What is EPDM Roofing

EPDM Roofing Explained

What is EPDM roofing?

EPDM is a type of single-ply rubber roofing often used on flat or low-slope commercial buildings. It's a synthetic rubber membrane known for being tough and long-lasting.

You Have a Rubber Roof

You might know you have an EPDM roof because it looks like a big sheet of rubber. Most EPDM roofs are black, but some are white. You might see seams where different sheets are glued together. Over time, this rubber can start to crack, shrink, or blister, especially at the seams or around roof penetrations like vents and skylights. You might also notice leaks inside your building when it rains.

Aging Rubber Leads to Leaks and High Bills

As an EPDM roof gets older, the sun, weather, and temperature changes break down the rubber. The material can become brittle, crack, and shrink. This opens up pathways for water to get in, leading to leaks, water damage to your building's structure and contents, and even mold. If the insulation underneath gets wet, it loses its ability to keep heat in or out, meaning your heating and cooling bills go up. Ignoring these problems won't make them go away; they only get worse and more expensive to fix down the road, possibly requiring a full tear-off and replacement.

Restoring Your EPDM Roof with a Conklin Coating

At White Roofing Systems, we don't install new EPDM roofs, but we can restore an existing EPDM roof that's in good shape using a Conklin acrylic coating system. This approach is usually cheaper than a full tear-off and replacement, and it can add many years of life to your roof.

Here's how we do it:

1. Inspection: A Conklin-trained contractor will come out to your building to look at your EPDM roof. We check for wet insulation, soft spots, severe damage, and general condition. If the roof is too far gone, has widespread wet insulation, or the deck below has failed, it might need to be replaced, and a coating won't be the right fix. We'll be honest with you about what we find.
2. Preparation: First, we clean the entire roof surface thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and any loose material. This is a critical step to make sure the coating sticks well.
3. Repairs: Any existing cracks, holes, or failing seams in the EPDM membrane are repaired. We use specialized materials to reinforce vulnerable areas, especially around penetrations, flashings, and drains.
4. Primer (if needed): Depending on the condition of the existing EPDM and the specific coating system, we might apply a primer to help the top coats bond better.
5. Base Coat: We apply a tough, flexible base coat of Conklin acrylic coating. This layer starts to seal the roof and provides a strong foundation.
6. Top Coats: One or more reflective top coats are applied. These white coatings reflect a lot of the sun's UV rays, which helps reduce the roof's temperature and can lower your building's energy bills. The entire system creates a seamless, waterproof barrier over your old EPDM.

The goal is to turn your old, worn-out EPDM roof into a smooth, bright, and watertight surface without having to tear anything off. This saves you money, time, and disruption to your business operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of restoring my EPDM roof?

Restoring your EPDM roof with a Conklin coating can save you money compared to replacement, extend your roof's life, and make your building more energy efficient. The white coating reflects sunlight, which can lower your cooling costs. It also stops leaks and protects your building.

How long does a Conklin EPDM restoration system last?

A properly installed Conklin coating system can add many years of life to your EPDM roof. With regular maintenance and re-coating when needed, these systems are designed to perform for a long time. The actual lifespan depends on the specific system, local weather, and how well it's maintained.

Can all EPDM roofs be restored?

No, not all EPDM roofs are good candidates for restoration. If your roof has widespread wet insulation, structural damage, or is in extremely poor condition, a coating may not be the best solution. Our Conklin-trained contractors perform a detailed inspection to determine if restoration is a viable option for your specific roof. We will always give you an honest assessment.

Do you have an EPDM roof that's seen better days? Don't wait for the leaks to get worse. A Conklin-trained contractor can inspect your roof and let you know if a coating system is the right fit. Call us today at (309) 303-3128 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection.