EPDM rubber roofing: repair it or replace it right.
EPDM — black rubber membrane — is on a lot of Atlanta flat roofs from the 1990s and 2000s. We repair it, recover it, or replace it with the system that makes the most sense for the building.
5.0 ★ · 130+ Google reviewsA+ BBB RatingGAF Certified ContractorDuro-Last Authorized DealerAttic Armor Certified InstallerLicensed + Insured · GA GBL-0523-21153As seen on CBS46 · Better Call HarryOpen 24/7 · 365 days5.0 ★ · 130+ Google reviewsA+ BBB RatingGAF Certified ContractorDuro-Last Authorized DealerAttic Armor Certified InstallerLicensed + Insured · GA GBL-0523-21153As seen on CBS46 · Better Call HarryOpen 24/7 · 365 days
An EPDM rubber roof on an Atlanta loft building. Pipe boots, patches, curbs and seams are where these roofs fail first.A pyramid skylight on the same EPDM roof. The flashing around the curb is a common leak point.
How EPDM fails
EPDM itself is durable. What fails are the seams — the tape or adhesive joining sheets — and the flashings at walls, curbs and drains. Shrinkage pulls the membrane away from edges over time, and ponding water finds every weak lap.
Repair, recover, or replace
Repair when the membrane is sound and problems are local: seams, punctures, flashings.
Coat when the roof is dry but aging — a silicone coating can add years.
Replace when insulation is wet or seams are failing everywhere — often with TPO or Duro-Last PVC, whose welded seams outlast taped ones.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an EPDM roof last?
Often 20–30 years, though seams and flashings may need attention sooner.
Can you coat an EPDM roof?
Yes, with the right primer and coating system, if the roof and insulation are dry.
