EPDM Roof Installation – Can You Really Do-It-Yourself?

The short answer to this is yes, you really can do an EPDM roof installation yourself if you’re a small keen DIY team with skills and confidence. At PermaRoof UK, we’re here with both the products and the know-how to guide you through your flat roof project to a swift, successful conclusion.

EPDM is the perfect medium to choose for DIY install – lightweight, durable, cold applied and easy to handle if you follow straightforward installation guidelines. We aim to simplify both the buying and installation of your EPDM roof and in this article, we’ll cover it all – you can do it.

The Benefits of EPDM for DIY Installation

With a wide range of benefits, EPDM membrane is fast becoming the go-to waterproofing material for the modern home. Compatible with and supporting energy efficient innovations, such as high-performance insulating boards, green and other eco roofing systems, it is the way forward for flat roofing across the UK.
For DIY, EPDM roof installation is fast and straightforward, particularly for smaller projects, such as garage roofing, sheds and garden rooms of even size and shape. This is for a number of reasons:

RubberCover EPDM can be cut to any size up to 15m x 60m in a single sheet

• This means that for most domestic projects, the EPDM membrane can be installed in a single sheet with no joins, enhancing reliability immediately with seamless coverage.

Flame free installation process

• EPDM membrane is cold applied, either in a spray form or using water-based adhesive developed especially for rubber roofing with an ordinary paint or adhesive roller. A flame-free installation process is much safer for DIY and does not require specialist equipment or training.

Lightweight and durable

• Standard grade EPDM typically weighs just 1.4kg per square meter and premium grade, 1.8kg/m2. Being lightweight and extremely durable makes it easy to handle, even by a two-person DIY team. 

Few tools needed

• Most of the tools you need to install an EPDM roof are ordinary items – sealant gun, household broom, chalk and straight edge and a large, good pair of scissors. In addition, you’ll need to buy:
  • Good quality paint or adhesive roller and trays – 4” and 9” are ideal
  • EPDM penny and silicone rollers

No major specialist equipment is needed, and we sell all the rollers you need in the online shop here.

Range of installation accessories available

• A range of specially developed accessories is available for EPDM roof installation, to make any detailing fast and easy. For instance, if you have a flue pipe extrusion, the RubberCover system has an easy-to-install pipe boot for that or if you fancy a skylight, the Brett Martin range includes dome roof lights with kerbs designed to trap and seal membrane.

Long term solution with no rigid maintenance routine

• EPDM has an astonishing life expectancy of more than 50 years, unmatched by any other type of membrane. Hard to damage and remaining flexible and durable during the service life, it needs very little maintenance or care, just the removal of large debris where necessary and a visual inspection for damage afterwards.

The Best Way to Buy EPDM

To simplify the project even further for DIY, we developed a range of EPDM flat roof kits, complete with everything you need in all the right quantities. 
This means that you don’t have to quantify everything, you just need to make sure your measurements are accurate. 

In our flat roof kits you’ll find:

• RubberCover membrane (in a single sheet)
• RubberCover adhesive (liquid)
• Sufficient edge and gutter trim (in your chosen colour)
• Fixings and sealant

Quick tip: If you don’t need trim, we stock a range of shed roof kits that just include membrane, adhesive (spray) and sealant. 

Browse all our roof kits here >

For more complex projects, we provide a free EPDM Kit Builder App. Again, you only need your accurate measurements and you’ll be asked to input details such as adjoining walls or upstands, gutter edges and extrusions. What you’ll get in just four steps is a complete kit list for your EPDM roof install that you can print out or submit to us for a fast quote. Try the Kit Builder here.

Step by Step EPDM Roof Installation Guides

So, kit bought, tools gathered and you’re ready to kick of your EPDM roof installation. Pick a nice day with no rain or freezing temperatures expected and start early so you can get it completed in one go. 

You’ll need to prepare the roof deck in advance and for the best results, completely remove any old covering. Use a suitable solvent-free degreaser to remove any oil or grease patches and make sure the entire surface is clean and dry before you start. Unpack your kit and lay out the membrane loosely over the roof deck to allow any packaging creases to dissipate for around 30 minutes. 

In our corporate resource library, we provide an extensive range of EPDM roof installation guides to help you through each stage. Produced by our EPDM training team, our guides cover all the detailing and main installation in clear, easy-to-follow steps. We have downloads with detailed images, technical and safety specs and even full video demonstrations to guide you through every step of the way. 

Visit the resource library here and watch one of our installation videos now to see if DIY install is for you.

Ready to Get Started?

We hope we’ve reassured you that you really can do your EPDM roof installation yourself. Fast, straightforward and easy to buy, our roof kits can be typically installed within a day. Head on over to our roof kits pages now and let’s get started.

What about if DIY isn't for you after all?

If you’ve prepared yourself for DIY and you find you’ve lost confidence at any stage, don't worry, we've still got you covered, give us a call. We’re here to support you, not just sell you the products, and we’ll be happy to offer expert advice if you’re stuck. We can even connect you with a reliable, trained local installer if you’re ready to hand the project over to a professional. Find out more about our installer network here on our corporate site.