EPDM Learning Centre

Everything we know about rubber roofing, written down. Start with the guide that matches your project, or work through the fundamentals first if you are new to EPDM. Every guide is written for UK conditions, UK building practice and the products we actually stock.

Start here: the fundamentals

If you have not worked with EPDM before, these four guides cover what the material is, which version to buy and how it goes on.

• What is EPDM rubber roofing? — what the material is, how it compares with felt, GRP and single-ply, and why it lasts
• Types of EPDM membrane — standard, fleece-backed and cut-to-size, and when each is the right choice
• Thickness guide — 1.0mm, 1.2mm and 1.5mm compared, with a recommendation for each roof type
• How to install EPDM — the full method, start to finish

Guides by project

Detailed, project-specific method guides with quantities, timings and the mistakes that cause leaks on that particular kind of roof.

• Shed and summerhouse roofs — the simplest EPDM job, usually a single afternoon
• Garage re-roofing — stripping old felt, deck repair and a one-piece rubber covering
• House extension roofs — warm roof build-ups, falls, rooflights and Building Regulations
• L-shaped roofs and internal corners — how to fold rather than cut, and why it matters
• Gutter lining — box, parapet, valley and concrete gutters, including how to measure the girth
• Pipes and roof penetrations — pipe boots, kerbs, flues and cable entries

Products and materials

• EPDM roof kits explained — what is in a kit and how to check nothing is missing
• Adhesives and primers guide — which adhesive goes where, coverage rates and flash-off times
• Flashing and detailing — trims, upstands, corners and wall abutments
• Drainage and ventilation — falls, outlets, overflows and cold-roof ventilation

Planning, cost and ownership

• EPDM roofing cost guide — what a rubber roof actually costs per square metre
• DIY or professional? — an honest checklist for deciding which jobs to take on yourself
• Lifespan and durability — what 50 years actually means and what shortens it
• Maintenance and care — the short annual routine that keeps a rubber roof working

Questions

• EPDM rubber roofing FAQ — the technical questions we are asked most
• Ordering, delivery and returns FAQ

Tools

Once you know what you need, size it accurately. The EPDM roof calculator takes your roof dimensions and works out the membrane size, adhesive quantities and trim lengths, including for L-shaped roofs. If you would rather build a kit piece by piece, use the roof kit builder.

Not sure where to start?

Tell us the roof. Send the dimensions, the shape and a photograph to sales@rubberroofuk.uk and we will tell you what you need and roughly what it will cost. There is no obligation and we would far rather answer a question before you order than deal with a return afterwards.