Ask the Experts: How to Fit a Rubber Roof

‘How to fit a Rubber Roof” is one of the top questions we get at PermaRoof UK from DIYers. The system is fast and easy to install, perfect for DIY and we provide standard and cut-to-any-size EPDM rubber roof kits to make the planning easy for traders too.

Buying your EPDM rubber roofing

Before you need an installation guide, make the project straightforward from the start by making sure you buy the right quantities of rubber membrane, adhesive, sealant and trim if necessary. By far, the easiest way is to purchase a kit.

We introduced rubber roofing kits to help our customers simplify all their projects, large and small. We provide standard sized kits for garages, sheds and flat roofs, or can custom-cut membrane to your specifications, often in just a single sheet of EPDM.

You will need just a few other tools:

• Household broom (soft to medium)
• Scraper or decorators knife (to remove existing covering)
• Dustpan and hand brush
• Solvent-free cleaner (if necessary)
• Power washer (if needed – can be hired at a reasonable rate)
• Crayon or chalk
• Good quality, large scissors (for trimming EPDM)
• Penny and seam rollers
• Rollers for adhesive (if using liquid adhesive and not spray)

PermaRoof UK stocks a wide range of installation essentials and EPDM accessories which can help with tricky parts of the installation, such as extrusions or drainage outlets. If you aren’t sure which products you need, we offer expert advice. Visit our Get Help page here and tell us about your project for a tailored approach.

Related products to buy online:

Preparing for installation

EPDM membranes have an exceptional life expectancy of more than 50 years. To ensure you achieve the maximum performance, it is important to prepare the roof deck for installation of the membrane. You do not need special equipment, but you may need a power washer to remove stubborn grease or oil spots.

Once your roof kit has arrived, check the contents and make sure you have everything, and your order is complete and correct. Choose a fine day with no rain or freezing temperatures expected.

For the best results, remove the existing roof covering completely and sweep the deck with a broom until it is dust and debris-free. Remove oil and grease spots as these could impair adhesion (you may need a power washer to do this properly). Use a solvent-free degreaser if you are doing this by hand.

Lay out the membrane over the prepared roof deck for around 30 minutes to allow packaging creases to dissipate. Very occasionally, usually if your kit has been stored for some time, there may be heavier creases. These will need to be addressed and removed as far as possible.

Further reading:

Watch: Video guide – How to Remove Creases from EPDM

Fitting a Rubber Roof

Now you’re ready to start to fit your rubber roof. We provide a wide range of installation guides and offer a free library of video tutorials to guide you through the installation. It is a fast and straightforward process for a competent and confident DIYer or professional trade roofer.

First, lay out the membrane over the roof deck and work in sections on larger projects. Try not to begin the project unless you can complete it, for the best results.

Pull back the EPDM membrane and expose the section of the roof you are working on.

Apply the adhesive provided in your kit to both the roof deck and the back of the exposed membrane. Apply evenly across the area and wait for it to go tacky.

Then roll the membrane over the roof deck and use a broom to apply gentle pressure across the surface to smooth out any air pockets. Repeat this process until the entire membrane is adhered.

Our range of installation guides covers detailing, extrusions and fitting edge and gutter trims to your rubber roof.

Watch: Video guide – How to Fit a Rubber Roof

Further reading:

Other articles about flat roofs:

PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.