A lot has changed in the roofing industry since black EPDM single-ply roofing membrane was introduced in the early 1960s; countless products, installation methods, and design practices have come and gone. One thing that hasn’t changed is the general consensus that the best roof is one that doesn’t leak and lasts a long time. That’s why today, after more than 50 years since its introduction, many construction professionals are seeing the benefits of black EPDM in a whole new light.
Black EPDM roofing systems have been time-tested for more than 50 years and have proven to be extremely durable, often lasting more than 30 years. Testing of 30-year-old EPDM has shown that many of its physical properties meet or exceed ASTM standards. A long-term weathering study cited by the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) examined five roofing systems, all with 28 to 32 years of in-field service, and concluded that the systems were not only performing up to industry standards, but in some cases performing with physical properties that exceeded those of newly-produced EPDM membranes.