What Is EPDM Rubber Roofing?
EPDM, short for ethylene propylene diene monomer, is a synthetic rubber sheet blended to stay elastic in temperatures from –50 °C to 90 °C. Factories calendar the mix into giant rolls up to 15 m wide and 30 m long, supplying two main colors: classic black that warms snow off quickly, and reflective white that cuts summer heat load. Thickness options of 1.1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm let designers balance cost and puncture resistance.
During installation each sheet unrolls across the roof, overlaps the next by 75 mm, and bonds with solvent-based adhesive or butyl seam tape. The cured lap resists ozone, acids, and UV for 25 to 30 years on a well-drained deck. Reinforced varieties embed polyester scrim for added tensile strength, while fleece-backed EPDM glues to rough concrete or existing BUR without a separator board.
Because the rubber remains flexible far below freezing, it shrugs off Lake County’s freeze–thaw cycles without cracking. Impact tests show black 2 mm sheets withstand 50 mm hail at 26 m s⁻¹ when fully adhered. Fire performance reaches Class A over gypsum cover board, and most assemblies pass FM 1-90 wind uplift. If the old roof is dry, code allows one recover: we screw high-density cover board through it, then adhere new EPDM above, avoiding tear-off mess and landfill fees. A soft broom, annual drain clean-out, and a ten-year seam check keep maintenance light.
Benefits Of EPDM Rubber Roofing
EPDM: Built for Extremes
Low-Temperature Flexibility
Sheets stay pliable below minus fifty, preventing cold-weather split seams and keeping leaks at bay through harsh winters.
Puncture And Hail Resistance
Thick 2mm rubber absorbs 50mm hail without surface fracture, guarding insulation and ceilings from sudden water entry.
Easy Field Repairs
Small cuts clean with primer and accept peel-and-stick patches in minutes, so most leaks finish the same service call.
Chemical And UV Durability
Carbon-black or titanium-dioxide fillers block sunlight and rooftop acids, letting the membrane age slowly and predictably.
Light Structural Load
At roughly 1.4 kg m⁻² the system adds little weight, helping recover jobs avoid structural upgrades and extra permits.
Recyclable End Of Life
Retired sheets shred into crumb rubber for walkway pads, playground mulch, or new membrane backing, sending zero bulk to landfill.
EPDM Styles and Setup
Bonding and Sheet Selector.
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Black Non-Reinforced EPDM
Flexible sheet ideal for complex curbs and drains.
Install notes: Fully adhered with bonding adhesive on 12 mm cover board; seams taped with 75 mm butyl; ballasted option adds river stone at 23 kg m⁻² where structure allows. -
White EPDM
Titanium-dioxide top layer reflects heat and meets cool-roof credits.
Install notes: Fully adhered or induction-welded plate system; factory pre-taped seams speed crew time; wash gently every second spring to keep reflectance. -
Reinforced EPDM
Polyester scrim boosts tear strength for wind zones.
Install notes: Mechanically attached with batten bars under seam; screw rows at 3 m centres; lap covers bars and tapes shut. -
Fleece-Backed EPDM
3mm fleece underside smooths rough substrates and adds R-value.
Install notes: Spray polyurethane foam adhesive bonds fleece to old BUR or concrete; no fasteners through deck; warm-weather cure required.
EPDM Fit Check
Should You Pick EPDM Rubber Roofs?
Choose EPDM When You Need:
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Proven 25-year life on flat roofs with complex penetrations.
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Cold-weather elasticity without brittle seams.
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Simple future repairs handled by in-house maintenance teams.
Consider Other Systems if:
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Roof must resist constant grease or acids—PVC performs better.
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Reflective credits drive the project and ballast weight is limited—white TPO may edge ahead.
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Foot traffic with heavy tools is daily—modified bitumen handles point loads best.
The Cittrix Difference
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Fast, Convenient Estimates
Call or submit a form and we’ll schedule a free inspection of your roof for the same or next business day. There’s no need for you to disrupt your busy schedule - you don’t even have to be at home.
Instead of sending a confusing estimate or sitting in your living room for hours with a high-pressure sales pitch, we’ll send you a clear video explanation of what’s going on with your roof and our recommendations that you can watch on your own time.
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Quick Turnaround and Guaranteed Timelines
Roof installation is scheduled and completed within ten days of approval—no delays, no surprises, just reliable scheduling you can count on.
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Flexible Financing Options
We offer simple, clear-cut payment options, including 0% financing with zero money down, making it easy to get the high-quality roof your family needs.
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Trusted Team of Professionals
We’re proud to work closely with leading manufacturers, ensuring every roof we install is the highest quality. Our crews are experienced, respectful, and held to the highest standards in the industry—because your home deserves the best.
- Malarkey Emerald Premium Certified Contractor
- Proud Member of the Roofing and Solar Reform Alliance
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- HAAG Certified Roof Inspector
- 5-Star Google Rating
- 5-Star Thumbtack Professional
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Lifetime Roof Warranties
We stand behind our work with robust warranties that cover labor and materials, offering long-term protection and peace of mind.
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Speedy Cleanup and Safety Precautions
Our teams take extra care to minimize disruption and keep your family and pets safe during every step of the process.
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Locally Owned, Family-Run Business
Based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and serving neighbors throughout Lake County and the Chicago suburbs, we’re proud to serve our local community with integrity, hustle, transparency, and heart.
We’ll do everything in our power to ensure you’re informed and confident through every step of the process and will always make recommendations based on what’s best for you. We’re humbled by the positive feedback we’ve received from thousands of happy customers and look forward to serving you and your family.


