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  • Writer's pictureMark Forbes

EPDM Membrane Roofs Provide Long Service Life

When you have a new commercial roof installed, you want it to last a long time, and roofs made with EPDM membrane certainly meet these expectations.


EPDM membrane is a popular roofing material made from ethylene and propylene. When combined, they create a durable and highly stable synthetic rubber sheeting that withstands even the harshest climate conditions.


During manufacturing, EPDM creates a dimensionally stable, cross-linked membrane that can handle severe swings in temperate and weather events. This naturally pliable membrane can absorb impacts, like hail stones, without cracking. Some materials, like EPDM membranes from Firestone, have an elasticity of more than 300 percent.


Firestone is a supplier to United Materials.


EPDM Membrane Roofs Provide Long Service Life

Long-Term Performance


The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) has conducted numerous studies on the effects of long-term weathering on EPDM membranes and the results are conclusive – EPDM roofs perform well, even roofs that are over 30 years old.


A recent ERA study of five EPDM membrane roofs ranging from 28 to 32 years old found the following:

  • After three decades in the field, all of the samples were performing like new.

  • EPDM withstands a variety of climates extremely well.

  • EPDM roofs successfully withstand extreme weather when properly designed, installed and maintained.

  • The service life of an EPDM membrane roof can approach or exceed 40 years of service life.

That’s a good return on your investment.

In its most recent study, the ERA states, “The study found that all of the samples were essentially performing ‘like new’ with physical characteristic properties above or just below the minimum characteristics of newly manufactured 45-mil EPDM membrane.”

For more information on the ERA tests, including laboratory results, click here.

Roofing Installation and Maintenance Services


For nearly 100 years, United Materials has installed and maintained commercial roofs throughout Colorado and the West. Our commitment to quality and customer service is unrivaled in the roofing sector.


Our highly-trained technicians have a wealth of broad-based experience installing and maintaining commercial roofs. Because every roof is different, we approach each roof as a unique project and use the materials and installation techniques that result in the best roof for the building.


The roofing experts at United Materials strive to design the most economical and durable roofing solution. Whether it’s a new roof or a repair, our goal is the same - to exceed customer expectations.

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