EPDM roofing is an acronym describing essentially a rubber-type material that is installed on flat roofs. Read on to learn why it isn’t just the roof size that determines EPDM roofing cost.
What Is EPDM Roofing? Pros, Cons, and Costs
EPDM is a rubber roof material that offers great protection from water
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EPDM roofs are single-ply rubber membranes designed for flat or low-sloped roofs, offering excellent water resistance and flexibility in extreme temperatures for your home.
EPDM roofing material costs between $4 and $12 per square foot, with ballasted installations falling toward the lower end and fully adhered installations toward the higher end.
Your EPDM roof installation method affects durability, with ballasted systems using heavy objects, mechanically fastened roofs using screws, and fully adhered roofs using adhesive for maximum security.
Hiring a local roofing professional provides reliable help with EPDM installation methods and seam sealing, ensuring your flat roof stays watertight and secure for years.
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EPDM roofing is a rubber roof material that’s now a common option for flat or low-sloped roofs. It’s more common on commercial buildings than residential ones, but you can install it on low-slope roof sections on homes. If you’re in need of a new roof for your business or a flat section of your home, EPDM could be a good option that provides excellent water resistance and good value, with up to a 30-year lifespan and a relatively easy repair process.
What Is EPDM Roofing?
EPDM roofing is a single-ply, rubber roof membrane that you can install on flat or low-sloped roofs. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, and it’s mostly derived from oil and natural gas. The roofing membrane comes in sheets that an installer will roll out over the roof and adhere before sealing the gaps between the sheets.
Types of EPDM Roofing
There are two types of EPDM roofing, differentiated by their color. The first and most common is black EPDM roofing, which will absorb more heat from sunlight and transfer it into the building. The second is white EPDM, which has a white coating over the top that reflects sunlight and helps keep the building cooler.
How Is EPDM Roofing Installed?
There are three ways to install this type of roofing, and the installation method can affect the material’s durability and the lifespan of your EPDM roof, as well as the installation cost.
Ballasted
Ballasted EPDM roofs use ballasts, or heavy objects, to keep the roofing material in place. This is the most affordable installation method, but it’s also the least secure. A roofer installing a ballasted EPDM roof will still seal the seams between sheets.
Mechanically Fastened
A mechanically fastened EPDM roof involves the use of screws and plates to keep the roof in place. The roofer will roll out the sheets of EPDM material, fasten them to the roof deck using screws, and then seal the seams and the fasteners.
Fully Adhered
A fully adhered EPDM roof is the most expensive installation option because it involves attaching all the sheets to the roof deck with an adhesive. Your installer will also seal the seams between sheets. This is the most secure method because there are no roof penetrations for fasteners, and it doesn’t rely on ballasts for stability.
Angi Tip
The many factors that play into choosing a roofing material may surprise you, such as durability, cost, style, and the climate in which you live. Many homeowners choose asphalt, but there are various types on the market. A roofer can advise you on the best materials for your home and region.
Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing
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There are some important benefits and drawbacks of EPDM roofing, which you should understand before you consider this material for your roofing project.
Pros
Durable and long-lasting: EPDM roofs can last up to 25 years when you choose a qualified roofer for installation.
Easy to repair: EPDM is easier to repair than other types of flat roofing materials, costing you less in repair costs over the life of your roof.
Resistant to extreme temperatures: Since EPDM retains its flexibility, it can withstand extreme temperature changes in areas with very hot summers and below-freezing winters.
Energy-efficient: Black EPDM is ideal for colder climates, as it absorbs heat from the sun and can keep heating costs down. White EPDM is used in hotter climates to reflect sunlight and keep the interior cooler.
Cons
Prone to leaks: EPDM roofing can be susceptible to leaks, particularly along the seams. If your area sees above-average rainfall, you may want to consider another material. Inspecting the roof and checking the seams regularly can ensure your EPDM roof stays leak-free.
Lower impact resistance: Impact from debris or even hail may puncture the EPDM, allowing water to enter through the holes.
Not aesthetically appealing: EPDM is often found on commercial buildings, and many homeowners may pass on this material because it’s not as visually pleasing as other roofing materials.
How Much Does EPDM Roofing Cost?
EPDM roofing costs between $4 and $12 per square foot in most cases. Ballasted installations will fall toward the lower end of that range, fully adhered installations will fall toward the higher end, and mechanical fastening will sit somewhere in the middle. White EPDM roofing is also more expensive, as it includes an additional reflective layer that drives up material costs.
EPDM vs. Other Flat Roofing Materials
When it’s time to install or replace a flat roof, you have several materials to choose from. Here’s how EPDM measures up to other flat roofing materials.
PVC roofing: EPDM stands up to extreme temperature fluctuations better than PVC, but PVC is more durable overall.
TPO roofing: TPO roofing offers better puncture resistance and seam strength than EPDM, but you’ll pay more to install TPO.
Tar and gravel roofing: Tar and gravel, also called built-up roofing (BUR), is a much heavier material than EPDM, adding weight to your roof. However, you’ll pay less for tar and gravel than SPDM.
Modified bitumen: Modified bitumen roofing is heavier than EPDM but still lighter than tar and gravel and offers more impact resistance. It requires more frequent maintenance and is more difficult to repair.
If you aren’t sure which flat roofing material is best for your home, contact a local roofing company specializing in flat roofs to recommend the right roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
- Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc. - Madison B.
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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EPDM roofing is one of many options for flat or low-sloped roofs. Learn about the pros and cons of EPDM roofing and whether it’s the right option for you.
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