A repair is usually right when the membrane is still flexible and the leak is limited to a few seams, flashings or punctures. A recover (new insulation and membrane over the existing roof) can make sense when the old membrane is worn but the deck is sound and the insulation underneath is dry. A full tear-off is the answer when there is widespread wet insulation, deck damage, or the roof already has the maximum number of layers allowed. Larger re-roofing jobs in NYC can also trigger energy-code and permit requirements; we'll tell you what applies to your building before you commit.
If you're replacing a flat roof rather than repairing it, EPDM is one of several options. TPO is a white, heat-welded membrane, and modified bitumen is a torch-down or self-adhered system common on NYC row houses. See our flat roof page for a side-by-side look, or our cool roof coating page if you're interested in a reflective finish.
Active leak right now?
East NYC Roofing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call
917-900-0555 and we'll get water stopped first, then schedule the permanent EPDM repair.
How do I know if my roof is EPDM rubber?
EPDM is a single-ply synthetic rubber membrane. On most NYC flat roofs it is black (white EPDM also exists), feels slightly soft and rubbery underfoot, and comes in large sheets joined by seams about 3 to 6 inches wide. If you're not sure, send us a photo or request a free estimate and we'll tell you what you have.
Can a leaking EPDM roof be repaired instead of replaced?
Often, yes. Most EPDM leaks start at a seam, a flashing detail, a drain, or a puncture, and those can be repaired with compatible EPDM patch material, seam primer and seam tape, or new flashing. If the membrane is brittle, badly shrunk, or the insulation underneath is soaked over a large area, a recover or replacement is usually the better value. We show you what we find before recommending either.
Why do EPDM seams fail?
Seams on older EPDM roofs were often glued with liquid adhesive, which can dry out and let go after years of sun and freeze-thaw cycles. Seams also fail where the roof was not cleaned and primed properly, or where water ponds over a seam. A proper repair cleans the area, primes it, and installs seam tape or a cover strip rather than smearing caulk over the gap.
Is it OK to coat or tar over a rubber roof?
Not with asphalt products. Roofing tar and many asphalt-based sealants are not compatible with EPDM and can damage the membrane and make later repairs harder. EPDM should be repaired with EPDM-compatible materials. Reflective coatings made for EPDM exist, but they are a maintenance option, not a fix for failed seams or flashing.
Do you handle EPDM emergencies at night or on weekends?
Yes. East NYC Roofing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For an active leak we can tarp or make a temporary repair to stop the water, then schedule the permanent repair. Call 917-900-0555.
Can I walk on my EPDM roof?
Yes, but keep foot traffic to a minimum. EPDM is durable, but repeated walking along the same path wears the membrane and can lead to punctures. If someone needs regular roof access, for HVAC service for example, walkway pads in the traffic areas help. Never drag heavy equipment across the membrane.
What areas do you cover for EPDM roof repair?
We repair EPDM roofs across Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk counties, and Westchester — from brownstones and row houses to multi-family and commercial buildings.
