EPDM, short for ethylene propylene diene monomer, is a synthetic rubber membrane that has become one of the most popular choices for flat roofs in the UK. On most domestic roofs it can be laid as a single sheet with no joints, it stays flexible in cold weather, and it needs very little maintenance.
We install and repair EPDM rubber roofing in Bristol and Bath on extensions, garages, dormers, porches and small commercial roofs. New roofs are fitted over a sound, dry deck with the right adhesives, trims and upstand details, because that is where flat roofs usually fail.
EPDM Rubber Roofing is a good choice for:
EPDM suits roofs with simple shapes best, where one sheet can cover the whole area. On roofs with lots of penetrations or regular foot traffic, GRP fibreglass may be better, and on very large commercial roofs single ply membranes are common. We explain the options for your roof on our flat roof repair page.
Replacing a flat roof covering usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so the energy efficiency rules in Approved Document L may require the insulation to be upgraded at the same time.
EPDM has been used on roofs for decades. It is resistant to UV light and ozone, copes with temperature swings without cracking and can stretch to accommodate small movements in the building. Because most domestic roofs can be covered with one sheet, there are few or no joints, which removes the most common weak point in older flat roofs.
Most EPDM failures happen at the details rather than in the membrane itself: lifting trims, poorly bonded upstands, gaps around outlets and punctures from dropped tools or foot traffic. These can usually be repaired with compatible primers, tapes and patches, as long as the membrane is cleaned properly first. If the deck underneath has gone soft, the roof needs stripping back so the deck can be replaced.
Root-resistant EPDM is a popular base for sedum and green roofs, giving a living finish over a long-lasting waterproof layer.
A typical EPDM roof replacement on a house takes one to three days:
We install and repair epdm rubber roofing on homes and commercial buildings across Bristol, Bath and the towns in between, including Bristol city centre, Clifton, Kingswood, Filton, Bath and Keynsham.
See our residential roofing and commercial roofing services, compare every option on our roofing systems page. For a leak right now, call about an emergency roof repair.
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A well installed EPDM roof can last for decades, often 20 years or more, with very little maintenance.
Yes. Small punctures and failed seams can be repaired with compatible patches and primers, as long as the membrane is clean and sound.
Sometimes, if the existing roof and deck are sound and dry, but stripping back is usually the more reliable option.
It depends on size, access and whether the deck needs replacing.
EPDM rewards careful installation. We take time over the deck, the bonding and the edges, so your new roof stays watertight for many years.