EPDM dates all the way back to the early 1960’s, when the first single-ply membrane was created as an answer to Neoprene. The latter was being used as roofing protection, but the lack of UV resistance meant that it cracked and aged rapidly.

While it wasn’t treated with the superior technology we have today, EPDM came around and was already a better option against sunlight. However, it wouldn’t be until the 1970’s that EPDM would have a major upgrade with adhesive seams.

Unfortunately, that adhesive was made with the already-proven Neoprene so the seams were prone to failing over time and exposure. Because of that issue, testing commenced to make EPDM even stronger and the 1980’s brought answers.

That’s the decade when Neoprene was replaced with Butyl as an adhesive polymer, which held together better and longer through rainfall and sunlight. Of course, there was a user error with contractors cutting and installing it differently.

Fast-forward to the early-2000’s, when EPDM was manufactured in sheets with basically double-sided tape to hold it together. Taking the manual variable out of the equation meant more consistency across the board.

The factory-applied tape increased the seam durability for EPDM so much that seam-related repairs and warranties are lower than those related to the welded seams of other roofing materials.