If you’re building a shed, workshop, garage, or even a flat-roofed extension to your home, consider EPDM rubber roof installation as a weatherproof cover.
EPDM rubber is very affordable, considering it lasts for around 50 years if properly installed. The cost of a rubber roofing installation for a typical 15m2 single garage is around £900-£1350 (including labour), which calculates to £60-£90/m2.
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Unlike traditional bitumen felt roofing, EPDM rubber needs little maintenance and lasts for decades. It’s watertight, algae and moss proof, and can easily be repaired if it accidentally gets torn by falling branches or other mishaps.
This guide describes the benefits of using EPDM as a flat roofing material, its costs, and maintenance needs. We also explain how you can find a company to fit the roof. Alternatively, fill out the form on this page, and we’ll put you in touch with EPDM roofing companies that will submit quotes for the work.
Main Topics
How Much Does Rubber Roofing Cost?*
Installing an EPDM rubber roof can pay for itself many times over through its durability and ease of maintenance. If you want to calculate your replacement garage roofing prices, use the table below. Although the dimensions shown might not be the same as your flat roof, you can compare approximate prices.
| Project Description | Dimensions | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shed roofing | 10m2 | 1 day | £450 | £160 | £610 |
| Single garage roofing | 15m2 | 1 day | £700 | £250 | £950 |
| Double garage roofing | 27.5m2 | 1-2 days | £1,250 | £450 | £1,700 |
| House extension roofing | 30m2 | 2-3 days | £1,350 | £550 | £1,900 |
*We estimated these figures from various resources. Every flat roof is unique, so use this data to calculate ballpark prices to assist your research. Moreover, these estimated prices include average labour dayrates and typical costs for EPDM, adhesive, and flashing kits. Also, we assume all structural roof timbers and Stirling board are already in place.
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11 Rubber Roofing Cost Factors
Although the rubber roofing prices shown in the table are typical of small flat roofs, several factors affect the overall price. Furthermore, there are other additional costs to include in the budget:
1. Roof size
Larger roofs need more EPDM and adhesive and take longer to install. Therefore, both material and labour costs increase. Typically, EPDM rubber costs range from £45-£70/m2. In comparison, labour costs range from £15-£25/m2. As you’d expect, larger roofs need more EPDM and take longer to install, so they cost more. In contrast, smaller roofs cost less.
2. EPDM rubber dimensions
There are various widths available, and you can have the roll cut to length. Typically, 1.5mm thick membranes come in widths of 0.5m to 9m in sizes of up to 30m. Alternatively, buy a sheet cut to fit your roof in one piece.
3. Type of project
You’ll notice in the table that the house extension roof costs more in labour and takes longer to finish than the other roofs. In this case, we assume more work because an extension joins the existing house and needs flashing overlapping the rubber upstand. Garages and sheds, we presume, are detached.
4. Accessories
It’s not just the membrane that you have to buy. Typical accessories include rubber adhesive costing £110/5L tub, roof pipe flashing kit costing £110, edge and gutter drip trims £17/2.5m, and insulation fixings costing £20 per pack of 20.
5. Ease of access:
Sometimes a roof can be an unusual shape, or too high to access safely. Therefore, you need scaffolding which can cost from £30-£40/m2.
6. Roof height
In addition to scaffolding mentioned previously, high roofs need additional safety equipment such as fall-arrest harnesses and safety lines which cost from £15-£250.
7. Location
Roofing contractors living in London and southeastern England charge up to 20% higher than professionals elsewhere in the country due to higher living costs.
8. Waste removal
The existing roof covering and offcuts from the new EPDM must be disposed of according to national and local waste regulations through a registered waste handler. Therefore hire a waste skip, which is the easiest way. Prices start at £110 for a small skip plus £130/tonne for waste diverted to landfills. If you haven’t got the room on your land for a skip, you’ll need a local authority permit, costing £50, to leave it on the road.
9. Flat roof slopes
Although this might seem a contradiction in terms, a so-called “flat roof” must have a slight slope of between 1:40 and 1:80 to ensure rainwater flows towards the guttering. If your roof hasn’t got a gradient, you must include this in the project, which might mean rebuilding the roof timbers. Flat roofs must comply with BS 6229 and BS 8217 for design, specification, installation and maintenance.
10. Insulation
Although a shed or garage don’t require heating or insulation, it’s a good idea to install some. However, a new extension linked to the house must have an insulated roof complying with Approved Document A, Approved Document B, Approved Document L, and Approved Document 7 of the Building Regulations. Typically, we install foam insulation slabs between the roof deck and EPDM rubber roof covering. The slabs measure 2.4m x 1.2m, come in packs of two, and cost £40/pack for a 25mm thick slab to £185/pack for a 150mm thick slab.
11. Timber repairs
In our discussion thus far, we’ve assumed the underlying structural timber and decking are sound and will support the rubber roofing. However, this isn’t always the case, especially if an old garage roof has leaked for many years. In this case, you must replace the joists before laying the EPDM. Moreover, the dimensions of structural timber depend on many factors, such as the roof’s span and weight. Therefore, read these guidance notes, which help choose the joist sizes.
Also, cover a flat roof’s structural timbers with external plywood or Stirling Board, providing a smooth base for the EPDM. Typically, exterior grade sheets cost around £30/sheet, measuring 610mm x 610mm x 24mm.
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How Long Does Rubber Roofing Last?
Perhaps, one of the most asked questions by householders is, “How long will my rubber roofing last?”
We can categorically say that with the correct installation, a suitable preventative inspection and maintenance regime, and no extreme weather, an EPDM rubber roof can last thirty to fifty years. This lifespan is far longer than a typical bitumen felt flat roof covering.
Do Rubber roofs crack?
Unlike many other roof coverings, EPDM does not crack or split because of age. However, it can become damaged by mechanical means such as falling branches or extreme weather conditions. When you notice cracks or damage in the rubber, it’s simple to patch the area with EPDM offcuts and contact adhesive, or a purpose-made repair kit. However, follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times.
It’s relatively simple to keep an eye on your rubber roof for cracks and damage caused by falling branches and birds. Although it’s not common, chicks venturing out of the nest for the first time practice pecking on the first thing they see, which is usually the rubber roof. To prevent birds from building nests there in the first place, it’s worthwhile installing bird scarers. You can buy many different types from DIY stores or online markets.
Benefits of EPDM Rubber Roofing
Although EPDM rubber roofing is still new in the UK, already customers find there are many benefits to make them a worthwhile addition to their flat roofs.
Long life
Rubber is a durable material to cover most objects, including roofs. Under normal circumstances, EPDM will last from thirty to fifty years with a six-monthly inspection and maintenance programme.
Moss and algae proof
Synthetic rubber, like EPDM, resists the growth of moss and algae, which can potentially cause damage to the underlying roof structure. This property further enhances the rubber’s life span and ensures the surface stays clear of vegetation.
Made to measure
Although many EPDM manufacturers produce various width rolls, many also cut their rubber sheets to your exact measurements. Therefore, you can usually cover the entire roof in one unbroken piece of EPDM. This reduces the chance of rain finding its way into joints where the rubber sheet comes away from the adhesive.
Repair and maintenance
If damage occurs to your EPDM roof covering, you can quickly repair the damage with repair kits, and patches found online or from the manufacturer. If you’re okay with DIY and watch one of the many online video tutorials, EPDM is no problem to repair.
Lightweight
Because EPDM rubber is lightweight, it’s no trouble to carry a roll onto the roof and fit it yourself, although two people would be easier.
Fire resistance
EPDM rubber is fire-resistant; therefore, it complies with Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.
How long does it take to install a rubber roof?
Depending on the size of the roof, most roofers won’t take more than one or two days to install a rubber roof. However, they might need an extra day if additional roof pipes such as air conditioning vents, chimneys, and joints with existing walls need waterproofing. In these cases, the roofer must use flashing with the EPDM to provide weatherproofing. But, this can be a tricky job.
Also, you find that a one-piece roof covering is quicker to install than joining rolls. And, there’s less chance of springing a leak too.
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How do you maintain a rubber roof?
EPDM roof maintenance is relatively straightforward for anyone who can do DIY. However, for a quality job, hire a professional specialising in rubber flat roofs.
If you decide to maintain the roof as a DIY project, check whether the structural roof timbers and decking is rotting or water damaged. If so, you must take care when walking on the roof as it could give way and you might be injured.
Before climbing onto the roof, consider its height. Generally, if your head is more than 2m from ground level, you are working at height and must take precautions. Ensure the ladder or scaffolding is stable and unlikely to move, and when on the roof, use a fall arrest harness, which you can buy or hire.
After you’ve done everything you can to prevent injury or a fall, we move on to the repairs. Usually, it’s much easier to repair holes or small tears than it is to replace the entire roof, and it’s cheaper too. Follow the EPDM rubber repair kit instructions. You’ll find the kits for sale from many online roofing stores for around £20. Usually, kits like these contain a 150mm x 150mm self-adhesive patch which you firmly press onto the damaged area using a small roller. However, before attempting to use the patch, remove all loose and flakey material and stick down all loose EPDM to the roof deck.
Having said this, we recommend you always use a professional for the best results.
Hiring A Roofer: Checklist
When hiring a roofer to install EPDM rubber on a flat roof, there are a few things you should watch out for:
- Search the Competent Person Register for local authority approved tradespeople.
- Ask if they have references from previous jobs.
- Does the roofer belong to one of the UK’s roofing trade associations? Look out for the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA). Trade associations’ members follow the industry best practice guidance, have relevant trade insurance and work professionally.
- Ask for at least three quotes from the shortlist of contractors.
- No one can quote over the phone without visiting your property and inspecting the job. Therefore, insist on an inspection, and a quote based on the roof’s condition.
- The cheapest quote might not always be the best. Therefore, try to choose one with a price somewhere in the middle.
Summary
Re-covering the flat roofs on your property is essential if you want them to last without rotting and collapsing. Therefore, choose the cover that best suits your circumstances. Overall, you’ll find that an EPDM rubber roof balances price against lifespan. But, where can you find a roofer who will provide you with reasonable EPDM rubber roof prices?
Complete the form on this page, and we’ll ensure you receive quotes from up to four roofing contractors in your area.
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