EPDM Flat Roof and Railing Replacement in Grand Rapids, MI
Project Overview
A homeowner in Grand Rapids, Michigan, contacted Property Revolution Roofing and Decks after discovering a leak in the ceiling beneath a flat roof.
This flat roof also served as a small outdoor deck, surrounded by a perimeter railing. The existing railing had become unstable, creating an additional safety concern.
The homeowner needed a solution that addressed both problems: replacing the leaking roof and restoring a sturdy railing system around the elevated outdoor space.
Property Revolution installed a new EPDM rubber roofing membrane and replaced the railing with a system featuring Trex Select Classic composite components. The project required careful coordination between the roofing and railing installation, particularly where the new railing posts penetrated the roof membrane.
Project Details
- Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Project Type: Flat Roof Replacement and Rooftop Deck Railing Replacement
- Roofing Material: EPDM Rubber Roofing Membrane
- Railing Components: Trex Select Classic Composite
- Installation Features: Roof-mounted railing posts, post sleeves, and new handrails
- Special Requirements: Individual waterproof sealing around railing post fasteners
The Challenge: A Leaking Flat Roof and Unsafe Railing
The homeowner first noticed a ceiling leak originating from the flat roof directly above the interior space.
Water intrusion is especially concerning when a flat roof also functions as an outdoor living area. The roof assembly must protect the rooms below while accommodating the components associated with the elevated deck.
The existing roofing material needed replacement, and the perimeter railing had become unstable. Both issues affected how safely and comfortably the space could be used.
Replacing the railing presented an additional installation challenge. The new posts had to be fastened directly through the roofing membrane and into the roof deck.
Every fastener penetrating the membrane created a potential pathway for future water intrusion if it was not properly sealed.
That meant the roof and railing had to go in together, with every attachment point sealed as part of the roof.
Our Solution: EPDM Rubber Roof Replacement
Our team removed the failing flat roofing material and installed a new EPDM rubber membrane.
EPDM is a flexible synthetic rubber roofing material commonly used on flat and low-slope roofs. It provides a waterproofing layer that helps protect the structure underneath from rain and moisture.
For this Grand Rapids property, replacing the existing roof membrane addressed the source of the ceiling leak and provided a renewed waterproofing surface for the roof-deck assembly.
The replacement also created the opportunity to coordinate the new railing installation with the roofing work.
Our team planned the roof and the railing as one exterior system.
If your roof is leaking, see our roof replacement services in Grand Rapids, MI.
Installing a New Trex Railing System
With the new roofing membrane installed, our crew replaced the unstable perimeter railing.
The project incorporated Trex Select Classic composite railing components, new roof-mounted posts, post sleeves, and a new handrail system.
The goal was to provide a more secure perimeter around the elevated outdoor space while maintaining the waterproofing integrity of the roof beneath it.
Because the railing posts were mounted directly to the roof deck, the fastening method required particular care.
Each post needed to be securely anchored while protecting the new EPDM membrane from water intrusion at the fastener locations.
If you’re planning updates to your outdoor space, explore our deck construction and renovation services.
The Critical Detail: Waterproofing Railing Post Attachments
One of the most important technical details of this project was the installation of the roof-mounted railing posts.
These posts were fastened through the new EPDM membrane and into the roof deck.
Every penetration introduced a potential leak point.
Our crew applied dedicated sealant around the screw holes and fastener locations to protect the roof membrane at each railing attachment point.
This step was essential because the fasteners needed to hold the railing securely without allowing water to enter through the membrane.
Careful sealing at these connection points helped preserve the waterproofing system while supporting the new railing.
These details matter on any flat roof that also serves as a deck, especially when railings or other exterior components need to be attached through the roofing surface.
Completed Scope of Work
The Grand Rapids project included:
- Removal of the failing flat roof covering
- Installation of a new EPDM rubber roofing membrane
- Replacement of the unstable perimeter railing
- Installation of new roof-mounted railing posts
- Anchoring railing posts directly to the roof deck
- Application of sealant around individual fasteners and screw holes
- Installation of post sleeves
- Installation of a new handrail system featuring Trex Select Classic composite components
- Coordination of roofing and railing installation to address the leak and safety concerns
The Result: A Dry Interior and a Secure Outdoor Space
The completed project addressed the two issues that originally concerned the homeowner: a leaking flat roof and an unstable perimeter railing.
The new EPDM membrane restored the roof’s waterproofing layer, while the replacement railing provided a sturdier boundary around the elevated outdoor area.
Careful sealing around the railing fasteners helped protect the new membrane at the points where the posts were attached.
The new membrane keeps the rooms below dry, and the railing gives the family a solid edge to lean on again.
Need Flat Roof Replacement or Deck Railing Work in Grand Rapids?
If your flat roof doubles as a deck, a leak and a loose railing usually need to be solved together. If you’re dealing with a leaking EPDM roof, aging flat roofing, or a railing that no longer feels solid, we’ll come out, look at the whole roof-deck area, and walk you through what it needs.
