EPDM Rubber Roofing › St Mellons › Guide
If you are re-covering a flat roof in St Mellons, you will be offered a choice of materials, and the main one is between felt and EPDM rubber. They do the same job, keeping water off the deck, but the way each is made and laid is different. Here is how they compare, and what matters more than either.
What each material is
Felt roofing is made of layers of bitumen-based sheet, laid in overlapping strips and sealed at the laps. EPDM is a single-ply synthetic rubber membrane, supplied in large sheets and bonded to the deck with adhesive. For many small roofs, an EPDM sheet can cover the whole area in one piece.
Joints and seams
Flat roofs usually fail at the joints, so the number of seams matters. Felt has a seam at every overlap, and each one relies on the sealing holding. EPDM has fewer joints, as the sheet covers more area, though edges and corners still need careful detailing. That is the main practical difference for a garage or small extension.
- Felt: overlapping strips with sealed seams
- EPDM: one sheet where size allows
- Both: edges, corners and upstands need care
How each is laid
Felt is usually laid in layers and sealed down, while EPDM is rolled out and bonded with adhesive, then trimmed at the edges. Neither is magic. Both need a sound deck, proper falls to the gutter and insulation where it is required. On the older St Mellons garages and porches, deck repair often matters more than the covering.
Whichever material is chosen, the details at the edges matter as much as the sheet. Upstands against a house wall, corners and the trim over the gutter are where we spend the most time, because these are the places where flat roofs on garages and extensions usually let water in.
Repairs and ageing
Both can be repaired. Felt can be patched, though old felt that has cracked or blistered tends to need re-covering. EPDM can be repaired with patches and cures on a sound membrane. We do not give set lifespans for either. How long a roof lasts depends on the deck, the drainage and how well the details are done.
Choosing for your roof
For small to medium flat roofs, such as garages, porches, extensions and dormer flats, EPDM is often a good fit. Felt can suit other cases. We look at the roof, then tell you plainly which we recommend. Our Flat Roofing South Wales section covers the options. Call us for a proper look before you decide.
- Size and shape of the roof
- Condition of the deck and falls
- Number of edges, upstands and penetrations
Need epdm rubber roofing in St Mellons? See our epdm rubber roofing in St Mellons page, or call 07766 547309.
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Common Questions
Is EPDM better than felt?
It is better in some cases, mainly because there are fewer joints on a small roof. Felt can still be right in others. What matters most is the condition of the deck, the falls and the quality of the edge details.
Can you repair my old felt roof instead?
Sometimes. If the felt is sound and the damage is local, a repair can work. If the felt is cracked, blistered or the deck is damp, re-covering is usually the sensible route. We look and tell you honestly.
Do the two materials look different?
Yes. EPDM is a smooth black rubber sheet with a neat finish at the edges, while felt usually has a textured, mineral-covered or smooth bitumen surface with visible laps. Both are mostly out of sight on a low flat roof.
Get a Quote in St Mellons
Tell us what the roof is doing in St Mellons and we will look at it. Call 07766 547309, message us on WhatsApp or use the form below.