If you are trying to decide which rubber roofing Madison system to apply in your commercial building, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a proven option for flat and low-slope roofs throughout Dane County. This durable rubber membrane stays flexible through Madison's freezing winters and changing seasons, making it a practical choice for offices, retail centers, warehouses, industrial facilities, and multi-tenant properties.
Storm Guard Roofing of Madison is a locally operated flat-roof and EPDM specialist backed by more than 20 years of experience and an A+ BBB rating. We help property owners, facility managers, and general contractors understand how EPDM roofing is installed, how it compares with TPO, and which membrane best fits their building, budget, and maintenance goals. Every recommendation begins with a roof inspection and moisture scan, providing clear information before you invest in repairs or a replacement.
If you are weighing EPDM against another single-ply system, we walk you through the tradeoffs before you commit. Storm Guard Madison installs EPDM across Dane County.
Call (608) 497-3301 for a free EPDM estimate in Madison, WI. See our full range of commercial roofing services for the wider picture.
Storm Guard installs new EPDM rubber roofs and re-roofs using attachment methods that match your building, such as fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted.
Fully-adhered EPDM bonds the membrane to insulation with adhesive and works well on roofs with irregular shapes or high wind exposure. Mechanically-attached EPDM is fastened through the membrane at seams and suits large commercial projects where installation speed and cost matter. Ballasted EPDM is laid loose and held down with stone or pavers, typically on structures capable of supporting the added load.
When an existing roof reaches the end of service life, Storm Guard replaces it with new EPDM, either as a full tear-off (removing the old system down to the deck) or a re-cover where code allows.
Membrane thickness matters at replacement: 45 mil (0.045 inch) is the industry baseline, 60 mil (0.060 inches) offers better resistance to punctures and hail, and 90 mil (0.090 inches) is available for the harshest exposures. Thicker membranes often carry longer manufacturer warranties, so we recommend a thickness based on your building’s foot traffic, weather exposure, and target service life.

Most EPDM repairs address seams, flashing, and isolated punctures. We handle these quickly using manufacturer-approved splice tape and adhesives.
For roofs with widespread wear, recurring leaks, or persistent ponding, the repair-vs-replace decision belongs in a full inspection. Our flat roof repair page walks through that decision framework in detail.
Each of our EPDM projects follows the same four-step process, so you know what happens next and why.
Both are common single-ply commercial roofing membranes, and neither is universally better. Use this comparison as a starting point, and confirm the right fit with a roof assessment.
| Factor | EPDM | TPO |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Synthetic rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer) | Thermoplastic polyolefin |
| Seams | Sealed with splice tape and adhesive | Heat-welded |
| Surface color | Typically black, white/reflective available | Typically white and reflective |
| Cold-climate flexibility | Strong, proven through freeze-thaw | Moderate |
| Reflectivity (cool roof) | Lower for black EPDM, higher with white | High |
| Typical lifespan | About 20 to 30 years | Varies by product generation |
| Best fit | Heating-dominated climates, irregular roof shapes | Cooling-dominated climates, high solar exposure |
Talk with Storm Guard Roofing of Madison about your EPDM roofing project. Our certified team installs durable EPDM roofing systems designed for Wisconsin's climate. With local crews, more than 20 years of experience, and an A+ BBB rating, we're here to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Call (608) 497-3301 or request a free consultation online today.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer, also known as EPDM, is a synthetic rubber single-ply membrane used on flat and low-slope commercial roofs. It is installed in large sheets and sealed at the seams, and it is known for cold-climate flexibility, UV and ozone resistance, and simple, durable repairs.
A well-installed EPDM roof commonly lasts about 20 to 30 years, and longer with regular maintenance. Lifespan depends on membrane thickness, attachment method, foot traffic, and how quickly small issues, such as open seams, are repaired.
Neither is universally better; it depends on the building. EPDM offers proven cold-climate flexibility and easy repairs, while TPO offers a reflective white surface and heat-welded seams. Storm Guard recommends installing EPDM rubber roofing for Madison commercial buildings.
EPDM cost depends on membrane thickness, attachment method, roof size, and whether the old roof is removed. It is priced per installed square foot, and a full commercial project is a significant investment. Storm Guard provides a written estimate after inspecting your roof.
Yes. EPDM stays flexible in deep cold and through freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, and it resists UV and ozone over a long service life. That cold-weather performance is a key reason Storm Guard installs EPDM on commercial roofs in Madison and Dane County.
EPDM comes in 45, 60, and 90 mil. Thicker membranes, 60 mil and up, resist punctures and hail better and often carry longer warranties, which suits roofs with foot traffic or heavy weather exposure. Storm Guard recommends a thickness based on your building and budget.
Yes. Black EPDM absorbs heat, a mild benefit in Madison winters, while white or reflective EPDM lowers summer cooling load. The right choice depends on your building’s energy profile and how it is used.
Unless otherwise noted, each use of "Storm Guard," “us,” “we,” or “our” throughout Stormguardrc.com collectively refers to both the Storm Guard brand and the Storm Guard Franchise System, which is made up almost exclusively of independently owned and operated franchise locations.