Not always for the better as it caps big box buildings that are a blight to my eyes. But it has allowed designs for innovative living in the last few decades.

This 'pan' is one piece of EPDM membrane that should last 30 years, maybe more. What got me was the railing and other details above and outside of the EPDM. Moisture weeped into fasteners and began weeping deep into the framing and sheathing below. You couldn't tell the problems were well underway as no leaking was occurring inside. The whole affair-all sides and surfaces, is the roof in a very hostile coastal environment.

Now the railings simply rest on top(no fasteners-punctures,spaced off- to allow drying) of a formed flashing cap that seals the EPDM pan, on the interior, and an armour plate exterior of plastic wood and panels that drain to the roof.