SpecTopics: EPDM Roofing Membrane, a Proven Leader in Sustainable Roofing

For more than six decades, EPDM roofing membranes have been protecting buildings while minimizing environmental impact. Black EPDM membranes have been in use for over 60 years, and white EPDM for more than 30 years, making EPDM not only the first single-ply roofing membrane, but one of the most field-proven materials in the roofing industry.

Longevity and Durability: The Foundation of Sustainability

The most sustainable roofing material is often the one you replace the least. No single-ply roofing membrane on the market lasts longer than EPDM.

• Exceptional service life – Many EPDM roofs exceed 30–40 years in service, reducing the frequency of replacements and the associated waste.
• Maintains performance until end of life – Unlike some membranes that become brittle or lose key properties over time, EPDM retains its flexibility, waterproofing, and weather resistance for its full lifespan.
• Flexibility in all temperatures – Per ASTM D5279-08, EPDM remains more flexible at 0°F (-18°C) than TPO does at 100°F (38°C), allowing it to expand and contract with building movement without cracking.
• Tear and impact resistance – With elongation up to 465%, EPDM offers superior hail and puncture resistance compared to thermoplastics.
• Low maintenance – Fewer repairs and inspections over the life of the roof reduce both material and labor needs.
• Superior UV resistance – Black EPDM withstands 41,580 kJ/m² of UV exposure; white EPDM withstands 25,200 kJ/m² — more than double the UV resistance of other single-ply membranes.

Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Performance

EPDM is more than just durable — it performs exceptionally well in Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) that measure environmental impact from manufacturing through end of life.

• Proven sustainability metrics – Independent studies show that both black and white EPDM outperform other single-ply membranes in global warming potential, acidification, and air pollution generation.
• Lower polymer content – Modern EPDM formulations use 28% polymer, compared to 64% in earlier versions, reducing petroleum use and lowering manufacturing energy needs.
• Lower global warming potential (GWP) – According to TRACI impact modeling (The Green Team, 2009), EPDM’s GWP is significantly lower than TPO and roughly half that of PVC.
• Recyclable and reusable – Manufacturers can incorporate recycled EPDM into new membranes without reducing performance, and post-service EPDM can be repurposed into walkway pads, ballast mats, and more.
• Safe water runoff – EPDM’s inert formulation means it will not leach harmful chemicals into water, which is why the material is also used as pond liners.

Energy Efficiency and Climate-Specific Benefits

EPDM offers color options and thermal properties to suit any climate.

• Albedo flexibility – Albedo (reflectivity) is measured from 0 to 1. White EPDM has an albedo of around 0.3, reflecting 30% of sunlight, which helps reduce cooling loads in warm climates.
• Cooling in warm climates – White and gray EPDM reflect heat, lowering air-conditioning costs and increasing occupant comfort.
• Heating in cold climates – Black EPDM absorbs solar heat, which can reduce heating costs, which are estimated to be 3–5 times higher than air-conditioning costs in many northern regions.
• Winter performance – Dark EPDM helps melt frost, ice, and snow more quickly, reducing snow and ice loads on the roof and improving drainage.
• Condensation control – By maintaining a warmer surface, black EPDM helps prevent condensation inside the roofing system, reducing the risk of insulation facer delamination and mold growth.
• Safety advantages – Rubber membranes offer better traction than smooth thermoplastics and melt morning dew or frost faster, improving rooftop safety.

A Sustainable Roofing Choice

EPDM’s decades of proven performance, low environmental footprint, and adaptability to diverse climates make it a clear choice for building owners seeking sustainable roofing. By combining a long life, recyclability, low embodied energy, and energy efficiency, EPDM contributes to lower life cycle costs, reduced waste, and better environmental outcomes.

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Additional Resources

For more information about sustainability using Carlisle products, check out our Product Sustainability Reference Guide.

For more information about EPDM, check out our EPDM Roofing Systems: The Ultimate Upgrade Brochure.

For further reading on the benefits of installing a gray EPDM roofing assembly on your next project, check out our Sure Seal^® Cool Gray: A New Shade of Performance blog post.

Please contact Todd Thomas at [email protected] with questions.