What Work Was Done?
Denny’s roofing project in Northville, MI, began during the purchase of a home he had rented for years. As part of the appraisal and financing process, the property’s roof needed to be evaluated to determine its remaining service life and overall condition.
After a comprehensive inspection, it became clear that the existing EPDM (rubber) roofing system had reached the end of its useful life. Rather than requiring isolated repairs, the roof needed a complete replacement due to its overall condition and the extent of deterioration found throughout the system.
The replacement project was designed to provide a new commercial-grade EPDM roofing system with upgraded insulation, new flashings, and structural repairs where necessary.
EPDM Roof Replacement Completed
The new roofing system included:
- Versico VersiGard®.060 EPDM rubber roofing membrane
- Fully adhered installation using bonding adhesive
- High-density ½-inch PRO HD fiberboard insulation
- New insulation plates and fastening system
- New EPDM pipe seals
- New galvanized drip edge around the roof perimeter
- New wall flashing
- New chimney flashing with termination bar
The project also included the complete removal of the existing roofing materials before installation of the new roofing system.
Structural & Decking Improvements
During replacement, deteriorated roof decking was identified and replaced to provide a solid foundation for the new membrane.
The structural work included:
- Replacement of up to 10 sheets of OSB roof decking
- Installation of H-clips where required
- Removal of an additional EPDM roofing layer on the garage roof
Replacing damaged decking improves the long-term performance of the roofing system and ensures the new membrane is installed over a stable substrate.
Improving Ventilation & Roof Performance
In addition to replacing the roofing membrane, several improvements were made to enhance roof performance.
The project included:
- Installation of eight static roof vents
- New EPDM pipe flashings
- Provision for a future kitchen range hood vent and duct
- Updated perimeter flashing details
Proper ventilation and flashing integration help reduce moisture-related issues while improving the long-term durability of low-slope roofing systems.
Why Complete Replacement Was the Right Solution
Unlike steep-slope asphalt shingle roofs, EPDM roofing systems rely on continuous membrane integrity to remain watertight. Once the membrane, flashings, insulation, and underlying deck begin to deteriorate, localized repairs often provide only temporary relief.
In Denny’s case, the inspection determined that a complete roof replacement offered the most dependable long-term solution, restoring the roof’s weather protection and improving the property’s value as he moved forward with purchasing the home.
Long-Term Protection for a Low-Slope Roofing System
The completed project provided a modern EPDM roofing system backed by RoofAdvisor’s 15-Year Workmanship Warranty.
By replacing the aging membrane, upgrading insulation, repairing deteriorated decking, and installing new flashing throughout the roof, the project delivered a durable roofing system designed to withstand Michigan’s changing weather conditions for years to come.
Projects like this are common on older low-slope roofs throughout Northville, where aging commercial-style roofing systems often reach a point where comprehensive replacement becomes more practical and cost-effective than continued patch repairs.