offer

Rubber Roof Inspections

If you suspect there may be an issue with your rubber roofing system, the first step is to schedule an inspection. Regular roof inspections can help detect potential problems early, preventing damage to the rest of the building and allowing you to implement the most effective solutions to maintain a watertight roof.

Rubber Roof Repairs

Rubber roofing systems can most likely be repaired if they were installed correctly and the damage is not too severe. Repair methods for rubber roofs may include patching, applying coatings, and other techniques to seal leaks and extend the lifespan of your current system.

Rubber Roof Maintenance

While rubber roofing systems are a lower-cost alternative to TPO or PVC, they more than make up for the difference in cost in repairs and maintenance. This is due to the lack of resistance to punctures and high expansion contraction rates from the absorption of radiant heat. Maintenance tasks often include regularly reattaching the material to the drip edge of the roof system, sealing seams and transitions around pipe jacks, clearing debris, addressing wear and tear from expansion and contraction, and more.

Rubber Roof Replacement

If your rubber roof is beyond repair or has reached the end of its lifespan, replacing it is the best way to ensure long-term protection for your building. At ReRoofIt, we only replace Rubber Roofs with higher quality single-ply products such as TPO or PVC. An alternative to a full replacement, may involve a full 100% silicone coating system bonded to your current roof. This option can also improve your building’s energy efficiency and help prevent existing issues from escalating at a reduced cost when compared to a full replacement.

Pros and Cons of Rubber (EPDM) Roofing Systems

Rubber roofing systems have been installed on flat or low-slope roofs for decades. While they have some benefits, there are additional points that are often missed about this type of roofing:

  • Energy Efficiency: White EPDM products have solar reflective abilities, however, black is more commonly used and heavily absorbs radiant heat.
  • Durability: The durability of EPDM roofs is often promoted as an advantage but rubber roofs puncture fairly easily when compared to other single-ply roofing systems. If the EPDM is black, the heat absorption also contributes to accelerated deterioration due to expansion and contraction that leads to separation of the materials.
  • Lifespan: The lifespan of rubber (EPDM) roofs has been a topic of debate in the roofing industry for decades. We have found that although they are promoted as having a lifespan as high as 50 years, they typically age out around 15 to 20 years if regularly maintained.

If you have questions, or would like an evaluation of your rubber roof, give us a call at (801) 907-5177 to discuss options for your rubber roofing needs today.

Choosing the Right Rubber Roofing Contractor

Deciding which rubber roofing company you are going to trust with your home or commercial space is a big decision. Here are some things to consider when choosing a roofer:

  • Are they licensed and insured?

  • How long have they been in business?

  • Do they guarantee their work?

  • Do they offer manufacturer labor and material warrantees?

  • Can they show certificates of training?

  • ReRoofIt is fully licensed and insured.

  • 13 years and counting.

  • We provide 5-year workmanship guarantees on every job.

  • Warrantees through all the top roofing material providers.

  • Check out our certifications here.

Consulting an experienced rubber roofing contractor who is knowledgeable about the material of your roofing system is vital to help you make informed decisions about your roofing needs. Whether you require repairs, a replacement, or ongoing maintenance, selecting a reputable and skilled contractor is essential to ensure durable, long-lasting protection for your building.

Salt Lake County Service Areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Rubber (EPDM) roofing systems have several disadvantages even though they have been used in the roofing industry since the 1960s. They are vulnerable to punctures, tearing at seams, fading over time, absorb large amounts of heat, and can often fail to keep water out over any extended period of time.

Yes, a rubber (EPDM) roof can be coated as long as the coating product used has high adhesion and the material has been prepped properly for bonding. We find that 100% silicone coating products are more than adequate when applying a coating system on a rubber roof.

Yes, and no. While it is generally possible to walk on a rubber roof, there is always a safety component when making this determination and foot traffic should be avoided if possible.

No, standing water is never good for a roofing system. When water pools on a rubber roof the potential for leaks increase and wearing of the material increases as well.

Give us a call today at (801) 907-5177 to schedule an inspection for your rubber EPDM roof or request a free estimate by clicking on the button below.