A Homeowners Guide to Rubber Roofing

When it comes to protecting your home, your roof is your first line of defence. If you’re in the market for a durable, low-maintenance roofing solution, EPDM rubber roofing is a smart and cost-effective choice. Whether you're replacing an old roof or building a new extension, understanding the benefits and basics of rubber roofing can help you make an informed decision.

In this guide, we’ll cover what rubber roofing is, why it's a great choice for homeowners, and what you need to know before installing one.

What is Rubber Roofing?

Rubber roofing membranes are the perfect replacement for outdated felt and other traditional waterproofing materials for flat roofs and sheds. One of the leaders and highest performers in the industry is EPDM. 

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, which is a synthetic rubber material, commonly used in low-slope and flat roofing applications. Known for its exceptional weather resistance, flexibility, and longevity, EPDM has been a trusted rubber roofing solution for over 50 years.

Key Benefits of Rubber Roofing

1. Long Lifespan

Rubber roofing membrane, specifically EPDM, can last 30 to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance. The rubber is resistant to UV rays, ozone, and extreme weather conditions, making it ideal for both hot and cold climates.

ELEVATE’s RubberCover EPDM, one of the leaders in domestic rubber roofing membranes, has a service life expectancy of more than 50 years. This has been proven over decades of field testing in a wide range of climates and situations. 

2. Low Maintenance

Unlike some traditional roofing materials, EPDM requires minimal upkeep. Periodic inspections and basic cleaning are usually all it takes to keep your roof in good condition. Regular maintenance might be:

> Removal of large debris that may fall onto the rubber roofing membrane quickly. A brief visual check from an upstairs window, if possible, especially following a storm, but also if there are overhanging trees or shrubbery.

> Getting an overview of any seams, extrusions and adjoining roofing or walls periodically means that you will be able to spot any signs of damage or wear in advance of any potential failure.

> Making any necessary repairs swiftly is important, both for the integrity of the rubber roofing and the roof deck itself. EPDM is hard to damage, but fast and easy to repair with a piece of EPDM or a patch repair kit.

3. Cost-Effective

EPDM rubber roofing is one of the most affordable roofing options per square foot. It's lightweight, which can lower installation costs, and its durability means fewer repairs and replacements over time.

Fast and straightforward to install, and available in kit-form, makes it even more cost efficient for DIY enthusiasts, particularly for smaller domestic projects such as replacing shed or garage roofing.

4. Eco-Friendly

EPDM is fully recyclable at the end of an exceptional lifespan, typically outliving most traditional roof coverings, which require multiple replacements during the comparable service life. This can dramatically reduce waste and landfill as a result. 

Rubber roofing can also support energy efficiency as part of an overall green strategy. It provides the perfect long-term base for green roofs and is compatible with high tech insulation and skylights.

5. Easy Installation

Available in exceptionally large sheets, EPDM can be installed quickly with spray or liquid adhesive. RubberCover, for example, is available in sheet sizes up to 15m x 60m, which is usually more than adequate for most domestic projects.

When rubber roofing is installed in one piece, joins are minimised, and these are historically one of the most acute pain points for installers. Seams are the most vulnerable parts of the install, requiring extra time and attention to detail. Take these away and install is vastly simplified and absolutely achievable for a small, skilled DIY team.

What to Consider Before Installing Rubber Roofing

Roof Structure: Make sure your roof is structurally sound and well-drained. Rubber roofing membranes should not be installed over damaged decking or ponding water areas, for instance. 

Make all the necessary repairs to the roof deck before you begin to take full advantage of the exceptional service life expectancy. For the best results, always install rubber roofing over a clean, dry and sound substrate.

Weather conditions: Pick a dry day for install with no rain predicted and start early to make sure you can complete in a single day. Small rubber roofing jobs are easily achievable in just a few hours for a competent DIY team. 

Adhesives require reasonable temperatures to cure correctly, so don’t install if temperatures are likely to fall below freezing.

Professional vs. DIY: Some homeowners opt to install EPDM rubber roofing themselves, which is highly achievable if the manufacturer’s installation and safety guidelines are followed by a competent and experienced DIY team. 

If DIY isn’t for you, and you’re looking for a professional installation, EPDM rubber membranes can be quickly applied, minimising the labour time and ultimately the cost. Complex designs or multiple extrusions can be easily handled by a professional too, so this might be a better route if you’re not confident to install yourself.

At PermaRoof UK, we train professional roofers from all over the country in rubber roofing installation. If you’re looking for a reliable local roofer to install your rubber roof, give us a call and we’ll introduce you for free or visit the corporate site to search.

Looking for rubber roofing training courses? Find out more here >

Installing Rubber Roofing: Downloads & Resources

We offer a range of installation guides to help you through every step, whether you’re replacing the waterproofing on your shed roof or handling a new flat roof on a garden building. Visit the Knowledge Base here or the corporate resource library here to find downloads and videos, articles and DIY tips.

Can We Help with Your Rubber Roofing Project?

If you’re looking for a low maintenance roofing option that combines durability, affordability and performance with longevity, EPDM rubber roofing is worth serious consideration. A practical investment for many homeowners, EPDM is there for the long-term.

At PermaRoof UK we lead the way in high-quality EPDM rubber roofing systems, and we’re here to help guide you every through every step - from product selection to installation guidance.
Have questions? Contact us today or browse our EPDM roofing products and let’s get started.