EPDM Rubber Roofing Installation & Repair in NYC
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that has long been used on flat roofs. It installs in large sheets with few seams, flexes with temperature swings and is straightforward to repair. East NYC Roofing, in business 20 years, installs and fixes EPDM roofs on rowhouses, apartment buildings and small commercial properties in the five boroughs, Nassau and Westchester.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Flat roof leaks after rain or snowmelt
- Old tar paper or rolled roofing that has cracked and split
- Seams peeling or lifting along walls and edges
- Standing water that lingers for days
- Shrinking membrane pulling away from parapet walls
- Punctures from foot traffic, antennas or tree debris
- Leaks around chimneys, vents and skylights
- Bubbles or soft spots that signal trapped moisture
- Roof deck access that needs a durable walking surface
EPDM Rubber Roofing explained
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a rubber roofing membrane supplied in large rolls, so a typical rowhouse or small building roof can often be covered with few or no field seams. It is installed fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted, and flashed up walls and around penetrations with matching rubber components. EPDM is known for flexibility in cold weather and for being easy to patch. It is commonly chosen for flat roofs on brownstones, townhouses, multi-family buildings and small commercial roofs. It comes in black and white, and heavy foot traffic or grease exposure may call for protection or a different membrane.
Options and materials
Fully adhered EPDM
The sheet is bonded to the substrate with adhesive for a smooth finish. A frequent choice for residential flat roofs and roofs where fastening is limited.
Mechanically attached
Sheets are fastened at seams or in rows through the insulation into the deck. Suited to larger roofs with a deck that accepts fasteners.
Ballasted system
Membrane is loose-laid and held down by stone or pavers. Requires a structure able to carry the added weight, so engineering review matters.
Black or white membrane
Black is the traditional option, while white reflects more sunlight to keep the roof cooler. The right color depends on exposure, use and budget.
EPDM repair and re-flashing
Patching tears, replacing failed seam tape or flashing and resealing penetrations when the main sheet is still serviceable.
Our process
- Roof assessmentWe inspect the membrane, seams, parapet flashing and drainage, and check for wet insulation or soft deck before recommending repair or replacement.
- Written estimateYou receive a free written estimate describing the scope, materials and any filings or board approvals that apply to your building.
- Tear-off and deck repairOld roofing is removed, damaged decking is replaced, and the building is protected from debris and weather during the work.
- Insulation and substrateInsulation and a clean, smooth substrate are installed, with slope added where water collects.
- Membrane installationThe EPDM sheet is laid, adhered or fastened, then seams are joined with seam tape or splice adhesive and all edges are secured.
- Flashing and closeoutWalls, drains and penetrations are flashed, the site is cleaned, and we document the finished roof with photos and review warranty terms.
What affects the price
Roof area and layout
Simple rectangular roofs cover quickly. Roofs with many penetrations, skylights or irregular edges require extra flashing labor.
Installation method
Fully adhered systems use more adhesive and labor than mechanically attached ones, and ballasted systems depend on structural capacity.
Condition of deck
Rotted or damaged sheathing must be replaced before the membrane goes down, which adds material and labor.
Insulation and slope
Adding insulation or tapered sections to improve drainage and meet energy requirements changes the total scope.
Membrane thickness and color
Thicker membranes and special colors affect material cost, as does the type of flashing components used.
Access and permits
Hoisting, street access, protection of neighboring areas and any required filings all influence the final price.
Getting a price
Because these factors change from roof to roof, we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. We inspect your roof for free and give you a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.
Every epdm rubber roofing job includes
- Free written estimate and roof inspection
- Permit handling where required for the work
- Protection of the property, windows and entrances
- New seam tape or splice adhesive at all joints
- New flashing at walls, drains and penetrations
- Dumpster and debris removal
- Jobsite cleanup and magnetic sweep of the surrounding area
- Photo documentation before and after
- 10-year warranty on full roof replacements; written workmanship warranty on repairs, terms on our warranty page
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.