How to Install a Rubber Roof Yourself
In this article, we will introduce you to the EPDM flat roofing system and cover the basics of installing this type of system yourself. When it comes to DIY home improvements, there are some projects that are easier than others and for those who love a challenge, a project to install a rubber roof is historically up there with the biggest of them. We’re here to let you know that EPDM rubber roofing is fast and easy to apply, well within the capabilities of a small team of skilled and confident DIYers. We have the resources to help you, including video tutorials, downloadable installation guides and industry-leading training. In our comprehensive online store, you'll find complete EPDM roof kits for sheds, garages and larger projects containing everything you need to get the job done - fast and right first time with no waste. Please visit our corporate resource library to find all our installation guides covering each stage of the EPDM install process in comprehensive, step-by-step detail. |
Install a Rubber Roof the DIY Way
Essential preparation information
Some of the biggest influencing factors of the success of your project lie in the preparation stages, and these cannot be overlooked. If you begin your rubber roof installation and feel unsure about what you are doing – stop. PermaRoof can help you find a reliable, qualified and experienced EPDM installer to finish the job. Find a local flat roofing installer near you.
You may not realise it, but when it comes to applying a rubber roof, one of the worst things that you can do is to try to install it on a roof deck that is dirty and dusty. There are two reasons for this. The first is that if you adhere the membrane to a dirty roof, you are likely to end up with a bumpy mess that you will want to do again. Secondly, the adhesive that is used in rubber roofing isn’t going to adhere reliably if the surface isn’t clean and clear of dust or debris. Cleaning your roof need not be tricky, all you need to do is give it a good brush down with a soft household brush that should remove enough of the dust to create the ideal surface to work with. Also remove oil or grease spots.
Once you've removed all the old covering, make sure that the roof deck is in good condition. Make any necessary repairs or use cover board first for a smooth, insulating finish.
Let the rubber roof membrane rest before you install
Once you have cleaned the roof ready for the membrane to be applied, get out the membrane roof and let it rest. When the membrane is transported, it can become wrinkled, it can also contract or expand during the shipping process too. By allowing it some time to rest, you will be able to apply a smooth and wrinkle free roof with ease.
Applying adhesive
When you are fitting an EPDM roof, you need to make sure that it is glued down properly. During the membrane application process, you will need to apply two different types of adhesive.
The first is a water-based adhesive. To apply this, you need to fold back one half of the membrane, before applying the glue to the roof decking. Do this with a 9” roller, as this will make sure that the glue is evenly spread and it won’t have any lumps that will be visible underneath the membrane, once it has dried.
Once the water-based adhesive has been applied and the membrane installed on the main area, use contact adhesive at the edges and a smaller, 4" roller. This is much stronger than the water based adhesive and needs to be applied to the edges of the roof and at any detailing to complete the seal. The contact/bonding adhesive will dry much more quickly than the water-based adhesive and should be applied to the roof deck and the membrane too. If you’ve purchased a flat roof kit, you will have everything you need in the right quantities. View all our adhesives here.
If you’ve got the adhesive right, and the preparation from the start, rolling the membrane onto the roof deck is the easy part. Make sure it is laid evenly and double-check you don’t have air bubbles trapped underneath. You may worry that to install a rubber roof, you’re going to find it difficult, but in actual fact, it can be quite easy to do.
Think about the process, buy the right materials and make sure that you have everything that you need and in no time at all you will have a beautiful rubber roof, that you installed yourself.
More guides from PermaRoof UK
PermaRoof UK offers support to both trade and DIY for EPDM application. We provide a further range of installation guides, datasheets, product and technical information in the Knowledge Base and in our corporate resource library here.
Become an expert with our EPDM training days
We run accredited EPDM training days for both sheet membrane application and liquid waterproofing. Training days are held at the PermaGroup headquarters in Derby at our purpose-built, approved training centre. Intensive, one-day courses and certification.