Rubber Roofing Direct stocks the full range of high-quality EPDM Membranes — including our in-house FlexiProof® range.
Guide to EPDM
Is EPDM Rubber Roofing Simple to Install?
If you're worried about the scale of your DIY project, then rest assured that the installation process of an EPDM roof system is both satisfying and simple — compared to most other major home improvement projects. It's easy enough to do over a dry, rain-free weekend.
Everything You Need to Know | What is EPDM Roofing?
- We also stock installation kits for trade roofers and DIY enthusiasts, comprising all the tools you need.
- For easy-to-follow installation guides on successfully installing an EPDM system with a professional finish, visit our online Training Hub.
- See our calculator to get the right material, trims and adhesives
Everything You Need to Know
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, which is the chemical name of the synthetic rubber that is useful in a wide range of applications, including flat roofs, door and window seals in vehicles, non-slip coatings for playgrounds and decks, and much more.
The ethylene, propylene and diene monomer can be crosslinked via Sulfur vulcanisation. EPDM is an M-Class rubber, meaning it is an elastomer with a saturated chain of the polyethene type (the M here originates from the more proper term polyethene). EPR was the predecessor of EPDM, but it could only be crosslinked with peroxides and other radical techniques. Thanks to adding the diene units, the process of creating rubber became much easier.
-
- EPDM and other kinds of rubber with saturated polymer backbones are much more resistant to ozone, light and heat than the unsaturated variants, such as SBR, natural rubber, or polychloroprene (Neoprene). EPDM can be prepared so that it can withstand temperatures as high as 150 °C.
With correct installation, an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing membrane can be used as a reliable roofing material for flat roofs or other types of outdoor solutions and last for many years — even decades — without much damage.
Choose Rubber Roofing Direct for a high performance rubber membrane roof that is trusted by homeowners and trade customers across the UK. If you have any questions before you buy the EPDM rubber roofing material for your project, contact our team of experts on 01306 776626 or at info@rubberroofingdirect.co.uk.
What is EPDM Roofing?
-
-
- EPDM roofing is a catch-all term covering a wide range of EPDM roofing systems. Generally, solutions include a one layer EPDM rubber roof membrane
-
There are a wide range of EPDM rubber uses, but the most common one is the one associated with the low-pitched and flat roofing system. This is because EPDM rubber membranes are famous for offering high performance, high life expectancy, and high resistance to weathering. Moreover, a flat roofing material like this is amazingly simple to install.
Similarly to many other elastomers, EPDM rubber shows high tear resistance and tensile strength. However, there is another quality that makes it special when it comes to the roofing system's suitability — it can bear all the environmental conditions you can think of. For instance, an EPDM rubber roofing membrane can endure UV rays, ozone, and extreme cold or heat. Such weather resistance makes it excellent for any flat roofing project, even ones that need to be conducted in very demanding circumstances.
We are a leading supplier of rubber roofing in the UK, stocking an extensive range of rubber roof materials, tools and supplies. Buy a rubber roofing membrane from Rubber Roofing Direct and see the difference that EPDM rubber roofs can make to your roofing project.
How to Recognise an EPDM Rubber Roof Membrane
An EPDM rubber roof is relatively easy to recognise. It is typically installed in one of two simple methods.
-
-
- The EPDM membrane can be adhered to or glued down. You can always notice adhered rubber flat roofing membranes because of their black colour and their position being stretched tight over such products as fiberboard or insulation board.
- The EPDM membrane can be weighted down with a large river stone or ballast. If the EPDM rubber roof installation project involves ballasting, the materials are held down and in place with the help of proper ballast or large stones placed on the top of the rubber roofing membranes. A flat roof covered in rocks looks like a built-up one, but in this case, the stones are typically bigger and are not stuck to the surfaces with tar. Therefore, after moving the rock away gently, you will be able to see the roofing EPDM membrane.
-
The characteristic carbon black colour is used to protect rubber roofs from UV degradation. However, you can also find a white EPDM roofing membrane with a titanium dioxide finish layer applied to reflect the sun's UV rays and avoid the heat island effect. Nevertheless, this material placed on the EPDM flat roofing wears away after some time. Usually, rubber membranes are available in two thicknesses — 45 mm or 60 mm, both non-reinforced and reinforced.
10 Main Advantages?
Rubber EPDM roofing membranes have a proven track record of combining many advantages. Some of the primary advantages of a rubberised roof are:
1. DURABILITY
EPDM roofing systems are manufactured with highly durable, sturdy materials, providing outstanding performance for a long time.
It is also excellent for flat and low-sloped roofs, as it prevents water ingress and leakages and prevents water from penetrating the building. For this reason it is one of the best systems for property owners who need to have a waterproof roof.
2. TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE
As mentioned before, EPDM rubber for roofs is weather-resistant, so it can withstand extreme temperatures and various weather conditions, working well with a warm and cold roof deck design. Even on the coldest days, it will not crack or shatter.
3. ECOLOGY
If you care about the environment and always try to buy eco-friendly products our rubber roofing materials were developed to avoid traditional petroleum-based roofing and use mostly recycled materials for its production. EPDM flat roofing is black or white, so it can easily reflect sunlight and heat, making it possible to reduce electricity usage, helping both our planet and your wallet! Our membranes are also 100% recyclable and can be used to produce new materials for roofs.
4. LONGEVITY
With a 20-year life expectancy, you can be sure that our roof membranes are an excellent investment for your flat roof. Moreover, it can have even higher longevity — nowadays and can last for 30–50 years, being a beneficial solution for both private properties and business facilities.
5. EASY INSTALLATION
As EPDM membranes are available in large rubber roofing rolls or sheets, it is a very straightforward roofing system to install. The measurements of the roll is usually 10' wide and 100' long, while in the case of asphalt shingles, you would get just 3' wide and 1' tall pieces. As a result, instead of putting each asphalt shingle separately, you can easily roll out your membrane and cover the whole area with much less time and effort. Installing these systems is so simple that it can even be a DIY job!
6. COST-EFFECTIVENESS
An EPDM flat roofing membrane is an excellent choice for any business owner or private customer who wants to take thorough care of their roof without paying too much. It is a cost-effective solution, allowing you to avoid overpaying without compromising on the quality of the flat roofing system. Usually these roofs have a lower price than other solid roof materials (such as TPO), while remaining amazingly efficient and long-lasting.
7. WIND RESISTANCE
With proper installation, one piece of an EPDM membrane can cover a big roof area, so it is highly wind-resistant. On the other hand, metal sheets, tiles, and asphalt shingles come in much smaller pieces, so they can be blown off when the wind is really strong.
8. LEAKS REPAIRMENT SUITABILITY
An EPDM rubber roofing membrane is useful for repairing leaks in the existing system. Even if, in the future, some damages happen to your flat roof and you see water where it should not be, it can be repaired without too much hassle and too high expenses.
It is worth keeping in mind that water leaks are most likely to appear due to foot traffic or ponding.
9. ENHANCED INSULATION
Thanks to sealing all the leaks and having an additional layer on your flat roof, your property's insulation will be improved. A membrane makes it thicker, so the rate of temperature molecules passing through the matter of the roof is lower. Moreover, sound waves can also be slowed down, so you will have quieter and more tranquil interiors.
10. NO MOSS OR ALGAE GROWTH
EPDM roof membranes do not create environments suitable for algae or moss to grow, so you will not see any of this on your flat roof. For this reason, rubber roof systems generally need little to no maintenance.
Rubber Roofing Direct
As a trusted roof supplier, we offer comprehensive EPDM roof kits and cut-to-size products in one piece that will match all your requirements and expectations. We pay attention to quality and try to set the most affordable prices possible so that our flat roof solutions can be accessible to more customers.
If you have any questions about our rubberised roofing material offerings or don't know which kit to buy, check out our FAQ section or feel free to call us or send an email. With several EPDM roofing material options available, we have everything you need when it comes to high-standard roofing supplies!
Recommendations and other popular items: FlexiProof®
Online Training Hub
Whether you want to know how to properly install a rubber membrane roofing system or how to create an internal corner detail using FlexiProof One Piece or Fleece Backed EPDM roof systems, we offer a series of step-by-step guides on various installation jobs on our online Training Hub.
Ordering & Delivery
With Rubber Roofing Direct you can enjoy same-day-dispatch when you buy your EPDM membrane and supplies before 2pm. Please Note: We deliver to mainland UK only. Please read our Delivery information to find out more.
Join thousands of satisfied customers — both trade roofers and homeowners.