EPDM Roofing Solutions for Your Commercial Roof
No contractor has more experience installing EPDM than North American Roofing. EPDM roofing is one of the most trusted commercial roofing systems for low-slope and flat roofs — and for good reason. An EPDM roof offers excellent flexibility, long-term durability, and proven performance across harsh weather conditions. Whether you’re planning a new roof installation or replacing an aging system, EPDM roofing can be a smart, cost-effective solution for many commercial properties.
Since 1979, we’ve installed literally hundreds of millions of square feet of EPDM roofing nationwide. Our services are available in every state. And no one works harder to earn the reputation as the country’s most trusted and respected commercial and industrial roofer than we do.
What is EPDM?
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber membrane designed specifically for roofing applications. EPDM roofing membranes are typically available in black or white, and are known for their ability to handle UV exposure, temperature swings, and long-term weathering without becoming brittle or cracking.
An EPDM roof is commonly used on:
Warehouses
Retail buildings
Manufacturing facilities
Office buildings
Medical and institutional buildings
Multi-building campuses
EPDM is a synthetic rubber elastomer that comes in both reinforced and unreinforced membranes, manufactured for superior strength and flexibility. It also provides an impervious surface that doesn’t pollute rainwater runoff, making it an environmentally sound roofing choice. Additionally, it is fire resistant, recyclable, and economical, qualifying building owners for LEED points and meeting ASTM standards for new membranes.
EPDM Roofing
For over 50 years, EPDM roofing has been one of the most widely used materials on the market. Architects, consultants, and engineers continue to specify EPDM roofing as a high-performance, energy-efficient roofing system because it delivers:
Proven durability in the toughest weather conditions
Built-in UV protection and resistance to thermal shock
Ozone resistance to prevent long-term damage
Flexibility in freezing temperatures, plus protection from high winds and hail
Superior tensile strength for long-lasting performance
Resistance to deterioration even after decades of service
Optional 30-year warranty for added peace of mind
Eco-friendly design with a fully recyclable EPDM membrane when replaced
Benefits of EPDM Roofing
EPDM roofing remains popular because it delivers strong performance without unnecessary complexity. A professionally installed EPDM roof system can provide decades of reliable protection.
Key advantages of EPDM:
1) Long-term durability
EPDM membranes resist cracking, ozone damage, UV exposure, and thermal shock, making them excellent for long service life.
2) Excellent flexibility
EPDM stays flexible in both hot and cold climates, which helps it resist stress from expansion and contraction.
3) Cost-effective commercial roofing
For many buildings, EPDM roofing delivers one of the best value-to-lifespan ratios among low-slope systems.
4) Low maintenance requirements
EPDM roof maintenance is straightforward when paired with routine inspections and proactive seam and flashing care.
5) Repairable and service-friendly
EPDM is known for being manageable to repair, which helps reduce lifecycle costs.
Beauty is Only One of Many Benefits
EPDM’s ability to withstand all types of weather conditions makes it a standout in locations that experience wide temperature fluctuations. It resists ozone deterioration and offers one of the highest tensile strengths of any membrane in the industry. It looks good, too. EPDM is available in a variety of thicknesses and provides a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish. Black EPDM is a smart choice in cool climates to reduce facility-heating costs. In fact, a high- quality, professionally installed EPDM roof can last up to 40 years with regularly scheduled maintenance.
EPDM Roof Installation Options
EPDM can be mechanically fastened, fully adhered, or ballasted. Wide membrane widths mean fewer seams and increased efficiency during installation. It’s suitable for installation on new roofs and reroofing projects. In fact, ballasted EPDM roofs are acceptable alternatives to cool roof systems—with the ballasting providing higher membrane protection and reduced thermal mass.
There are multiple ways to install EPDM roofing depending on your building type, deck structure, wind requirements, and performance goals.
Fully Adhered EPDM Roofing
A fully adhered EPDM roof system is bonded to the insulation or substrate using adhesives. This method can create a smooth, clean appearance and tends to perform well in areas where membrane movement needs to be minimized.
Best for: buildings requiring strong uplift resistance, uniform appearance, and stable roof surfaces.
Mechanically Fastened EPDM Roofing
Mechanically fastened EPDM roofing uses fasteners and plates along seams or specified rows to secure the membrane. It can be a faster installation method and may reduce adhesive use depending on project conditions.
Best for: larger roofs, budget-driven installs, and projects where speed is a factor.
Ballasted EPDM Roofing
Ballasted EPDM systems rely on stone or pavers to hold the membrane in place rather than adhesives or fasteners across the field. Not every building is a candidate for ballasted systems, but when engineered properly, they can be effective.
Best for: structurally capable roofs where ballast weight is acceptable.
EPDM Roof Performance & Lifespan
A properly installed EPDM roof can perform for 20–30+ years, depending on membrane thickness, installation method, weather exposure, and maintenance consistency. Regular inspections and proper drainage are critical in maximizing performance for any commercial roof system — including EPDM roofing.
EPDM Roof Maintenance & Common Repairs
EPDM is known as a reliable membrane, but like all roofing systems, it benefits from ongoing care. Regular roof inspections help prevent small issues from becoming expensive leaks.
Typical EPDM roof maintenance includes:
Checking seams and edge details
Inspecting flashings around penetrations (HVAC, pipes, drains)
Monitoring roof drainage and ponding water
Repairing punctures or membrane damage quickly
Keeping rooftop traffic controlled
North American Roofing offers inspection and service programs that help extend the life of your EPDM roofing system and reduce emergency repair costs.
EPDM Roofing vs Other Commercial Roof Systems
EPDM roofing is often compared to other single-ply systems like TPO and PVC. Each system has strengths depending on building needs, climate, and budget.
EPDM Roofing is often chosen when:
Long-term durability and repairability matter most
Flexibility in temperature extremes is important
The building benefits from a proven rubber membrane system
A cost-effective long-lifecycle solution is the priority
If your project requires high reflectivity or chemical resistance, other systems may be evaluated as well. Our team can help you compare options based on your building goals.
Why Choose North American Roofing for EPDM Roofing?
Commercial roofing is not just materials — it’s design, planning, and execution. The performance of an EPDM roof depends heavily on details like flashings, drainage, seams, and rooftop transitions. North American Roofing brings decades of expertise and nationwide capabilities to every EPDM roofing project.
What you get with North American Roofing:
EPDM roof installations and replacements nationwide
Experienced crews with commercial roofing specialization
Manufacturer-backed systems and warranty options
Proactive service and maintenance programs
Support for complex commercial environments and multi-site portfolios
EPDM Roofing FAQs
Is EPDM roofing a good choice for commercial buildings?
Yes. EPDM roofing is one of the most widely used commercial membrane systems due to durability, flexibility, and strong lifecycle value.
How long does an EPDM roof last?
A properly installed and maintained EPDM roof can last 20–30+ years, depending on conditions and system design.
Can an EPDM roof be repaired?
Yes. EPDM roofing is considered one of the more repair-friendly commercial membranes when damage is addressed early.
Is EPDM better than TPO?
EPDM and TPO both perform well, but they serve different priorities. EPDM excels in flexibility and proven longevity, while TPO is often chosen for reflectivity. The best system depends on the building and performance requirements.
Our Major Commercial Roofing Manufacturer Partners
It helps to have friends in high places. We partner with major manufacturers, and thanks to our track record of success, we also hold premier status with each of these esteemed companies, putting North American Roofing in the top 1 percent of all roofing contractors in the nation. Our manufacturer partners include:
• Johns Manville
• Elevate Building Products
• Carlisle SynTec
EPDM Roofing Summary
EPDM roofing is a commercial single-ply rubber membrane system known for durability, flexibility, and cost-effective performance. EPDM roof systems are installed using fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted methods and can last 20–30+ years with proper installation and maintenance.
Get an EPDM Roofing Quote or Evaluation
If your building needs a new EPDM roof system, replacement, or repair evaluation, North American Roofing is ready to help. Our team can assess your roof, recommend the best EPDM roofing solution, and support your project from design through installation and ongoing maintenance.
Contact us today to schedule a roof evaluation or request a quote. (800) 551-5602