EPDM Flat Roofs Are Difficult to Install
At Premier Roofing Solutions, we know how stressful it can be when water is leaking from your EPDM flat roof. When trying to configure how much the damages are going to cost, it is important to understand that it all depends on these three key factors:
- The size of the roof
- The condition of the glue sealing the seams
- Exterior damage
It is important to have your roof inspected professionally by a licensed roof contractor at least once a year to prevent problems from further damaging your roof on your home or commercial building. Below we go over the top 3 factors of repair or replacement cost in EPDM roofing.
Top 3 Factors in EPDM Repair and Replacement Costs
The Size of the EPDM Roof
The size of your roof is the biggest factor when configuring the cost of repairs on a EPDM flat roof system. Larger EPDM flat roofs will start to shrink over time. Pulling away from corners, flashing, or drains. All of these scenarios will cause water to leak through and into your home/building. It will cost between $5.50 – $7.75 per square foot to fill in the spaces with EPDM materials. With that repair will come more seams that will have to be sealed together with glue, which will in the future increase the probability of leaks occurring from more areas.
The Condition of The Seams and Other Aspects of The Roof
An EPDM flat roof is glued to the building structure itself, meaning the seams are glue as well. Overtime even with the highest grade or quality glue, it will crack and allow water to enter through that specific area. Especially in areas with higher UV and sun exposure, the glue will dry out around 10 years post installment. It will cost between $12-$16 per linear foot to repair the seams along your flat roofing system. The dark color of the roof has a huge role to play in this as well. With EPDM flat roofs being manufactured from oil based by-products, it attracts more UV and sunlight than a black asphalt shingle roof .
EDPM Membrane Damage and Age
When there is exterior damage done to your roof whether it is from inclement weather or something else, it gets a little tricky when trying to calculate the cost of a EPDM flat roof repair. Flat roofs are known to be more durable compared to other roofing systems but can be damaged a lot easier . For instance, if your flat roof is not designed properly to divert water off and away from the roof, sitting water or snow can build up and get so heavy and dense, causing your roof to completely collapse. This will call for an immediate replacement and cannot be repaired at all which will cost you anywhere from $7,000-$18,000 to replace depending on the square footage of your roof.
EPDM Repair vs Replacement
A major benefit of installing an EPDM flat roofing system is that repairs are very simple to make. Such like the seams pulling apart and away from the roof membrane. All it needs is to be re-secured to the membrane with the recommended adhesive. Also, small punctures in the membrane do not need immediate replacement but should be repaired in a timely manor. As an EPDM roof ages, necessary repairs will become more and more frequent. At this point, you will need to consider replacing your EPDM flat roof. Installing a new EPDM flat roof will be a much more cost effective route rather than continuing to pay for numerous repairs every year. Think of it as your car. As you increase in mileage and usage, the more maintenance and repairs will increase as well. Meaning the amount of money you put into the car will increase also. Then there comes a time when it doesn’t make sense to keep throwing money towards it anymore, then you replace it. The same principle is applied to roofs. Do not get sucked into endless loop of paying for repairs.
Premier Roofing Solutions Specializes in Installing and Repairing EPDM Flat Roofing Systems
There is no project too big, if you’re in need of a EPDM repair or replacement we are here to help. Wether it be for your commercial business or personal home, Premier Roofing Solutions has a specialized flat roof team waiting for you. Give us a call and we will take care of you.