Is Rubber Roofing Right for Your Project?

Rubber roofing is perhaps one of the biggest unsung heroes of domestic waterproofing. High performance, stable and reliable over incredible service lifespans, single-ply membranes are fast becoming the waterproofing choice for trade roofers all over the UK.

Traditionally installed in commercial and industrial situations, EPDM rubber roofing was slower to take off in the UKs domestic sector. For DIY, homeowners continued to turn to their traditional materials for many years, due to a lack of awareness and accessibility to these high performing systems.

Today, rubber roofing systems are much more accessible and now homeowners can realise the benefits for domestic DIY projects such as:

• Shed roofing
• Bay window roof repairs
• Garage roofs
• Garden offices
• Bike and bin shelters
• And much more.

The advantages of rubber for domestic flat roofs

EPDM is ideal for domestic flat roofing, fast and straightforward to install and bringing wide ranging benefits to sustainable projects:

Exceptional service life

Rubber roofing generally has a much longer service life compared to more traditional roof coverings, especially felt. Elevate’s RubberCover EPDM, for example, has a service life expectancy of over 50 years.

Fast and straightforward to install

Cut for most domestic projects in a single sheet, RubberCover provides seamless waterproofing with no joins typically required. Adhered quickly using cold-applied adhesive and few basic tools, this rubber roofing system is popular for DIY.

UV and ozone stable

EPDM rubber roofing is highly weatherable, ozone stable and with high resistance to UV. This contributes to its long lifespan and eco-performance.

Flexible and durable over the lifespan

RubberCover EPDM remains flexible and durable over its service life due to its composition and vulcanisation processes during manufacture. It can allow for building movement with elongation up to 300%.

Unmatched cost vs value

The long service life of rubber roofing membranes such as EPDM delivers an exceptional cost vs value return. While high performance systems require an initially higher face-value investment, the cost to both the consumer and the environment is greatly reduced over the life expectancy.

Fully recyclable

Once EPDM reaches the end of its service life it can be fully recycled.

Available in kit form

RubberCover EPDM is included in our range of rubber roof kits with off-the-shelf and custom-cut options.

How to decide if rubber roofing is right for you

Rubber roofing is suitable for a wide range of projects and is perfect for flat roof extensions, garages, garden rooms and more. Flexible and durable, EPDM can be more easily fitted into external and internal corners than other types of membrane and accessories are available for extrusions and pipe flues, drains and other outlets.

For more complex projects, where rubber membrane simply cannot reach, you could consider a liquid rubber roofing system to provide seamless waterproofing.

Before selecting your next waterproofing material, take some time to consider whether rubber roofing might be right for your project. Find out more about rubber roofing in our buyer’s guide here or give the team a call to discuss your project.

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.