EPDM Rubber Roofing — North London
Rubber Roofs That Last
40 Years Without
a Single Repair
EPDM rubber roofing is the most proven flat roof system in the world — used on over a billion square metres of roofing globally. One sheet, no seams, no maintenance, and a 40+ year track record.
★ Firestone & ClassicBond certified installer · 20-year material guarantee
What Is an EPDM Rubber Roof?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane used as a single-sheet waterproof covering for flat roofs. It's supplied in large rolls, which means most residential flat roofs can be covered with a single piece of rubber — no joints, no seams, no weak points.
EPDM has been used on flat roofs worldwide since the 1960s, with some of the earliest installations still performing after 50+ years. It's the most extensively tested and proven flat roofing membrane on the market, with over one billion square metres installed globally.
At AC Roofing & Carpentry Ltd, we're certified installers of Firestone RubberCover and ClassicBond EPDM systems — two of the most respected manufacturers in the industry. Both carry material guarantees of 20 years, and real-world performance data suggests lifespans of 40–50 years.
We install EPDM rubber roofs on extensions, garages, dormers, and outbuildings across North London. It's our most recommended flat roofing system for residential properties because it combines outstanding durability with genuine value for money.
Why Homeowners Keep Replacing Felt When Rubber Lasts Four Times Longer
Most homeowners replace their flat roof with the same material that failed — usually felt. It's cheaper upfront, their previous roofer used it, and they assume all flat roofing materials perform similarly. They don't. The difference between felt and EPDM is the difference between replacing your roof every 12 years and replacing it once in 40.
Over a 40-year period, a felt roof will need replacing three to four times. At £1,200 per replacement, that's £3,600–£4,800 — plus the disruption, the risk of water damage between failures, and the stress of arranging urgent repairs. An EPDM installation costs £1,800–£3,000 and lasts the entire 40 years without intervention.
The false economy of choosing the cheapest option is one of the most common mistakes in flat roofing. Every roofing trade body in the UK now recommends EPDM or GRP over felt for any habitable or high-value structure. Felt still has its place — on sheds, garages, and non-critical buildings — but for extensions and living spaces, rubber is the rational choice.
If you've already replaced a felt roof once and are facing the same problem again, switching to EPDM breaks the cycle permanently. One installation, one cost, and decades of maintenance-free protection.
How We Work
Our EPDM Installation Process
Measure & Specify
We calculate the exact sheet size needed for a seamless, single-piece installation.
Deck Preparation
Existing roof stripped, deck inspected, and timber replaced where needed.
Membrane Installation
EPDM sheet positioned, bonded to the deck, and dressed into all details.
Edge & Upstand Details
Perimeter trims, drip edges, and upstands sealed with manufacturer-approved adhesives.
Inspection & Guarantee
Final check, clean-up, and manufacturer-backed guarantee registered.
Why It Matters
Why EPDM Is the Smart Choice
40+ Year Lifespan
The longest-lasting flat roofing membrane available at this price point.
Single Sheet Coverage
Most roofs covered in one piece — no seams to fail.
Zero Maintenance
No recoating, repainting, or treating required. Ever.
Temperature Resistant
Performs from -40°C to +120°C without cracking or softening.
UV Stable
Doesn't degrade in sunlight — unlike bitumen-based materials.
20-Year Material Guarantee
Manufacturer-backed guarantee on top of our workmanship guarantee.
EPDM Rubber Roofing: The Complete Technical Guide
How EPDM Membrane Works
EPDM is a thermoset synthetic rubber that maintains its flexibility and waterproofing properties across an extreme temperature range. Unlike thermoplastic membranes (PVC, TPO), EPDM doesn't soften in heat or become brittle in cold. The material is cross-linked during manufacture, giving it dimensional stability and resistance to UV, ozone, and weathering. It's available in 1.2mm and 1.5mm thicknesses — we use 1.2mm as standard for residential installations, which provides more than adequate durability for roofs that won't see regular foot traffic.
Bonded vs Mechanically Fixed
For residential flat roofs, EPDM is fully bonded to the deck using water-based contact adhesive. The membrane is laid out, the adhesive is applied to both the deck and the underside of the membrane, allowed to flash off, then the two surfaces are brought together and rolled with a rubber roller for a permanent bond. Mechanically fixed systems (used on larger commercial roofs) use fastener plates at the edges and seams — but for residential applications under 60m², fully bonded is the standard and superior method.
Flashing and Detail Work
The quality of an EPDM installation is determined by the detail work — how the membrane is terminated at edges, corners, pipes, and upstands. We use manufacturer-approved flashing tape, primers, and sealants to create permanently watertight details. Flashing tape is a self-adhesive uncured rubber that chemically bonds with the cured EPDM membrane, creating a joint that's as waterproof as the membrane itself. Every corner is fully formed with cover strips, every penetration is sealed with a moulded boot, and every edge is finished with extruded aluminium trim.
EPDM on Insulated Warm Decks
When combined with rigid insulation (PIR boards), EPDM creates a warm deck system that meets current building regulations. The insulation is bonded to the deck, then the EPDM is bonded to the insulation. This creates a fully adhered, thermally efficient roof system with no mechanical fixings penetrating the waterproof layer. Warm deck systems with EPDM are the industry gold standard for residential flat roof installations — they're energy efficient, condensation-free, and extremely long-lasting.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect Your Property Today
Speak to our team for honest advice and a no-obligation estimate. Most quotes delivered within 24 hours.