How long do rubber roofs last?

Rubber roofs are made from EPDM rubber, a synthetic waterproof material designed to be durable and long-lasting, withstanding extreme weather conditions including heavy rainfall, snow, wind and high UV rays.

Assuming it has been installed correctly, rubber roofs can last up to 50 years or more. This is the longest lifespan across flat roofing systems.

Shop Rubber Roofing Kits

How long does EPDM rubber last compared to other flat roof options?

What impacts the lifespan of a rubber roof?

1. Material thickness 

Not all rubber roofs are the same and often range between 1.0mm (SkyGuard) to 1.2mm (standard ClassicBond) up to 2.54mm (ClassicBond Pro) in thickness. Generally speaking, thicker membranes will last longer than thinner ones as they are slightly more durable. However, the thinner membranes still have a life expectancy of over 50 years.

2. Installation

Even the best materials won’t last if they aren’t installed correctly. For example, when installing ClassicBond EPDM, you need to ensure a smooth surface proper sealing around the seams, and flashing around penetration areas. This is important to avoiding early leaks and damage. 

Need help installing your EPDM roof? Contact us today or watch our tutorial video below:

3. Climate & weather

EPDM roofs are highly weather-resistant, UV stable and handle extreme heat, or freezing temperatures well. However, the rubber can occasionally be punctured by debris caused by strong winds.

If it does tear, it can be easily patched back up with a rubber roof repair kit. These kits are designed to seal small issues and prevent the need for replacing the entire roofing membrane.

4. Drainage

Flat and low-slope roofs require proper drainage; otherwise, they can develop standing water. 

Since these roofs aren’t designed for constant water exposure, pooling water increases deterioration, blistering, and cracking of most roofing materials. Any weak points in the system can then allow leaks into the building. EPDM can withstand some water pooling and is an excellent choice below a green roof for this reason, however it is still best to maintain drainage with a minimum slope of 1 in 80.

This is why maintaining good drainage is essential for the long-term health of a flat roof.

5. Foot traffic

Frequent foot traffic on the roof membrane can easily weaken the membrane, causing it to scuff or puncture. Because of this, it’s recommended to limit foot traffic when possible, but if you do, you should use protective walkway pads.
 

EPDM Roofs Fail Without A Vapour Barrier

No matter your waterproofing layer, both cold and warm roof constructions require a vapour barrier. This is due to the insulation creating a temperature difference between layers which causes moisture to build up. In a cold roof construction you would usually use a polythene or foil VCL before plasterboarding. On a warm deck roof however, you need to use a bitumen backed system such as ALUTRIX 600. Both of these are installed on the warm side of the insulation.

Installing a vapour barrier prevents condensation which would lead to eventual damp & rot.

Need help installing a vapour barrier? Watch our video below:

How can I get the most out of my flat roof?

Even with a vapour barrier, your rubber roofing can still fail. These are a few things you can do to get the most from its performance.

1. Visual checks

It might sound obvious, but inspecting your flat roof is the best way to know if something is wrong with it. 

You should look for visible signs of damage, like cracks, punctures, or tears, as these can happen when exposed to extreme weather.

We recommend checking your flat roof at least once or twice a year so you can spot any issues early, before they become larger (and far more costly to repair).
 

2. Clean it / Sweep away debris

You should also make sure to sweep your roof when there is excessive leaves, branches and other debris as these can trap moisture and damage the membrane. 
 

3. Clear drainage paths to avoid standing water

Standing water is one of the biggest threats to a flat roof. 

You need to make sure your drains and gutters are clear of blockage to ensure rainwater flows away quickly. 
 

4. Maintain the surrounding environment

In extreme weather conditions, like storms and heavy winds, branches can fall off overhanging trees and land on your flat roof. Worst-case scenario, this causes damage to your entire roof structure, and best and most likely-case scenario, it punctures your rubber roof. 

Because of this, we recommend trimming back any trees that could fall onto your roof. 
 

5. Limit foot traffic

Walking directly on the rubber roof can scuff or puncture the membrane, so you should limit foot traffic when possible. 

If you need frequent access, make sure to use rubber promenade tiles. This is highly durable and ideal for protecting the roof surface in high-use areas. 

What if the membrane gets damaged?

One of the best things about EPDM rubber is that if it does puncture, you don’t have to replace the entire roof; instead, it can be patched up. 

If your roofing membrane has been damaged, check out our easy-to-use, all-in-one EPDM rubber roof repair kit, designed to repair punctures and other damage.
 

All-in-one Rubber Roofing Kits

Rubber roofs are incredibly effective, lasting up to 50 years or more if installed correctly and are well-maintained. 

For your convenience, we’ve put together several flat roofing kits based on specific applications and complete with everything you need for a successful roofing project. 

• Flat roof roofing kit
• Garage roofing kit
• Porch roofing kit
• Garden roofing kit
• Dormer roofing kit
• Orangery roofing kit
   

If you need any help with your roofing project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. UKFR is a family-run business, and with extensive knowledge of insulation and flat roofing, we’re here to help you find what you need for your project.