Serving Blue Bell, PA and all surrounding areas across Southeastern PA — Free inspections & quotes available.
Rubber Flat Roofing Systems for Residential & Commercial Properties
“Handled everything professionally and with great attention to detail.”— Issac
“From the first call to the final inspection, every step was handled with professionalism and care.”— Gladys V.
“Shelby Roofing Services has become the go-to for my family.”— Giovany D.
“Professional, reliable, and delivered premium quality work.”— Katie D.
EPDM roofing is one of the most widely used flat roofing systems for both residential and commercial properties. Throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area, EPDM is commonly installed on flat and low-slope roofs due to its durability, flexibility, and long-term performance. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane that creates a continuous, watertight barrier across flat surfaces.
One of the biggest advantages of EPDM is its ability to handle temperature fluctuations — the material expands and contracts without cracking, making it well-suited for the seasonal weather conditions in this region. EPDM is typically chosen for properties where functionality, durability, and long-term cost efficiency are the primary goals.
Schedule Free EvaluationMiguel crouches on a finished roof under a dramatic sky and calls the view one of the perks of the job. That same care carries into every EPDM project: every roof is inspected firsthand, issues are diagnosed on the roof, and our team stays accountable from the first call to the final walkthrough.
An EPDM roofing system is a single-ply membrane system designed for flat or low-slope roofs. Instead of individual components like shingles or tiles, EPDM uses large sheets of rubber membrane installed across the roof to create a continuous waterproof surface.
Because flat roofs do not shed water quickly, proper installation and sealing are critical to long-term performance.
Every project begins with a complete tear-off of the existing roofing system. All membranes, flashings, adhesives, and components are removed. Nothing is reused.
This ensures a clean, stable base for the new system.
Insulation is installed over the roof deck to create a stable and efficient base for the EPDM membrane. This layer:
The EPDM membrane is rolled out and allowed to relax. This prevents shrinkage, tension, and long-term distortion.
Depending on the system, the membrane is secured in one of three ways:
Proper attachment prevents movement and wind damage.
Seams are sealed using primer and seam tape. This is the most critical waterproofing step.
All flashing is installed new at:
These are the most vulnerable areas of the roof.
Drainage is evaluated to prevent ponding water. Standing water can reduce system lifespan.
Before the project is considered complete:
EPDM roofing systems are designed to last 20–30+ years, and in many cases even longer when properly maintained. Because of this, the materials used in flashing must be able to perform for the same duration. Standard thin metals or low-quality flashing materials can weaken, corrode, or fail over time—especially in areas exposed to water, temperature changes, and movement.
Using proper flashing materials ensures that critical areas such as penetrations, walls, and transitions do not fail before the roofing system itself. This is a key part of building a flat roofing system that performs long-term—not just at the surface level.
We had a very positive experience with Shelby Roofing Services and are extremely happy with our new EPDM flat roof. From the estimate through installation, everything was handled professionally and on time.
We install three types of EPDM systems: fully adhered, mechanically attached, and ballasted. Each one secures the membrane differently, and proper attachment is what prevents movement and wind damage.
A strong, stable system with minimal movement. The membrane is secured with adhesive.
Secured with fasteners, this system is efficient for larger roofs.
Uses weight to secure the membrane, with minimal movement.
| Feature | Fully Adhered | Mechanically Attached | Ballasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attachment | Adhesive | Fasteners | Weighted |
| Movement | Minimal | Moderate | Minimal |
| Best Known For | Strong, stable system; the most common choice | Efficiency on larger roofs | Using weight to secure the membrane |
The right system depends on your budget, performance goals, and property needs, and we guide each client toward the option that fits.
These are the numbers that decide whether a flat roof drains and lasts. They come from the building code, the membrane manufacturers and the roofing industry’s own definitions.
| Specification | What It Means for Your Roof | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum slope | At least ¼ inch of fall per foot (a 2% slope), so water drains off instead of sitting on the membrane | International Residential Code R905.12.1 |
| Membrane thickness | EPDM sheets are made in 45, 60 and 90 mil. Thicker membrane stands up better to foot traffic and punctures | Manufacturer product data (e.g. Carlisle Sure-Seal) |
| Seams | Joined with the manufacturer’s primer and seam tape — the most critical waterproofing step | Manufacturer installation instructions |
| Ponding water | Water still standing more than 48 hours after rain, in weather that allows drying, counts as ponding and needs a drainage fix | National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) |
| Color | Black is standard; white-on-black EPDM is made for roofs where reflecting sunlight matters | Manufacturer product lines |
Your written proposal lists the membrane and system specified for your roof, and every EPDM roof we install follows the manufacturer’s installation instructions for that system.
Most houses in our area have pitched shingle roofs, but many also have a section too flat for shingles. The code only allows asphalt shingles on slopes of 2 inches per foot (2:12) or steeper (IRC R905.2.2), so anything flatter needs a membrane such as EPDM. The usual places:
Real examples on our projects page include a historic three-story brick building, a commercial flat roof rebuilt after a fire, an EPDM roof with copper flashing and a home where a slate roof became new shingles plus a new EPDM flat section. Comparing membranes? See TPO flat roofing, or read our homeowner guide, EPDM Flat Roofing: Complete Homeowner Guide.
A properly installed EPDM roof is built for decades of service. Whether a roof reaches the upper end of its range comes down to the quality of the seams, the flashing, and the drainage.
Standing water can reduce system lifespan, which is why drainage is evaluated on every EPDM project. Annual inspection of seams, drains, and penetrations is recommended, and keeping the roof clear of standing water and debris helps it last longer.
Flat roofs rarely fail all at once. These are the early warnings worth a closer look:
A single puncture or one open seam can usually be repaired. When seams are failing in many places, the membrane has pulled away from its flashings, or the insulation underneath is wet, a complete tear-off and new system is the lasting fix, because wet insulation left under a new membrane keeps causing problems. A free inspection tells you which one your roof needs.
The cost of an EPDM roof varies from property to property.
Because of these variables, an inspection is required for an accurate price. We provide a clear, detailed proposal at no cost, so you know what is included before any work begins. Financing options may be available for qualified applicants.
Every EPDM roof we install is backed by two warranties.
Covers the roofing materials themselves.
Shelby Roofing Services’ own 30-year warranty covers the installation.
Both warranties are transferable. If the property is sold, the protection carries over to the new owner.
An EPDM membrane is only as reliable as the way it is installed. Seam sealing is the most critical waterproofing step, and the flashing points are the most vulnerable areas of the roof.
A permit adds accountability to a roofing project and creates a record of the work.
Shelby Roofing Services is licensed and insured (PA HIC #PA-178363).
Protecting your property is part of the job.
Owner Miguel Cespedes built Shelby Roofing Services around firsthand inspections and clear recommendations, and our team follows that same process on every flat roof. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all system, we recommend the EPDM system that fits the property.
Every project is documented with drone photography before, during, and after installation. A few recent EPDM flat roofs:
Shelby Roofing Services is based in Blue Bell, PA and installs EPDM flat roofing for residential and commercial properties throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
We serve communities across Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Delaware County, plus Philadelphia — all of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Yes. EPDM is commonly used on flat or low-slope residential additions, garages, porches, and commercial buildings. It is a reliable, cost-effective solution wherever a flat roofing system is needed.
No. Every project begins with a complete tear-off. All membranes, flashings, adhesives, and components are removed, and all flashing is installed new.
EPDM roofing systems are designed to last 20–30+ years, and in many cases even longer when properly maintained.
Cost depends on roof size, insulation thickness, system type, and drainage. An inspection is required for an accurate price, and we provide a clear, detailed proposal at no cost before any work begins.
EPDM requires minimal maintenance compared to other roofing systems. Annual inspection of seams, drains, and penetrations is recommended, and keeping the roof clear of standing water and debris helps extend its lifespan.
EPDM is a rubber membrane — dark in color, highly flexible, and excellent for temperature extremes. TPO is a white thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams and better energy efficiency because it reflects sunlight. EPDM is typically preferred for reliability and longevity; TPO is favored when energy performance is the priority.
Yes. Every EPDM roof is backed by a manufacturer warranty on the materials and Shelby Roofing Services’ workmanship warranty on the installation, and both are transferable if the property is sold.
At least ¼ inch of fall per foot, a 2% slope. The International Residential Code (R905.12.1) sets that minimum for single-ply membranes like EPDM so water drains instead of ponding, and drainage is evaluated on every EPDM project we install.
Yes. Asphalt shingles are only allowed on slopes of 2 inches per foot or steeper (IRC R905.2.2), so porch roofs, rear additions, dormers and other sections flatter than that need a membrane such as EPDM.
EPDM is made in 45, 60 and 90 mil. Thicker membrane holds up better to foot traffic and punctures, and manufacturers tie their warranties to specific membranes and systems. Your written proposal lists the membrane specified for your roof.
The National Roofing Contractors Association defines ponding as water that remains more than 48 hours after rain in weather that allows drying. Ponding shortens membrane life, so it should be corrected during a repair or replacement.
Yes. Shelby Roofing Services is based in Blue Bell, PA and installs EPDM flat roofing throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area, including Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties and Philadelphia.
If you are considering a new EPDM roof or want to understand the condition of your current flat roof, Shelby Roofing Services provides detailed inspections and recommendations tailored to your property, and every evaluation is free.
Before, during, and after aerial photography on every project. Your permanent record of quality.
Nothing from the old system is reused. Every installation starts with a fully inspected, clean deck.
Manufacturer material warranty plus our workmanship warranty — both fully transferable at sale.
Direct access to our team at every hour throughout your project. Call, text, or email.
EPDM Flat Roofing Across Southeastern PA
I met Miguel through a neighbor that highly recommended him and his crew. They did some repair roofing and gutter work and the quality was excellent. Great communicator, great team.
Needed some work done due to a loose fascia from the wind. Received a quote from Miguel and he came out 2 days later to fix it. Quick, clean, professional. Highly recommend.
Shelby Roofing Services did a phenomenal job with repairing a damaged section of our siding. Miguel was incredibly professional, responsive, and made sure everything was done right.
I contacted Miguel at Shelby Roofing about some roof repairs and since the first contact Miguel has been incredible — responsive, honest, and thorough. He genuinely cares about the outcome of every job.
Shelby roofing did a great job repairing our roof after storm damage. The work was excellent, and the customer service was outstanding throughout the entire process.
I recently had my roof repaired by Shelby Roofing and I couldn’t be happier with the results! From start to finish, the team was professional, punctual, and communicated every step of the way.
Shelby Roofing Services replaced all the gutters on my house, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The installation was clean, the team was professional, and the results are outstanding.
We’ll assess your current system, walk you through your options, and provide a clear, detailed proposal at no cost.
