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EPDM is a flexible synthetic rubber membrane supplied in large sheets. Laid over a sound deck, it forms a continuous waterproof skin with very few joints, which is why it has become a popular choice for flat roofs that have worn out or kept leaking. It is neat, quiet and watertight when laid properly.
We lay it on garages, extensions, porches, dormer flats and other small to medium roofs in South Wales. Our Flat Roofing South Wales section covers flat roofing town by town, and its EPDM page goes into the material in more detail. We look at the roof first and tell you honestly whether it suits.
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Where EPDM suits
It is best for roofs where a single sheet, or a very small number, can cover the whole area. That means garage roofs, single-storey rear extensions, porch roofs, bay roofs and the flat tops of dormers. Each of these is a roof we see often, and the approach is much the same.
Irregular shapes and roofs with many penetrations can still be done, but the more cuts and joins, the more the neat advantage of a single sheet is lost. We look at the shape before recommending it. Quotations are free and we are happy to talk the options through.
How it is laid
The sheet is cut to the size of the roof and rolled out loosely so it can relax. It is then folded back and bonded to the deck with adhesive, working across in sections so there are no trapped air pockets or wrinkles.
At the edges, the membrane runs up walls as an upstand and is sealed with proper tapes and trims. Corners are formed with pre-shaped pieces or carefully folded and sealed, so the weak points of a flat roof are handled deliberately. Careful detailing at those points is what separates a lasting roof from a short-lived one.
Why few joints matter
On a flat roof, joints are where leaks start. Every seam is a place water can find, particularly when the roof is flexing in changing weather. Seams are the usual weak point on any flat roof, so reducing them is the single most useful thing a material can do for you.
A large single sheet means almost all the surface is simply unbroken rubber. The joins we do need, such as at corners and upstands, are made with purpose-made tapes and fittings rather than relying on lap seams across the main area. That is why we favour a single sheet wherever the roof allows.
The deck, insulation and drainage
A membrane is only as good as what is under it. We check the deck for rot, movement and moisture, and replace boards that are soft or damaged before anything goes on. A wet or uneven deck will fail the new roof early.
Insulation can be added at the same time where the build-up allows, and the fall of the roof towards the gutter matters. Standing water should not sit on the surface, so we look at the falls, outlets and gutters together. Fixing these underlying problems first is what gives the new covering a fair chance.
- Deck inspected for rot and damp
- Boards replaced where soft or damaged
- Insulation added where the build-up allows
- Edge trims fitted to shed water into the gutter
- Falls and outlets checked for ponding
Repair or replace
Small punctures or a failed upstand on a sound EPDM roof can often be repaired with patches and sealing tapes. That is quicker and simpler than starting again, and we will say so when it applies. We will always tell you which applies before you commit to anything.
If an older felt or other covering has failed widely, or the deck underneath is damp, a repair will not hold for long. Then a full strip and re-cover with EPDM is the sensible route. Which route is right depends on the age and condition of what is already there.
How it compares with GRP and felt
GRP is a rigid fibreglass finish that makes a hard, seamless surface and is a good choice where the roof is walked on or has an awkward shape. Felt systems are made up of layers and have more joints. Each system has strengths, and the deciding factors are access, shape, use and what is already on the roof.
EPDM is more flexible than GRP, copes with movement well, and is quick to lay on a straightforward roof. Each has a place, and we will tell you honestly which suits your roof. The right choice depends on how the roof is used and what shape it is.
EPDM Rubber Roofing — Common Questions
What roofs is EPDM best for?
It suits garage roofs, extensions, porches, dormer flats and other small to medium flat roofs where one sheet can cover most of the area. Very complicated shapes may be better suited to another system, and we will explain our reasoning before you decide.
Why is a single sheet better?
Joints are where flat roofs normally start to leak. A single large sheet leaves almost no seams across the main surface, so there are far fewer places for water to get in. Corners and upstands are sealed with purpose-made fittings and tapes.
Do you replace the deck first?
If the boards are rotten, soft or damp, yes. A membrane laid over a poor deck will not last, so we inspect it and replace damaged areas before bonding the new roof. We will show you what we find and explain what is needed.
Can an EPDM roof be repaired?
Small punctures and failed upstands on an otherwise sound roof can often be patched and sealed. If the surface is worn widely or the deck below has failed, a full re-cover is usually the better choice, and we will give you an honest view.
Do you fit EPDM across South Wales?
Yes, we work in Port Talbot, Neath, Swansea, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Maesteg, Cardiff, Barry, Penarth, Pontypridd, Tonypandy, Aberdare, Caerphilly, Cwmbran and St Mellons. We are fully insured and quotations are free and without obligation.
EPDM Rubber Roofing by Town
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Contact T&T Roofing
Tell us what the roof is doing and we will look at it. Call 07766 547309, message us on WhatsApp or use the form below.