What Are the Disadvantages of a Rubber Roof?

What Are the Disadvantages of a Rubber Roof? (And Why Philly Homeowners Still Choose It)

Rubber roofs — mostly EPDM — are everywhere in Philadelphia. You’ll see them on rowhomes in the Northeast, duplexes in South Philly, commercial buildings across the city. They’re common because they make sense for flat and low-slope roofs. Still, there are disadvantages. If you’re a homeowner weighing your roofing options, you need to hear both sides. What can go wrong — and why people go with rubber roofing anyway.

Let’s start with what doesn’t always work.

Disadvantages of a Rubber Roof on Philadelphia Homes

1. Prone to Shrinking Over Time - EPDM rubber roofing shrinks. That’s just what it does after years of UV exposure and temperature swings. In Philly, where winters can freeze hard and summers bake rooftops, the material pulls tight and can start to detach from flashing or edges. Once that happens, you’re inviting leaks.

2. Puncture Vulnerability - Rubber roofing isn’t indestructible. If someone walks on it in hard boots or drags a chair across it during a rooftop gathering, you can end up with small tears. Even branches or sharp debris blown in during storms can cause damage. This is especially true if the rubber membrane isn’t thick enough or wasn’t installed with extra protection in high-traffic areas.

3. Installation Matters More Than You Think - This material doesn’t leave a lot of room for sloppy work. If the seams aren’t sealed right, or flashing isn’t installed properly around vents or skylights, the roof will eventually leak. The membrane needs to adhere smoothly to the surface with no gaps, bubbles, or loose edges. Unfortunately, too many contractors try to treat rubber roofing like shingles — and that’s a mistake.

4. Ponding Water Issues - Flat roofs are tricky with drainage. If the structure has sagging or the slope is off, you’ll get standing water. EPDM can handle short-term ponding, but long-term pooling weakens the adhesive and can cause seam failure or algae growth. Poor drainage = shorter lifespan.

5. Not the Best Looking Option - Let’s be honest: EPDM rubber roofing isn’t winning design awards. It’s flat, black, and purely functional. If you’re concerned with curb appeal — especially on a more visible roof or multi-story building — this might not be your top aesthetic choice. TPO (white rubber roofs) are a bit cleaner looking, but also more expensive.

Now — Here’s Why People Still Choose Rubber Roofing

Despite all the above, rubber roofing is still one of the smartest choices for flat roofs in Philadelphia. The disadvantages don’t cancel out the clear benefits — especially when you use a professional company that knows what they’re doing.

1. Affordability - Let’s get real: roofing is expensive. Compared to metal or built-up systems, rubber roofing is cost-effective. Installation is relatively fast, which reduces labor costs. You also don’t need heavy-duty support structures underneath because EPDM is lightweight.

2. Longevity with Low Maintenance - When installed correctly, rubber roofing can last 20–30 years. That’s no small thing in a city like Philly where weather can be punishing. It doesn’t crack under cold temperatures, and it resists UV rays better than older roofing systems like tar or gravel.

3. It’s Waterproof When Done Right - One solid sheet of EPDM has no seams to fail. That means less chance for water intrusion. It’s flexible enough to move with your home through the seasons. If there’s a leak, it’s usually at a seam — and that’s fixable.

4. Quick Installation - If you hire an experienced team like McGrath Roofing in Philadelphia, most rubber roofs can be installed quickly — often in a day or two, depending on size. That minimizes disruption and gets your home protected fast.

5. Easy Repairs - If you do get a tear or a puncture, repairs are usually simple and affordable. Most patches bond easily with adhesive and last for years. Compare that with tearing off whole sections of a shingle or tile roof, and you can see the advantage.

Here’s What to Remember

If you’re seeing signs of trouble with your flat roof — bubbling, pooling water, leaks around the chimney — don’t put it off. Damage doesn’t wait. It spreads. Water works fast, and in older Philadelphia homes, once it gets into the structure, you're talking interior repairs and mold remediation.

The disadvantages of rubber roofing mostly come down to poor installation and neglect. That’s where a company like McGrath Roofing makes the difference. They specialize in rubber roofing systems for homes across Philly. No cutting corners. No duct-tape fixes. Just straight-up workmanship and honest assessments.

Call today for more information and a free estimate

If you’ve got a flat roof in Philadelphia that’s leaking or aging out, it’s time to talk to professionals who handle rubber roofing the right way.

Call McGrath Roofing at (215) 317-9291

📍 4540 Carwithan St, Philadelphia, PA 19136

Schedule a free inspection. We’ll tell you what your roof actually needs — and what it doesn’t. Get peace of mind before another storm hits.