Why EPDM Flat Roofing Membrane is Better than Felt

17th February 2014

Firestone EPDM membrane is leading a revolution in flat roofing and is well on its way to numbering the days of traditional felting. Popularity is growing for EPDM in the roofing industry as more contractors realise the benefits over felt.

Firestone EPDM membrane is manufactured in South Carolina, U.S.A. and has been used worldwide for commercial and industrial flat roofing for more than 25 years. Today, EPDM is available for domestic roofing as the proven system continues to impress the construction industry. With a life expectancy of over 50 years, its unique longevity alone brings us to the firm belief that EPDM will be strongly positioned in the future of flat roofing, eventually replacing traditional felt and lead-based roofing materials altogether.

Manufactured from a high-performance combination of synthetic rubber polymers and carbon black, the membranes bring unique flexibility and durability for superior waterproofing and weathering properties. Unlike felt, the EPDM compound will not crack over time, shrink or lose flexibility.

When addressing installation and maintenance, EPDM membranes again come up trumps against traditional competitors, with a single-sheet, cold adhesive application that spells no joins, no hot adhesion and requires few tools.

As the largest UK importer of Firestone EPDM RubberCover membranes, Permaroof are able to offer a huge range of pre-cut membranes as standard and bring a revolution for DIY flat roofing projects in the form of Permaroof-in-a-box roofing kits, containing everything you need for shed roof replacement and garage roofing projects.

For larger installations, we can custom-cut flat roofing membranes up to 12.5m x 30m and deliver on the roll in two grades - Standard grade is 1.14mm thickness, with Premium grade at 1.52mm.

As we continue to explore the industry for innovation for a sustainable future, EPDM is expected to continue to increase in popularity as it consistently outperforms outdated felt coverings.

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