Here’s What to Expect from an EPDM Roof Repair
EPDM is a popular choice for commercial roofing systems. A single-ply membrane, EPDM—or ethylene propylene diene monomer—is a synthetic rubber material that is straightforward to install, provides excellent protection against impact damage, and is cost-effective for its lifespan. However, in some cases, an EPDM roof repair may be necessary to ensure your roof continues performing as it should.
As Denver’s leading commercial roofing professionals, Elite Roofing & Solar provides expert EPDM roof inspections and repair services. Our team is adept at identifying critical issues and addressing them through timely repairs—often well before a leak even forms.
If your EPDM roof has been damaged or an inspection reveals potential issues, here’s what you need to know about EPDM roof repair.
Common EPDM Roof Issues
EPDM is a durable commercial roofing material, but it may still become damaged. As with all commercial roofing products, there are a few particular areas where damage or flaws are more likely to occur. For an EPDM roof, the most common causes for repair will be:
- Seam failure – EPDM roof seams are typically sealed with a form of roof adhesive, such as specialized glue or tape. These adhesives will break down more quickly than the rubber surface of the roof, and seams are often a prime target for repairs.
- Punctures or tears – While EPDM is generally very resistant to hail damage, punctures may still occur. If this happens, a patch may be installed to repair the roof.
- Shrinkage – EPDM roofs can be prone to shrinking due to temperature fluctuations. While this problem can be mitigated through proper EPDM roof installation, it is still a common issue.
Identifying Hidden Leaks
Like all flat and low-slope commercial roofing applications, EPDM roofs can be vulnerable to leaks. Leaks are one of the leading causes of commercial roof replacements, but if caught early enough a leak may be stopped or prevented altogether through proactive roof repairs.
Professional roofers will use a variety of strategies to diagnose and identify the source of leaks on a commercial roof. For example, pooling water is a telltale sign that a leak may be stemming from a specific area of the roof. Roofers will also typically inspect the inside of the building, looking for water stains, mold, mildew, and other signs of excess moisture.
If a leak has not yet occurred, a roofer will still inspect for trouble spots that could lead to leaks in the future. This includes degraded seams, clogged drains, dirt rings that indicate spots where rainwater may collect, and a variety of other signs.
For more hidden leaks, roofers will rely on their wealth of experience and, in some cases, specialized detection tools to zero in on the leak’s source.
EPDM Roof Repair Process
If your EPDM roof has been damaged or shows signs of degradation, a repair will likely be the best course of action. Prompt repairs can prevent major issues and help avoid a premature roof replacement by extending the lifespan of your roof. Depending on the nature of the damage, the repair process for an EPDM roof is quite straightforward for an experienced roofer:
- Prepare the surface of the roof, including thorough cleaning and drying of the area targeted for repair to ensure maximum adhesion.
- Measure the area and prepare the patch or repair material.
- Apply adhesive around the damaged area.
- Install the repair patch and thoroughly seal all edges.
While this process is straightforward, it’s important to leave EPDM roof repairs to a professional commercial roofer. Repairs can add years to the lifespan of your roof—but a poor repair job will only make your roof more vulnerable to leaks and other problems.
Elite Roofing & Solar: EPDM Roof Repair Experts
Our Denver commercial roofing experts at Elite Roofing & Solar have decades of experience in EPDM roof repair. As seasoned pros, we provide thorough commercial roof inspections to identify damage and reliable repairs to strengthen your roof and renew your protection against the elements.
If your commercial roof is leaking, or if it’s just been a while since your last inspection, reach out to our team today for a roof assessment.
