Rob the Roofer: Is the Installation of EPDM Weather Dependent?

Here at PermaRoof UK, our award-winning sales and customer support teams are asked for advice about EPDM products every day. Because ‘Is the Installation of EPDM Weather Dependent?’ is a common question on the subject, we thought we’d ask Rob the Roofer, our resident EPDM expert, to explain. Watch the video to find out more…

Video transcript

Rob, is installing EPDM dependent on the weather?

It is dependent on the weather, primarily – rain. So, you do always have to be aware if rain is imminent. Always keep a lookout for that. You cannot lay EPDM while it is raining – it must be dry while you are installing the membrane. 

Temperatures are critical, particularly when we are using the water based adhesive to bond the membrane down to a timber deck. The correct temperatures for using the water based adhesive are plus five degrees and higher.

About Rob the Roofer

Rob the Roofer is the resident EPDM expert at PermaRoof UK. From performance to installation techniques and everything in between, there’s no question he can’t answer! With years of experience, he’s also full of useful tips for the tricky parts of complex installs. He enjoys passing these on to the roofers on the PermaRoof EPDM installation training courses.

Interested in meeting Rob the Roofer? 

Why not come along and attend one of our training days at the PermaRoof headquarters? You’ll receive high quality training, both in the classroom and hands-on in the purpose-built workshop – we’ll even provide refreshments and lunch – Rob does like his cup of tea!

Find out more about EPDM installation training on our corporate site here or give us a call to book your place.

Ready to buy EPDM?

Buy RubberCover EPDM	Buy SealEco EPDM here	Browse all Roof Kits

Other EPDM installation tips

EPDM is fast and straightforward to install for most typical domestic projects, such as re-roofing sheds, garages and flat roofed extensions. Here’s a few tips to guide you along the way. You can find further resources and guides to help you further in the downloads library here.

Measure the project area carefully.

Buy an EPDM roofing kit to simplify ordering: buy standard sized kits or build your own here.

Be aware that not all EPDM is the same: Find out how to make sure you're not buying a cheap replica in our blog post here.

Make sure you’ve got everything you need before you start: if you’re not buying an EPDM kit, ensure you’ve included the right quantities of materials to your order – sufficient membrane, adhesive, primer (if required), rollers (if you’re using primer or liquid adhesive), edge and gutter trim (if required), fixings and tools (see below).

Get your tools ready:

• Medium soft household broom
• Piece of chalk or crayon
• Straight edge
• Sharp scissors
• Penny and seam roller for detailing

Watch the weather: Pick a clear day to install EPDM with no rain expected. Do not install if rain is due or temperatures are likely to fall below 5°C.

Prepare the EPDM: Lay the membrane out over the roof surface to rest for 30 minutes before installation.

Adhere to basic safety guidelines

Follow the installation guidelines: find step-by-step guides in our downloads library. We also have a wide range of video tutorials, produced by the training team and containing clear installation processes. 

Browse our video library here or view the full range on our YouTube channel here.

The benefits of using EPDM rubber roofing

• EPDM rubber roofing offers a wide range of benefits for all your domestic projects. Whether you’re recovering a shed roof with a kit, or planning a large-scale green roof, EPDM gives you long-term reliability.
   
  50-year service life expectancy
• Low maintenance roofing
• Ideal for DIY
• Available in a complete kit – standard sizes or bespoke
• Custom cut up to 15m x 60m – typically covers in a single sheet
• 100% waterproofing
• Durable and flexible
• UV and Ozone stable
• High weatherability