Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber
EPDM
A black synthetic rubber membrane with the longest field track record of any single-ply system. Forgiving in cold weather, simple to repair, and unaffected by the thermal cycling that stresses a Charlotte roof.
Composition
Cured rubber sheet in 45, 60, and 90 mil, ballasted, mechanically attached, or fully adhered. Available in white-on-black where reflectivity is required by code.
Thickness options
45, 60, and 90 mil. 60 mil fully adhered is our standard institutional specification.
Seam method
Factory-applied seam tape with primer, or field-applied tape at 3 or 6 inch width. Seams are rolled and inspected rather than welded.
Expected service life
25 to 35 years. EPDM roofs from the late 1980s are still in service across the region.
Specification note
A black EPDM roof runs hotter than TPO. On a conditioned building with marginal insulation, we usually recommend upgrading the insulation package rather than switching systems.
Best applications
- Schools, municipal buildings, and other long-hold assets
- Roofs with heavy mechanical equipment and frequent service traffic
- Buildings where repair simplicity matters more than reflectivity
- Cold-weather installation windows when welding is impractical
Warranty terms
- 20, 25, and 30-year total system warranties on adhered 60 and 90 mil assemblies
- Puncture repairs performed under warranty do not reduce the remaining term
- Two-year Meridian workmanship warranty
- Semi-annual inspection required on 30-year terms
At a glance
- Typical lifespan
- 25–35 years
- Best-fit building
- Institutional, schools, government buildings
- Warranty
- Up to 30-year total system
- Installed cost
- $7.00 – $11.00 per square foot installed, including tear-off and R-30 insulation
Cost ranges are representative of Carolinas commercial work and vary with deck condition, insulation package, and rooftop equipment density.
