Rubber Roofing FAQs2024-02-12T11:40:32+00:00

RUBBER ROOFING FAQs

PermaRoof UK began installing EPDM flat roofing systems in 2000, and has now grown to be one of the largest RubberCoverTM licenced importers and distributors in the country.

With an award-winning reputation for sales and customer service, you can be confident we’re a company that puts our customers first, whether you’re a trade counter searching for a reliable supplier, a professional flat roofer with a business to expand or a DIY enthusiast looking for a shed roof kit. Please find below a selection of our most frequently asked rubber roofing questions.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team on 01773 608839 or use the live chat.

What is RubberCover EPDM?2023-09-21T14:17:51+00:00

Elevate’s RubberCover EPDM is a high-performance roofing system for residential flat roofing applications limited to 150 m². It is based on a 100% cured, single-ply EPDM synthetic rubber membrane.

Does the RubberCover EPDM membrane have an up- and underside?2022-11-25T15:03:00+00:00

No, there is no difference between the top and bottom of the membrane.

Does the RubberCover EPDM membrane require a protective top coat?2022-11-25T15:09:13+00:00

No, the RubberCover EPDM membrane is resistant to UV and ozone.

Is one-sided application of Elevate’s RubberCover Bonding Adhesive sufficient?2022-11-25T15:40:05+00:00

No. the RubberCover Bonding Adhesive must always be applied two-sided, i.e. both to the underside of the membrane as well as to the substrate.

What is the coverage rate of Elevate’s RubberCover Bonding Adhesive?2022-11-25T15:29:21+00:00

The coverage rate is 1 liter per 2 m² (two-sided).

Must the membrane be clean before applying Elevate’s QuickPrime Plus primer?2022-11-25T15:27:34+00:00

No, except when the membrane is extremely dirty, in which case it must be cleaned with water and a clean rag.

Is the use of Elevate’s RubberCover Bonding Adhesive weather-dependent?2022-11-25T15:41:55+00:00

Yes. The minimum temperature required for the application of the RubberCover Bonding Adhesive is + 5°C and the maximum humidity is 80 %.

I’m a roofer, what are the benefits to me?2021-10-29T15:44:25+00:00

Well, there are a few benefits.

  • It is cold applied, reducing your public liability insurance.
  • Its a really quick install time, great when there are restricted weather gaps
  • Strong global branding
  • 50 Years life expectancy
  • Large seamless sheets, up to 12m x 30.5m We also have some rolls upto 61m long. In 1 Piece.
Is the RubberCover EPDM membrane suitable for green roofs?2022-11-25T15:31:54+00:00

Sedum vegetation can be placed over the RubberCover EPDM membrane, provided that a root-resistant geotextile is used between the vegetation and the membrane. A distance of 30 cm must be taken into account between the vegetation and every roof installation detail.

How can the RubberCover EPDM membrane be repaired in case of damage?2022-11-25T15:13:51+00:00

The membrane can be easily repaired with a piece of Elevate’s QuickSeam SA Flashing.

Is the RubberCover EPDM membrane available in different colours?2022-11-25T15:15:15+00:00

No, the membrane is only available in black.

Which substrates are suitable for the adhesion of the RubberCover EPDM membrane?2022-11-25T15:17:21+00:00

Compatible substrates are wood, Elevate ISOGARD HD cover boards, PIR and PUR insulation boards, bitumen, concrete, masonry, aluminium, zinc and lead. RubberCover EPDM can overlay virtually any old roof, provided the roof decking is sound and the existing structure can carry the load of the new roofing system.

Are any precautions required during installation?2022-11-25T15:38:16+00:00

The RubberCover Bonding Adhesive and QuickPrime Plus primer can only be used in well-ventilated areas. Both products must be kept away from ignition sources. Do not smoke when using. Elevate recommends wearing gloves when applying the QuickPrime Plus primer. For further information, please consult the Safety Data Sheets and/or the information shown on the product labels.

Can I walk on a RubberCover EPDM roof?2022-11-25T15:35:36+00:00

The roof can be accessed for periodical maintenance. In case of regular roof traffic, the membrane must be protected with pavers.

Is there a warranty for RubberCover EPDM membrane?2023-09-21T14:15:10+00:00

PermaRoof UK provides a 20 year material-only warranty for installations carried out by PermaRoof UK trained contractors. Please refer to the warranty section for further information.

How long does the RubberCover EPDM membrane last?2022-11-25T15:11:02+00:00

RubberCover EPDM membranes offer unmatched resistance to UV radiation, ozone, alkaline rains and high or low temperatures. Recent studies show that the membrane has a life expectancy of more than 50 years, even when exposed to sunlight.

I’ve ordered Firestone RubberCover EPDM, will my order be affected?2023-05-08T13:03:44+00:00

No, your order will not be affected.

Does it matter what roofing adhesive you use for membrane?2023-09-21T13:44:11+00:00

When you’re installing a long-lasting roofing system, such as EPDM, it is important to use a high quality adhesive to ensure you get the best from the system. Poor quality adhesive is likely to create patchy adhesion and shorten the service life of the membrane.

We stock a range of PermaRoof and Elevate roofing adhesives, especially formulated for EPDM.

How long does a rubber roof last?2023-09-21T13:43:26+00:00

A high quality rubber roof system such as EPDM can far outlast many other traditional roofing materials. RubberCover, for instance, has a service life expectancy of over 50 years.

Read our article to find out more

Is EPDM difficult to install?2022-11-23T18:34:42+00:00

EPDM roofing systems are perhaps one of the most straightforward to install on flat roofs. Membranes are installed typically in a single sheet, using water-based adhesives and few tools.

Simplified, accelerated installation makes flat roofing achievable for DIY and reduces labour time for trade roofers.

Must the roof surface be clean before adhesion of the RubberCover EPDM membrane?2022-11-30T11:32:53+00:00

The surface must be clean, smooth, dry and free of sharp and/or loose objects and/or foreign materials such as oil, grease, and/or other contaminants. Therefore, it is recommended to sweep the substrate with a brush prior to the installation of the membrane.

Can certain materials damage the RubberCover EPDM membrane?2022-11-30T11:42:21+00:00

The membrane is less resistant to oil products. Contact with mineral and vegetable oils, petroleum-based products, fresh bitumen and grease must be avoided.

Is maintenance required?2022-11-30T11:44:20+00:00

No specific maintenance is required for a RubberCover EPDM roofing system. However, Elevate recommends a yearly inspection of the roof.

Is there a warranty for the RubberCover EPDM membrane?2022-11-30T11:46:52+00:00

Elevate provides a 10 year material warranty.

Can the RubberCover EPDM membrane be ballasted?2022-11-30T11:49:04+00:00

Yes, it is possible to cover the membrane with gravel, pavers or bankirai wood but the membrane must always be fully adhered to the substrate. Elevate recommends the use of a protective geotextile (polyester 300 g/m²) between the membrane and the ballast.

Can the RubberCover EPDM membrane be in contact with a hot pipe penetration (e.g. chimney)?2022-11-30T11:50:28+00:00

The use of double-walled penetrations is required.

Which drains can be used with the RubberCover EPDM membrane?2022-11-30T11:52:25+00:00

Following materials can be used to insert drains: EPDM, zinc, flexible PVC, galvanized and stainless steel.

Can the RubberCover EPDM membrane be used for lining applications?2022-11-30T11:55:05+00:00

No. The RubberCover EPDM membrane is only suitable for roofs and gutters.

Are specific tools required for installation?2022-11-30T11:57:48+00:00

Besides Elevate’s QuickScrubber tool and rubber roller, the following tools are needed: scissors, measurer, solvent resistant paint roller, chalk line, bucket, mixer (for Bonding Adhesive), clean rags, broom.

Which products require the application of Elevates QuickPrime Plus primer?2022-11-30T11:59:52+00:00

Elevate’s QuickPrime Plus primer must be used with ALL Elevate QuickSeam products in order to clean and prime the membrane before their application.

Can the RubberCover EPDM membrane be adhered on a wet surface?2022-11-30T12:02:00+00:00

No. Ponded water, snow, frost and ice must be removed from the roof surface before installation of the membrane.

Can you install membrane on a pitched roof?2022-12-13T15:09:27+00:00

Yes, membrane can be installed on a pitched roof or on a low pitch roof. Rubber membrane, such as EPDM, is incredibly versatile and can be installed on a wide range of surfaces quickly and easily.

We offer support and guidance on all your roofing projects, talk to the team if you’d like to chat yours through with an expert.

What is RubberCover EPDM?2023-05-08T13:10:26+00:00

Elevate’s RubberCover EPDM is a high-performance roofing system for residential flat roofing applications limited to 150 m². It is based on a 100% cured, single-ply EPDM synthetic rubber membrane.

How can you tell if your flat roof needs replacing?2022-01-06T10:34:00+00:00

Visual inspection is critical at least once every three months (or after a storm or bad weather) to look out for instances of ponding, bubbling of membranes, tears or cracks or for any area of the roof that may have been damaged. If you see any of these issues, your roofing membrane probably needs replacing. Keep an eye on the interiors of all flat roofing, whether it’s the garage, garden office or home extension. The first sign of water damage is a signal that the roof has been leaking for some time and requires immediate attention.

Is EPDM rubber roof membrane suitable for DIY?2022-01-06T10:35:22+00:00

One of the greatest advantages of rubber roofing systems is the ease of application, making them suitable for skilled DIYers. Using few tools and cold, water-based roofing adhesive in the main, EPDM rubber is safer than bituminous methods. As EPDM is laid in a single sheet typically, there a no joins to create vulnerabilities in the roofing material.

What is fleece-backed EPDM used for?2022-01-06T10:36:23+00:00

SealEco fleece-backed EPDM is suitable for domestic, commercial and industrial flat roofing projects. It also provides the ideal base layer for green roofing with a high puncture resistance, although the insulating overlayers should still be installed.

My flat roof doesn’t look flat. Is that OK?2022-01-06T10:36:50+00:00

Flat roofing is never truly flat but has a specified gradient to allow water to run off with no chance of ponding. The regulations vary by region and country, but for reference, the minimum slope to allow for water run-off is 1%, but the regulation may specify 2% or more. Taking advice from a professional flat roof design company, or from an independent surveyor is a good place to start.

Rubber roofing is more expensive than felt. Is it worth it?2022-01-06T10:38:05+00:00

Buying a membrane or flat roof system with better lasting and performance qualities than felt really does make a lot of sense. Initially, the investment can be more costly than the application of felt, but money can be saved with these types of systems, as they are ideal for a DIY enthusiast in kit-form, potentially saving £££s in professional installation fees for smaller jobs such as shed or garage roofing.

What tools do you need to install EPDM?2022-12-14T12:36:23+00:00

EPDM requires few tools for installation:

  • Penny and silicone rollers
  • Paint rollers – if using liquid adhesive
  • Chalk and straight edge
  • EPDM scissors
  • Household broom

We stock a range of tools, specially selected for installing EPDM, in our online store.

Is EPDM easy to install?2022-12-14T12:37:30+00:00

EPDM systems are fast and easy to install. This has made them popular for DIY on a range of domestic projects, such as:

  • Shed roofing
  • Garage roof replacement
  • Flat roof extensions
  • Garden rooms

We provide an extensive range of installation guides and offer expert advice to help you get your projects completed right, first time.

Visit the PermaRoof UK resource library or use the downloads section below to browse our guides.

Can EPDM be cut on-site?2022-12-14T12:40:48+00:00

Yes, EPDM can be cut in situ using sharp, long-bladed EPDM scissors. Mark the EPDM with a chalk or crayon along the cutting line using a straight edge for the best results.

When trimming the overhang edges, such as when fitting a shed roof kit, ensure the line is straight and even, leaving sufficient (approx. 50mm) in place to seal when the battens are replaced.

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