EPDM Rubber Roofing

EPDM is a synthetic rubber supplied in sheets large enough to cover most domestic flat roofs in one piece, so there are no seams on the roof at all. It is bonded to the deck with adhesive, stays flexible in cold weather, handles UV without degrading and carries 20-year manufacturer guarantees. On a large, simple roof it is hard to beat.

Where EPDM is less suited is on roofs with many upstands, pipes and corners, where cutting and bonding the sheet around every detail gets fiddly. For those roofs we usually recommend GRP.

Photograph: EPDM Rubber Roofing job in progress or completed
(to be supplied)

Warning signs

Extension roofThe classic EPDM job: a large rectangle with few details.

Garage roofQuick, durable and better value than felt over the roof's life.

Replacing a felt roofEPDM on a new or sound deck ends the cycle of patching.

Outbuilding or workshopLow maintenance for decades.

Commercial flat roofLarge sheets cover big areas with minimal joints.

Green roof baseEPDM is the standard waterproof layer under sedum or planting.

What we do

Single-sheet EPDM roofs on new or existing decks
Fully adhered systems with manufacturer-approved adhesives
Pre-formed corners, pipe flashings and drip edges
Warm-roof insulation build-ups beneath the deck
EPDM gutter linings
Overlay of existing sound decks after inspection

Materials and methods

Firestone RubberCover or ClassicBond EPDM in 1.2 mm or 1.5 mm, fully adhered with water-based and contact adhesives, with the manufacturer's trims and flashing accessories. Deck in 18 mm WBP or OSB3 with falls. Guarantees of 20 years registered in your name.

Why choose us for epdm rubber roofing

One sheet, so no seams on most domestic roofs
Flexible and UV-stable; no cracking or blistering
Quick to install; most extension roofs done in a day
Excellent value over the roof's life
20-year manufacturer guarantee plus our workmanship guarantee

What to expect

We measure the roof, check the deck and quote for EPDM with new deck boards where needed. Installation is typically a single day in dry weather. You receive the manufacturer guarantee certificate with our invoice.

Related projects

Completed project

Genuine epdm rubber roofing projects appear here once photographed.

All projects →

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk on an EPDM roof?

For maintenance, yes. For a terrace or regular use, no; choose GRP with a non-slip finish instead.

Does EPDM look like felt?

No. It is a smooth matt black sheet, neater than felt, though not as finished-looking as colour-coated GRP.

Can EPDM be laid over old felt?

Sometimes, if the felt is flat, dry and well bonded. Usually we strip it so we can check the deck.

How long does EPDM last?

Manufacturers quote 50 years and guarantee 20. Roofs from the 1980s are still going.