Benefits of EPDM Rubber Roofing

This blog explores the many benefits of EPDM rubber roofing by answering some of our most frequently asked questions about EPDM. The benefits are vast so we will break them down into topics including how EPDM is durable, economical, easy to install and eco-friendly.

Before we dive into the benefits, let's first explore what EPDM rubber is and where it is most frequently used.

What is EPDM rubber?

EPDM is a rubber membrane that has taken over from traditional flat roofing materials such as felt, asphalt and hot melt bitumen. EPDM rubber stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer which just means it is a synthetic rubber.

Where are EPDM rubber roofs typically installed?

• EPDM rubber garage roofs
• Gutter linings
• Balcony's
• Rubber shed roofing
• Extention roofs

Now we know what EPDM is and where we can use it, we can explore some of the many benefits which include:

Durable

• Long life expectancy
• Flexible
• UV resistant

Economical

• Cost effective
• Low maintenance

Easy Installation

• Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike
• Safe to install

Eco-freindly

• Fully recyclable
• Approved for use in green roofs

Shop EPDM Rubber Roofing

Long lasting durability

EPDM rubber roofing is arguably one of the most durable roofing systems available. Not only does it boast a long life expectancy, features such as its flexibility and UV resistance add to the long lasting durability of an EPDM rubber system.

Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions around the durability of EPDM.

How long will an EPDM rubber roof last?

EPDM is expected to last at least 50 years!

The first EPDM rubber flat roof was installed in the USA in the 1960’s by Carlisle Syntec (commonly known as ClassicBond in the UK). These rubber roof membranes are still protecting the roofs to this day.

Many schools, railway stations and shopping centre’s use EPDM covering as it is a proven sustainable, long lasting and very low maintenance flat roofing material.

How flexible is EPDM?

EPDM rubber is designed to be used in extreme temperatures from the coldest to the hottest climates. EPDM will remain flexible and stable from -45° C up to +120° C. This flexibility means the rubber roof membrane is resistant to cracking caused by temperature changes.

Is EPDM UV resistant?

Rubber is a UV stable product that isn’t affected by the harmful rays from the sun. This means that the rubber roof system won't degrade from UV damage unlike other roof coverings.

Economical and budget friendly

From manufacturing to installation, EPDM is an economical roofing material. We supply a range of EPDM rubber systems for any budget, all of which are long lasting, low maintenance and cost effective.

Here we will answer some of the frequently asked questions around the economical nature of EPDM roof coverings.

Is EPDM economical?

As EPDM is an economical material to manufacture this means an EPDM membrane can often be cheaper than alternative systems. What really makes rubber roofing economical and cost effective is that it will outlast most, if not all, other roof coverings with a 50 year life expectancy. EPDM is also very low maintenance throughout its life service which means less money is spent on maintenance fees adding to the economical benefits of EPDM rubber roofing.

How much does rubber roofing cost?

How much rubber roofing costs totally depends on the range of membrane you choose. At UK Flat Roofing we carry a wide range of EPDM rubber systems from our top tier range to some of our more cost effective ranges. But don’t worry, the cost effective products don’t compromise on performance. For example, our SkyGuard kits are ideal for DIY projects as they are sent with the exact amount of materials you require. This ensures there is no wastage making this an economical choice for your roof.

Is EPDM low maintenance? 

A big part of what makes EPDM rubber roofing such a low maintenance system is due to the fact it does not support the growth of moss. The colour is also black / dark grey so it does not show dirt as most other commonly used materials will.

EPDM also has fewer seams to a traditional felt roof meaning you won’t need to check the seams for damage.

Easy and safe installation process

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast wanting to install a rubber shed roof or a professional roofer, EPDM is a fantastic option for its easy installation. The rubber roof membrane is also much safer to install than older roofing systems.

We will expand on the easy and safe installation through some of our frequently asked questions below.

Is EPDM easy to install? 

EPDM rubber roofing is an excellent choice for both DIYer’s and professional roofers as it is very easy to install. It can be installed in a variety of ways depending on what suits your project. It can be supplied in large single fit sheets up to 450sq.m or smaller rolls and can be easily joined and detailed in a variety of ways.

Why is EPDM safer to install? 

EPDM rubber roof coating is safer compared to older roofing systems as it doesn't require a naked flame during installation, eliminating the risk of fires.

Some of our EPDM membranes also use water based adhesives for the largest centre sections of the roof when installing onto timber decks, reducing the use of solvent based glues.

Eco-friendly and green roof compatible

Environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing materials are becoming increasingly popular and EPDM is here to help. EPDM is a leading ecological product due to its many eco-friendly properties such as energy efficiency, recyclability and green roof compatibility.

We will delve into this below using some of the most asked questions on this topic.

Is EPDM rubber eco-friendly?

Rubber roofing is eco-friendly as it is applied using very little energy, therefore reducing the overall carbon footprint. It is recommended by both the Government and the Kyoto Protocol as the most sustainable roofing material.

It can also be recycled at the end of its service life making rubber roof installations environmentally friendly.

Is EPDM rubber recyclable?

How much rubber roofing costs totally depends on the range of membrane you choose. At UKFR we carry a wide range of EPDM rubber systems from our top tier range to some of our more cost effective ranges. But don’t worry, the cost effective products don’t compromise on performance. For example, our SkyGuard kits are ideal for DIY projects as they are sent with the exact amount of materials you require. This ensures there is no wastage making this an economical choice for your roof.

Can you put a green roof on EPDM?

Sedum roofs can be installed onto the EPDM rubber without the use of a root barrier that you would need on a traditional flat roof. Root barriers are expensive and this saves money on your living roof installation making it an economical choice.

Summary

With all these benefits considered it’s easy to see why EPDM is becoming such a popular roofing choice. Browse our range of EPDM brands below that are all easy to install and boast durable, economical and eco-friendly benefits.

Shop EPDM Rubber Roofing