EPDM rubber roofing systems are extremely cost effective and highly durable, requiring little to no maintenance over their long lifespan.
Rubber Roofing Direct provides a range of EPDM roof kits and shed kits that contain EPDM rubber membranes in different sizes, along with instructions and the required adhesives needed for installation. We also stock individual FlexiProof One Piece and FlexiProof Fleece Backed EPDM membranes, as well as one piece Shed Rubber EPDM membranes.
Our range also includes all the other supplies and accessories you need to complete a rubber repair or flat roofing project, including seam tapes, sealants, drain outlets, primers, rollers, edge trims, cleaning products, fastening plates, fixing nails, and roof lights.
As a trusted EPDM rubber roofing company, we can offer expert advice on how to install an EPDM roof membrane, as well as a buying guide for quantities and prices. You can also check out our comprehensive FAQ guide for more information about our EPDM systems.
Give your EPDM roofing project the professional finish it deserves with the right EPDM membrane suppliers — Shop online with Rubber Roofing Direct.
What is EPDM Roofing?
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a type of synthetic rubber that is used across many types of installations. Conforming to ASTM standard D-1418, M-Class EPDM is made from ethylene, propylene, and a diene, which enables crosslinking via sulphur vulcanisation.
But why is it such a popular and effective solution for commercial and residential rubber roofing in particular? Because it simply works better than natural rubber. Thanks to the ethylene "backbone", this rubber material proves more durable against stressors like heat, rain, UV radiation, and other atmospheric factors that tend to damage and oxidise natural rubber.
The History of EPDM Rubber Roofing
The EPDM rubber roofing membrane was first introduced as early as 1962. It was around for quite some time before its popularity really took off in the 1970s because of the Middle East oil embargo. The embargo made asphalt-based roofing expensive and hard to get. Asphalt roofing had been the go-to product for decades, and only a jolt in the supply chain made people look for other solutions. It soon became apparent that EPDM membranes were everything you needed for high performance flat roof, but without the smell, pollution, and dirt created by the asphalt roofing material.
This revolution in rubber roofing system popularity happened 50 years ago, and today, this EPDM rubberised roofing material is proving to be one of the longest lasting flat roofing systems out there for residential and commercial flat roofs.
The Technical Stuff
From a semi-crystalline material, EPDM has ethylene-type crystal structures (similar to ethylene and appearing at higher ethylene contents), meaning that they become essentially amorphous once these contents approach 50 wt%. 45-85% of EPDM propylene has been co-polymerised to reduce the formation of the typical crystallinity of polyethene.
As with most rubbers, EPDM roof rubber is almost always compounded with fillers such as calcium carbonate & carbon black and plasticisers like paraffinic oils — but it only has useful properties when crosslinked. Vulcanisation with sulphur is generally used for crosslinking, but it can also be done with peroxides — which leads to better heat resistance — or with phenolic resins. High energy radiation, such as from electron beams, is sometimes used for producing foams, wires, and cables.
Want to know more about the technical properties of our EPDM roofing membrane? Get in touch with our team via our online chat box or contact page.
Why Do We Use EPDM in the UK?
Rubber with saturated polymer backbones, such as EPDM, generally has much better resistance to heat, light, and ozone than unsaturated rubbers such as Neoprene or natural rubber. Therefore, EPDM roofing rubber can be formulated to be resistant to temperatures as high as 150°C, and once properly formulated, can be used outside for years, or even decades, without degradation. EPDM is also flexible and has good low-temperature properties — as low as -40°C depending on the formulation and the grade. This makes it the ideal flat roofing solution in the United Kingdom because it can withstand extreme weather conditions without requiring constant maintenance or replacing.
A more advanced form of EPDM membranes has fleece on the back (Fleece Backed EPDM membranes), which makes the product much tougher and ideal for waterproofing roofs. It's perfect for a flat roof because the material can cover a flat roof and create a waterproof barrier, which is more important in flat roofing because water doesn't run off the surface.
An important thing to note is that when used in flat roofing, EPDM does not shed any chemical pollution into the run-off rainwater. This makes a rubber EPDM roof a great option if you want to collect rainwater for gardening purposes and be sure that the water they collect remains uncontaminated with tar or other roofing solutions that disintegrate over time. The environmental safety and versatility of this flat roofing material is the reason it can be used as a spray-on non-slip surface in playgrounds, near swimming pools, and other public areas.
EPDM Rubber Properties
These are some of the unique properties, compatibilities, and capabilities of an EPDM rubber roof membrane:
- EPDM is compatible with polar substances, such as fireproof hydraulic fluids, hot and cold water, ketones, and alkalis.
- It is incompatible with most hydrocarbons, such as oils, kerosene & gasoline, as well as halogenated solvents & natural gas, fuel oil, diesel fuel, coal, kerosene, and propane.
- An EPDM rubber membrane has outstanding resistance to heat, ozone, steam and weather, and it is often used as an electrical insulator.
- Depending on the EPDM polymers available, it can be compounded to meet specific properties to a limit, before the curing and processing methods are employed.
- EPDM solutions are available in a range of molecular weights and at varying levels of monomer, ethylene and oil content.
Common EPDM Uses
EPDM is a malleable material with a proven track record in various industries and sectors. It can be used for multiple purposes, including:
- Vehicles. Frequently, car seals are a source of noise because of the movement of the door against the car body, which results in friction between the mating surface (glass or painted sheet metal) and the EPDM rubber. By using speciality coatings that are applied at the time of manufacture of the weather seal, the noise can be alleviated. The coatings can also improve the chemical resistance of EPDM. It is also used for door and window seals, and sometimes bonnet and boot seals. Other uses in vehicles include cooling system circuit hoses, thermostats, radiators, EGR coolers, heaters, and oil coolers — all of which are connected with EPDM.
- EPDM is used in cold-room doors as an insulator, or on the face seals of industrial respirators in automotive paint spray environments. It can be used on glass-run channels, radiators, garden products, and appliances such as hoses, pond liners, washers, and O-rings, as well as for geomembranes and electrical cable jointing.
- Coloured EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) granules are often mixed with polyurethane binders to be sprayed or trowelled onto surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, interlocking brick, screenings, and wood to create a soft, non-slip, porous safety surface for wet-deck areas and safety surfacing under playground equipment.
- EPDM has multiple other miscellaneous uses, such as belts, electrical insulation, vibrators, solar panel heat collectors, and speaker cone surrounds. It can also be used on mechanical goods, plastic impact modification, and thermoplastics.
Most importantly, this synthetic rubber membrane is a popular choice for flat roofs because of its durability and low maintenance costs.
Recycling EPDM Roofing Materials
Synthetic rubber EPDM flat roofing can be successfully recycled after it needs to be replaced. In fact, 100% of it can be reused as terrain for children's playgrounds or public spaces like swimming pools. These EPDM particles can be coloured and made into useful components of outdoor design in sports areas.
EPDM recycled rubber is durable and perfect for playgrounds because of its non-toxic nature.
Start taking advantage of this highly durable flat roofing material today — Shop for EPDM rubber roofing supplies online at Rubber Roofing Direct.
EPDM Rubber Roof Installation
An important thing to note about installing rubber EPDM roofing is that it's not compatible with all materials and, therefore, can't be installed directly on surfaces that contain tar or asphalt. EPDM itself is made of petroleum and gasses, so putting it in contact with anything else that's also petroleum-based will cause it to degrade, swell, and break down.
Here are the things you should stay away from when installing your roofing EPDM membrane:
- Tar
- Asphalt
- Felt
- Shingles
- Solvents
- Paints
- Grease
Sometimes, when you're working on an existing structure, there may be old materials that you have to deal with before installing your EPDM flat roof system because it might not be compatible with your EPDM roofing kits. There are a few ways that you can deal with this problem, which we cover in our installation tips below.
What Flat Roofing Tools Will I Need?
You will need the following tools when you decide to install an EPDM roofing system:
- Heavy-duty scissors
- Rollers for putting pressure on the adhesive EPDM tape or glued surfaces
- Brush for applying EPDM primer on your roof surface
- Gloves
- Tape measure
- Penny roller
- Carpenter's pencil
Before You Get Started with EPDM Flat Roofing
EPDM roofing membranes are surprisingly easy to install, but in order to get the best results, you have to put half of your effort into making sure that your work area is prepared accordingly and everything is measured and cut to size, ready to be glued on.
Before you get started, it's a good idea to make sure that the surface you're working with to install your rubber membrane is clean of any dust particles and completely prepared for fast installation. Dust particles will show through the flat roofing material and get in the way of the adhesive you are using.
Another important thing to remember when preparing your EPDM rubber roofing material is that it should be given a period of "rest" after unpacking. The EPDM membranes come tightly packed and will expand after you cut it free of its packaging. If you start mounting and glueing it in place immediately after unpacking it, it will begin to morph and ripple.
Allow your rubber roofing membrane about 30 to 40 minutes of expansion time after you unpack it. If you can leave it 24 hours in warm conditions, this will make the membrane even easier to apply and remove any creases.
It's important that you do not skip this step for ripple free installation.
Solving Material Incompatibility Problems
If you can't install your EPDM membrane directly on top or near another roof system that is already in place, there are a few ways to get your EPDM rubber roof on without putting it in danger of reacting with an incompatible material.
In order to ensure that your EPDM rubber roof doesn't react with other roofing materials, you have to separate it from the existing roofing materials by using:
- OSB board
- Rigid insulation
We have devoted a whole training section just to help you with handling the right types of adhesive for your rubber roofing membrane — we'll take you through the process step by step in our help & training section. Here, you can also learn about using adhesives on a rubber roofing membrane and how to follow through with flashing tapes and wall trims to ensure the longevity of your new flat roofing system.
Damage to your Roof
This might be an easy fix or a more complicated surgical job, depending on where the damage is located. Some of the most tricky areas, but also those most prone to damage, are the seams, corners and wall flashings. These are the main risk areas for leaks, along with any types of seams or drainage systems. But the great news is that EPDM is renowned for its ability to be easily added onto or repaired at any stage of its life — there are not many other systems where this would be possible.
Correct Roof Drainage
Ideally, your roof will have a slope to prevent water pooling. If it doesn’t, this is one design feature that is necessary to think about before installing your new roof if you want to prevent any rainwater from pooling. An EPDM roofing system can withstand any pooling, but in the event of a puncture or damage, water may cause harm.
We stock drain outlets and other accessories, such as seam tapes and edge trims, that will ensure a watertight seal around your EPDM roofing system.
EPDM Clean Up & Inspection
EPDM rubber roofing should be cleaned from time to time in order to avoid dirt build-up and any damage that goes with it — from silt damage to grass that uses accumulated dirt as a perfect place to grow. Autumn leaves create a big problem, and so does tree sap. EPDM flat roofing should be cleaned at least once in autumn and inspected in the spring for any winter damage.
Remember that EPDM rubber roofing cannot be cleaned with any petroleum-based products. The best way to go about cleaning your EPDM surface is to first sweep it gently with a handheld broom or a leaf blower, and then proceed to wash it with a medium bristle brush. The perfect cleaning agent is gentle soapy water.
Abrasive solvents and hard brushes can damage the EPDM roofing surface and may cause more harm than good. In fact, most people don't use detergents on their EPDM roof at all — a simple spray down with a garden hose will do very well.
After you brush the leaves and dirt off your EPDM surface, make sure there are no visible tears and that all the seams are glued in place. When checking the seams, check the joints especially carefully. Also make sure that there is no standing water anywhere on your roof and that all the drains are properly functioning.
We are more than just EPDM rubber roofing membrane suppliers — we are here to ensure you get the best rubber roofing in the UK.
Contact Rubber Roofing Direct today!
EPDM Roofing FAQs
Still have questions about our EPDM membrane roofing system? Here are some frequently asked questions customers have about our high-performance EPDM membranes for flat roofs.
Can I walk on an EPDM roof?
Yes. While EPDM roofing wasn't designed with heavy foot traffic in mind, it is perfect for occasional walking for the purpose of cleaning and maintaining your rubber roofing system.
What is the life expectancy of an EPDM rubber roofing system?
Known for their longevity, EPDM roofs can last for about 50 years or more when maintained properly.
Is an EPDM roofing system good for flat roofs only?
No, the EPDM system works well on any type of roof — even low pitch roofs.
Do I have to remove the old roof before installing an EPDM roofing kit?
Not necessarily. As long as you follow the manufacturer's guidelines and make sure the existing roof is sturdy and the materials the EPDM membrane comes into contact with are compatible (or covered up with materials like OSB if not).
As experienced EPDM rubber roof suppliers, we have a friendly and knowledgeable team who can help you with any further questions you need to address before you buy an EPDM rubber roofing membrane and supplies. Get in touch with us today!
Rubber Roofing Direct: Leading Suppliers of EPDM Roofing in the UK
Rubber Roofing Direct has been supplying EPDM rubber roofs to trade roofers and DIYers alike since 2014 and has become a trusted brand for all things EPDM. Today, we are one of the largest EPDM roofing suppliers in the United Kingdom.
Our EPDM membranes fit into 3 categories with multiple thicknesses and properties:
As leaders in EPDM flat roofing, we also offer training courses for tradesmen wanting to get certified on EPDM Rubber Roofing Systems so they can join our Certified Installer Network and qualify for added discounts and guarantees.
Our experienced experts know everything about working with this innovative EPDM roof material. How can we help you get the most out of your EPDM rubber roofing project?
Ready to upgrade your roof with easy to install EPDM membranes? Buy EPDM roofing online from Rubber Roofing Direct — the UK's leading EPDM rubber roofing suppliers for tradesmen and DIYers.
