Sometimes it feels like you’re just picking your poison with flat roofs.
That’s pretty much it. I’ve seen torch-down jobs go sideways fast, especially on older homes with dry framing. But EPDM can get shredded by hail or even a stray branch. If fire risk is a big concern, self-adhered membranes are worth a look—less drama during install, though they have their own quirks. Flat roofs just don’t make anything easy...
Yeah, torch-down on old, dry framing is a recipe for a bad day—seen it myself when a neighbor’s garage nearly went up in smoke. I get the appeal of self-adhered membranes, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with green roofs over EPDM. The extra weight and soil layer actually help with hail and temp swings, plus you’re not dealing with open flames at all. Not saying it’s perfect (maintenance is its own beast), but it’s kept my place leak-free for six years now. Flat roofs are always a trade-off, but sometimes thinking outside the usual options pays off.
