EPDM Roofing

EPDM roofing is fast becoming the go-to membrane of choice for both DIY and trade. With unmatched reliability over an exceptional lifespan and a no-fuss approach to installation, EPDM systems are perfect for waterproofing projects of all sizes.

At PermaRoof UK, we’re here with product guidance and expert advice, performance systems and leading support to help you get the most from EPDM roofing. If you’re considering rubber roofing for your project, you’re in the right place. Try the PermaRoof UK way.

Let PermaRoof UK help you seal and protect your project for the long term with EPDM roofing systems, accessories and install essentials. We stock high performance systems and products from trusted brands like Elevate and SealEco for the reliability you need. Buying EPDM roofing from a licenced importer like PermaRoof guarantees genuine, branded products, certificates, technical and safety data and warranties.

Our online store is a one-stop-shop for flat roofing and offers secure ordering, same day  turnaround and fast UK-wide delivery:

• Full EPDM roofing systems and accessories
• Skylights and rooflights
• Cover board and insulation
• Flat roof trim system
• Tools and installation essentials

Choosing the right EPDM roofing for your project is key to performance over its planned usage and intended lifespan, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. In this buyers guide, we’ll walk you through your options and bring all the resources and products together in one place to further simplify these vital planning stages. 

Whether you’re working on a new build extension, updating an outbuilding or converting a garage, you’re in the right place at PermaRoof UK.

EPDM is a single ply, synthetic rubber roofing membrane. It is commonly known by its abbreviated form, which is derived from its base ingredients – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer.

It was originally created in the 1950s, primarily to find a waterproofing solution to perform in hot geographic regions with extreme temperatures fluctuation. EPDM has a proven track record, still performing well today on projects installed as far back as the 1970s.

Today, EPDM roofing enjoys widespread popularity and is fast becoming the go-to membrane of choice for residential and DIY waterproofing projects.

When the time comes to replace failed, outdated roofing (again), consider the benefits of a modern approach before buying the traditional go-to material. With an expected service life of more than 50 years, using genuine, high performance EPDM roofing this time could mean it is the last time you need to waterproof the shed or garage roof.

EPDM has wide-ranging benefits for homeowners over other types of membranes and traditional roofing materials. Flexible, durable and suitable for a variety of project types, EPDM roofing systems are ideal for DIY and bring reliability to projects of all sizes.

Exceptional service life

• With a 50-year service life expectancy, EPDM membranes bring longevity and sustainability to flat roof waterproofing than most other materials can’t. Elevate and SealEco manufacturers typically offer long membrane warranties as a result.

Durability and elasticity

• EPDM roofing membrane has the ability to elongate up to 300%, which allows for building movement. Through a process of vulcanization, polymers transform to elastomers, giving it enhanced flexibility and elasticity.

Resistance to tearing, wear and abrasion

• EPDM membranes also gain high tensile strength during the manufacturing process, making it highly durable and hard to damage. This adds to its ability to withstand weathering, unlike more traditional materials.

Simplified installation

• RubberCover EPDM roofing is perhaps the most straightforward to install, making it a popular choice for DIY. Typically laid in a single sheet, it requires no seams or joins and can be cold-applied to timber decks with water-based adhesive.

EPDM roofing has revolutionised the flat roof sector, now providing a reliable waterproofing solution to replace historically poor performing materials. To gain some context, we’ll use traditional bituminous coverings as a comparative example:

Bituminous roofing felt has been a common go-to option for DIY roofing projects amongst homeowners. Until recently, available roofing felt was largely impervious, which impaired performance and commonly led to a build up of damp and eventually dry rot. This was a major factor in the decline in popularity of flat roofing in home improvement scenarios. While modern felt varieties are often vapour permeable, they still do not fare well in today’s sustainability-centric roofing designs or with modern insulation.

These types of systems are still typically time-consuming to install, requiring hot application methods, which can be tricky for the non-professional. Edges and joins are especially vulnerable if not properly handled and can quickly lead to a full system failure.

In contrast, EPDM roofing offers a seamless approach to waterproofing, fast and straightforward for DIY with a minimum need for tools. It carries a typical service life expectancy in excess of 50 years and brings a reliability to flat roofing that has led to a resurgence in popularity in the domestic sector.

Planning is central to any home improvement project and we can help you. We offer expert advice, product guidance and installation support, whether you’re doing it yourself or looking for a reliable contractor.

First scope out the project, measure accurately and then you can begin building the materials list, once you’ve decided which type of system is right for you. If you’re buying everything separately, you’ll also need to know the total square meterage to calculate adhesive. To buy sufficient membrane, add 300mm to both length and width measurements which will ensure there is enough overhang (note that this is not necessary if buying an EPDM roofing kit as we calculate and include the additional membrane).

What materials do I need?

A basic materials list might look something like this:

• Membrane
• Adhesive
• Sealant
• Edge and gutter trim and fixings (optional and not for sheds)
• Flashing tape (optional – if required)
• Installation accessories (optional and depending on project detail – e.g. flue pipes, skylights, upstands or drain outlets)

EPDM roofing systems use specially developed accessories to make a more complex installation run smoothly. Requiring some flashing and primer, in addition to the EPDM accessories, these are important components of the system to have at the ready before installation can commence, so must be included in the materials list.

If help is needed to decide which components are required, we’d recommend using our kit builder app or contact the team for assistance. Common applications for accessories are as follows:

Extrusions

Using an EPDM pipe boot to get a reliable seal around a pipe extrusion from the surface of the roof deck.

Drain outlets

Using an EPDM-compatible drain outlet accessory ensures fully sealed drainage from a roof deck. This can include a through wall outlet.

Skylights

Some skylights and rooflights have kerbs designed to trap waterproofing membrane and complete the seal. Where upstands are needed, flashing tapes, EPDM corners and primer are used.

Flat roof and gutter edges

An EPDM roofing project can be finished perfectly with edge and gutter trim, developed to sandwich membrane and complete the seal around the edges (use metal trim at upstand walls).

Installing EPDM roofing is a straightforward process, well within the capabilities of a confident and competent DIYer with skills. We provide an extensive library of resources, developed to cover all the major aspects of install from main area application to handling accessories and upstands.

EPDM systems are designed to deliver high performance and reliability for the long term. While not difficult to install, it is important to get both preparation and installation right to fully realise the benefits. If you decide DIY isn’t for you, a professional EPDM installer will be able to complete your installation easily and quickly – it may not be as much as you think. We can help connect you with a trained installer local to you.

Very few tools are required for installing EPDM roofing systems. Some can be found in a good DIYers workshop and we stock a range of EPDM tools in our online shop:

• Soft or medium bristle household broom
• Small and large roller and tray – optional for applying liquid adhesive
• Primer applicator pad and handle – for priming surfaces before installing accessories
• Pressure washer or steamer – optional during preparation if grease or oil needs to be removed from the roof deck
• Piece of rag
• Good quality, sharp scissors
• Piece of chalk and a straight edge

We’d also recommend wearing suitable work clothing and soft-soled shoes if planning to walk on the membrane. Always have a second person present if possible and adhere to safety guidelines when working at height. Ensure ladders are in good condition. If ladders are necessary on the surface of the flat roof, protect the membrane by letting the feet stand on carpet or offcut membrane squares.

EPDM roofing should be installed over a fully prepared roof deck. Decks should be clean, dust and oil-free and for best results, all previous waterproofing material should be completely removed to ensure comprehensive adhesion.

Installing Elevate EPDM

Elevate EPDM membranes are popular in the DIY market for the simplicity of the installation process. With the ability to accommodate most domestic flat roofing projects in a single sheet (up to 15.24m x 60m), this system requires no joins and is durable and lightweight to handle.

We further support the installation process with an extensive range of free installation guides, covering all aspects of main install and detailing. We also have a library of step-by-step video tutorials to give you a visual reference and guide the way.

SealEco EPDM installation

Installing our range of fleece-backed EPDM membranes from SealEco requires a different approach. Available in large panel widths of 1.78m and 3.4m, the membrane is joined using a series of tapes and accessories, offering a highly reliable watertight seal.

PermaRoof UK is happy to offer expert advice and stocks all the accessories you need for a DIY install. We can also connect you will a reliable, recommended SealEco fleeceback EPDM installer via our National EPDM Installer Network if DIY isn’t for you.

The PermaRoof Resource library is packed with free information to help guide our trade and DIY customers through your projects. The video library contains step-by-step tutorials in all aspects of installation or download installation guides, technical and product information, safety data and much more in PDF format. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call and we’ll be glad to help.

Once you have completed the planning, built a comprehensive materials list or have measurements for an EPDM roofing kit, it’s time to get the project underway and buy your materials. We stock everything you need in our online store and offer fast, UK wide delivery to help keep your  project on track. We work with some of the biggest names in the construction industry, providing genuine, high performance branded systems, complete with technical certifications and warranties.

The award-winning teams are on hand if you need assistance with your order, so please get in touch if we can help.