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Completed black EPDM roof on a commercial building, the town and hills beyond

EPDM Roofing • Kelowna & the Okanagan EPDM
RUBBER.

A synthetic rubber membrane with more than fifty years on commercial roofs. It stays flexible down to −45°C (Carlisle’s figure for Sure-Seal EPDM), so it does not crack when the Okanagan swings from summer to winter.

Or call directly 250-258-8600
25–30 yr
Lifespan
−45°C
Stays Flexible To
Class A
Fire Rating Available
Low
Maintenance

Synthetic Rubber.
Single-Ply. Proven.

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane used on commercial flat roofs for over five decades. Available in black and white, EPDM sheets are manufactured in wide rolls that cover large roof areas with minimal seams — reducing potential leak points.

Trusted on millions of square feet of roofing worldwide, EPDM delivers exceptional resistance to ultraviolet radiation, ozone exposure, and extreme weather. Unlike many roofing materials that become brittle over time, EPDM retains its elasticity and waterproofing performance year after year.

Why Roofers Trust EPDM
  • We install Carlisle Sure-Seal EPDM
  • Strong UV and ozone resistance, with no coating needed
  • Stays flexible down to −45°C
  • Wide sheet widths minimize seam count
  • Can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted
  • Proven 25–30 year service life when properly installed

Built in
layers.

Watch a Premium EPDM system come together, fully adhered or mechanically fastened — full-width rubber sheets sealed against decades of Okanagan weather.

  1. 01
    Steel DeckCorrugated galvanized B-deck, fastened to spec
  2. 02
    Vapour BarrierSelf-adhered sheets, lapped and sealed to the deck
  3. 03
    Polyiso InsulationTwo layers, joints staggered — no thermal shortcut
  4. 04
    Cover BoardHigh-density board, eight screws and plates per sheet, driven into the deck
  5. 05
    EPDM Membrane60-mil rubber in 3 m sheets — adhesive on both the board and the sheet, splice primed and taped
  6. 06
    Edge Metal & Strip-InDrip edge on a nailed cleat, flange nailed 150 mm o.c., sealed under a 150 mm cover strip

The Rubber, Up Close.

EPDM is a single-ply synthetic rubber — wide sheets with few seams, each seam bonded with primer and tape. It stays flexible in deep cold and does not soften in summer heat.

  • 45–60 milmembrane thickness
  • 25–30 yrservice life
  • −45°Cstays flexible to
  • Single-Plyadhered or fastened

Why Choose EPDM.

UV & Ozone Resistance
EPDM naturally resists ultraviolet radiation and ozone degradation without requiring additional coatings or surface treatments. It does not need a coating to stand up to sun and ozone.
Extreme Temperature Flexibility
Stays elastic through an Okanagan winter and summer. The rubber compound absorbs thermal expansion and contraction without stress cracking — ideal for the Okanagan’s dramatic temperature swings.
Low Maintenance
Once installed, EPDM requires minimal upkeep. Periodic inspections and clearing debris are usually all it asks for.
Long Lifespan
With proper installation and care, EPDM roofs typically last 25–30 years. The material has been on roofs since the 1970s.
Cost-Effective
EPDM offers one of the lowest lifecycle costs of any flat roofing system. The combination of affordable material, straightforward installation, and minimal maintenance delivers exceptional long-term value.
Wide Sheets, Few Seams
EPDM comes in wide sheets, so a roof goes down with fewer seams to look after.

Ideal For.

EPDM excels on low-slope and flat roof applications where long-term, low-maintenance waterproofing is the priority. Its versatility and proven performance make it a sound choice for many building types.

  • Low-Traffic Commercial Roofs
    Office buildings, retail centres, and commercial properties where the roof is not a usable space — maximizing the membrane’s uninterrupted lifespan.
  • Warehouses & Storage Facilities
    Large-footprint buildings that benefit from EPDM’s wide sheet coverage, reducing seam count and installation time across expansive roof areas.
  • Industrial Buildings
    Plants and industrial buildings that need a durable, low-maintenance roof. Where oils or grease reach the roof, a different membrane is the better choice, and we will say so.
  • Retrofit & Re-Roofing Projects
    EPDM is light and can often go over an existing roof once the structure and the old roof have been checked.

EPDM in the Okanagan.

Cold snaps, strong sun and big temperature swings: EPDM is made for all three.

Freeze-Thaw Resilience
Okanagan winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles that crack rigid materials. EPDM’s rubber flexibility takes expansion and contraction without stiffening.
UV Resistance
With around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, Kelowna’s intense UV exposure degrades many roofing materials prematurely. EPDM is inherently UV-stable, resisting breakdown without topcoats or reflective layers.
Temperature Swings
Hot summers and cold snaps put real stress on a roof; EPDM takes both without stiffening.

EPDM FAQ.

A properly installed EPDM roof typically lasts 25–30 years. Lifespan depends on membrane thickness, installation quality and regular maintenance.
EPDM is a thermoset rubber membrane bonded with adhesive or tape, while TPO is a thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams. EPDM has a longer track record and excels in extreme cold, while TPO offers better energy efficiency with its reflective white surface. Both are excellent choices — the best fit depends on your building’s specific needs.
Yes. EPDM’s lightweight profile and flexible installation methods make it an excellent re-roofing option. In many cases, it can be installed directly over the existing roof substrate after proper preparation, which can avoid a tear-off.
EPDM can be installed using three primary methods: fully adhered (bonded to the substrate with adhesive), mechanically fastened (secured with plates and fasteners along the seams), or ballasted (held in place with river rock or pavers). The best method depends on roof type, wind exposure, and building use.
Yes. EPDM stays flexible far below any Okanagan winter low, copes with freeze-thaw cycling and stands up to Kelowna’s sun.

Ready for EPDM?

Whether you’re planning a new commercial roof, replacing an aging system, or exploring your flat roofing options — our team is ready to help you determine if EPDM is the right fit for your building.