Rubber roofing membranes have been popular for commercial roofs for a very long time. Now, talking about EPDM roofs specifically, these roofs provide great durability for commercial properties.
BRH Enterprises LLC is your trusted team of roofers serving Mayville and the surrounding areas of Wisconsin. In today’s article, we will discuss everything you need to know about EPDM roofs in 2025.
*Please note, price ranges listed in this article may not reflect the final cost of your project. Prices are subject to change based on various factors such as local labor rates, material quality, and more. All costs established in this article are rough estimates based on average industry rates.
What Are EPDM Roof?
EPDM, which stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, is a single-ply synthetic rubber membrane that has become really popular for both residential and commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs.
EPDM membranes come in large sheets or rolls, mostly between 7 and 50 feet wide, making installation faster and efficient than some other traditional roofing materials.
You can find EPDM roofing materials in various thicknesses, commonly available in 45-Mil (0.045 inches), 60-Mil (0.060 inches), and 90-Mil (0.090 inches) options, with thicker membranes generally offering better durability and longevity. We will go over this in more detail later in this article.
EPDM rubber roofs feature a layered construction that generally includes:
👉 A base EPDM elastomeric layer that provides flexibility and waterproofing
👉 A fire-retardant layer (AFR) for improved safety
👉 A reinforced EPDM top layer, often strengthened with polyester fabric
👉 An optional white layer for better solar reflectivity (standard EPDM is black)
This durable roofing membrane has been used in the U.S. for over 60 years, making it one of the most tested and reliable flat roof materials available today.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of An EPDM Roof?
When installed and maintained appropriately, an EPDM roof can last between 30 and 50 years. In general, EPDM flat roofs are seen as a highly durable and energy-efficient option.
However, there are other factors that influence how long your EPDM roofing membrane will actually last.
#1 Membrane Thickness
The first thing that directly affects the lifespan of your EPDM roof is its thickness. The standard thickness options that you will commonly find are:
👉 45-Mil
This one is the thinnest and most affordable option, but it is more vulnerable to punctures and damage.
👉 60-Mil
The most commonly used thickness, offers a good balance of durability and cost-effectiveness.
👉 90-Mil
The thickest and most durable option, which can handle almost any harsh weather conditions.
Generally, you should expect a 60-Mil membrane to last about 25 to 30 years, while a 90-Mil membrane may extend beyond that with proper care.
#2 Installation Method
The way your EPDM roofing membrane is installed significantly impacts its longevity. There are three main installation methods:
👉 Fully Adhered
The EPDM membrane is glued to the roof surface directly using special adhesives. This method provides excellent wind resistance and typically lasts the longest.
👉 Mechanically Attached
The membrane is secured using screws and plates along the seams. While quicker and less expensive to install, this method may have more potential for wind uplift issues.
👉 Ballasted
The EPDM membrane is held in place by rocks, gravel, or other heavy materials. This method requires less adhesive but makes leak detection more challenging.
A properly installed, fully adhered system generally provides the best longevity.
#3 Climate and Weather Conditions
Your local climate plays a major role in how long your EPDM roof will last:
👉 Temperature fluctuations
EPDM handles temperature changes well due to its ability to expand and contract.
👉 UV exposure
While EPDM is UV resistant, prolonged, intense sunlight can eventually cause degradation.
👉 Hail and storm damage
Though EPDM is impact resistant, severe weather can still cause punctures.
👉 Snow and ice
EPDM remains flexible even in extreme cold, but accumulated snow and ice should be removed.
#4 Maintenance Frequency
Regular maintenance can add years to the life of your EPDM roofing membrane. With routine inspections and the right maintenance strategies, your roof can reach or exceed its expected lifespan.
What Are The Pros Of EPDM Roofs?
Now that you know about the construction and the lifespan of EPDM roofing membranes, it’s time to discuss some of the reasons why EPDM roofs are a popular commercial roofing material choice.
#1 Cost-Effectiveness
EPDM rubber roofing membranes are one of the most affordable flat roofing options available. The installation costs range from $7 to $15 per square foot for most projects, making it substantially less expensive than many alternatives like PVC or metal.
This cost advantage comes from both the material itself and the quicker installation time because of the large sheet size.
#2 Durability
One of the most compelling benefits of EPDM roofing material is its outstanding durability. The rubber-like properties allow it to:
👉 Withstand hail impact without damage
👉 Remain flexible in harsh temperatures from minus 40 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
👉 Resist cracking and splitting even after decades
👉 Stand up well against wind, rain, snow, and other elements
#3 Easy Installation
EPDM roofing membrane installation is relatively quick and straightforward compared to other roofing systems. Since it comes in large sheets, it requires fewer seams, which means fewer potential points of failure.
A professional roofing crew can install an EPDM flat roof much faster than many alternative systems.
#4 Excellent Weather Resistance
EPDM roofs perform exceptionally well in various weather conditions. They withstand extreme temperature changes without cracking, are highly resistant to ozone damage, and can handle UV exposure for decades without significant degradation.
This makes them suitable for buildings in areas with harsh weather conditions.
#5 Low Maintenance Requirements
Once installed, EPDM roofing membranes require minimal maintenance. Regular inspections twice a year and after major storms are usually sufficient to keep the roof in good condition. There’s no need for special coatings or treatments that other roofing systems might require.
#6 Energy Efficiency Options
While traditional black EPDM absorbs heat, white EPDM membranes can reflect sunlight and lower cooling costs for your building.
This flexibility allows you to go with the best option that works for your building’s energy needs based on its climate and building use.
#7 Environmentally Friendly
EPDM rubber roofing systems are considered an environmentally responsible choice because:
👉 It has a long lifespan, reducing the need for replacement
👉 It’s almost 100% recyclable in many areas
👉 It doesn’t contaminate rainwater runoff
👉 It’s often made with some recycled materials
What Are The Cons Of EPDM Roofs?
Besides all the benefits of EPDM roofs, you should also know their potential limitations. Here, we will quickly take a look at a few of them.
#1 Vulnerability to Punctures
Despite its overall durability, EPDM roofing materials can be susceptible to punctures from falling branches, sharp debris, or maintenance work.
The thinner 45-Mil membranes are especially vulnerable. You can reduce this risk by choosing thicker membranes (60-Mil or 90-Mil) or using protective ballast.
#2 Aesthetic Limitations
EPDM rubber roofing systems aren’t known for their aesthetic appearance. Available primarily in black or white, it lacks the visual variety of other roofing materials.
The plain, flat appearance might be a drawback for buildings where roof appearance is important, especially if the roof is visible from windows or surrounding buildings.
#3 Shrinkage Concerns
Over time, especially when not installed correctly, EPDM membranes can shrink because of weathering and sun exposure.
This shrinkage might pull the material away from walls and flashing, potentially creating gaps where water can enter. Quality installation and routine maintenance can help you prevent this issue.
#4 Seam Vulnerability
While EPDM sheets have fewer seams than many roofing systems, the seams that do exist can be vulnerable points for leakage if not properly sealed during installation.
Modern adhesives and sealing techniques have improved this aspect significantly, but it remains a potential weak point of the system.
#5 Heat Absorption
Standard black EPDM roofing membranes absorb heat, which can increase the air conditioning costs in hot climates and potentially accelerate the aging of the roof material.
While white EPDM options are available, they come at a higher cost, and the reflective coating may degrade over time.
#6 Water Ponding Issues
EPDM flat roofs must be properly designed with adequate drainage, as standing water can cause problems over time.
While the material itself is waterproof, persistent ponding water adds weight to the structure and might eventually find its way through any vulnerable seams or damaged areas.
How Much Does It Cost To Install EPDM Roofs?
For most roofing projects, expect to pay between $4 and $12 per square foot for a fully installed EPDM roof. Larger projects often cost less than smaller ones because contractors can spread out their setup costs and buy materials in bulk.
Your final price will depend on various things. For example, thicker membranes (90-Mil) cost more than standard (60-Mil) or thinner (45-Mil) options, but they last longer.
The way your roof is installed matters, too. Gluing the entire membrane down (fully adhered) costs more than using fasteners (mechanically attached) or weighing it down with ballast.
Other things that affect your final cost include how complex your roof is (more corners and pipes mean more work), whether you need insulation, if the old roofing material needs to be removed, where you live, and how easy it is for workers to access your roof.
While it may seem more affordable to choose the cheapest option, remember that spending more upfront on thicker materials or better installation methods often saves money in the long run, with fewer repairs and a longer-lasting roof.
Get Professional EPDM Roof Installation In Wisconsin Today
If you’re considering an EPDM roof for your commercial property in Mayville or the surrounding areas of Wisconsin, trust the experienced team at BRH Enterprises LLC.
We bring years of experience in EPDM roofing installation, repair, and maintenance to every project. Our skilled roofers understand the challenges of Wisconsin’s climate and ensure your EPDM rubber roof will provide decades of required protection.
We use only high-quality materials and adhere to the highest installation standards to maintain the lifespan and performance of your roof.
From helping you choose the right membrane thickness for your needs to providing ongoing maintenance services, we’re here every step of the way.
To schedule your free roof inspection or get a free, no-obligation estimate, reach out to us today at (920) 249-4228.
