Rubber Flat Roofs and Repairs

EPDM Rubber Roofing in Liverpool

EPDM rubber roofing is a flat roof covering made from a synthetic rubber membrane, usually laid as a single sheet and bonded to a prepared timber deck. Roofer & Builder fits and repairs rubber roofs on garages, extensions, outbuildings and commercial buildings throughout Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral and the North West.

Because a domestic EPDM roof can often be covered with one piece of membrane, there are few or no joints for water to find. It is fitted without a naked flame and stays flexible as the building moves. Rubber is one of the systems offered through our flat roofing services, alongside fibreglass and felt.

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How an EPDM Rubber Roof Is Installed

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) comes in large rolls, so on most garage and extension roofs the membrane can be cut from a single sheet sized to the whole roof. The deck beneath must be sound, smooth and dry, so we strip the old covering, replace soft or damaged boards and make sure there is enough fall to shed water towards the gutter or outlet.

The membrane is laid out and left to relax, then folded back so adhesive can be applied. Systems typically use a water-based adhesive across the main area and a contact adhesive around the perimeter and on upstands. Each half is bonded and rolled to push out trapped air.

At walls, the membrane is turned up to form an upstand and finished under a flashing or termination detail so water cannot get behind it. Edge trims form the drip into the gutter and the raised kerbs along open sides, while corners, pipes and outlets are sealed with pre-formed pieces and tapes from the same system.

EPDM Compared With GRP and Felt

Rubber suits many flat roofs, but not every one. These are the main points we talk through with customers.

Where EPDM has the advantage

Few joints: smaller roofs can usually be covered in one sheet, whereas felt is laid in overlapping layers.
Flexibility: rubber tolerates some movement and temperature change, while rigid GRP can crack if the deck moves.
No hot works: it is bonded with adhesive, so there is no naked flame, unlike torch-on felt.
Simpler weather window: it still needs a dry deck and suitable temperatures for the adhesive, but there is no resin to cure as there is with GRP.

Where GRP or felt may suit better

Foot traffic: rubber can be punctured by sharp objects, so roofs that are walked on regularly may need protective walkway pads or a harder-wearing system.
Complex details: roofs with many pipes, rooflights and corners take careful detailing in EPDM, whereas GRP is laminated around details in one layer.
Appearance: EPDM has a plain black finish, while GRP topcoats and mineral-surfaced felt offer different looks.
Compatibility: bitumen-based products should generally not be used on EPDM, so later repairs need rubber-compatible materials.

Read more on our GRP fibreglass roofing and felt roofing pages.

EPDM Rubber Roofing

Our EPDM Roofing Services

New EPDM Roofs

Single-sheet rubber roofs for garages, extensions, outbuildings and dormers, laid on a properly prepared deck. We plan the falls, edge trims and outlets before fitting, so the finished roof drains well and every edge is neatly detailed.

Garage Roof Replacement

Garage roofs are one of the most common uses for EPDM. We strip the failing covering, renew the deck where needed and fit a new rubber membrane, dealing with any rotten timbers or fascias at the same time.

Patch Repairs

Splits, punctures and small tears in an otherwise sound membrane can often be patched. The area is cleaned and primed, then a compatible EPDM patch is applied with seam tape, overlapping the damage on every side.

Upstands and Flashings

Many rubber roof leaks start where the membrane meets a wall. We check that each upstand is high enough, fully bonded and covered by a sound flashing, and rebuild the detail where it has pulled away or was poorly finished.

Outlets and Drainage

Blocked or badly formed outlets lead to standing water and leaks. We fit and reseal outlets using system-compatible parts, and look at the falls and gutters wherever water is collecting on the roof instead of draining away.

Commercial Rubber Roofing

EPDM is also used on larger commercial roofs, where sheets are joined with seam tape. We advise landlords, businesses and property managers on rubber roofing for commercial premises and rental properties, alongside our other flat roof systems.

How It Works

How We Approach an EPDM Roof

Inspect the Roof and Deck

We check the covering, the condition of the boards, the falls and every upstand and outlet, so we know whether a repair or a new roof is needed.

Explain the Options

We talk you through what we found and give a clear written quotation covering the deck, membrane, trims and any flashing work.

Prepare, Lay and Bond

The old roof is stripped, the deck renewed where needed, and the membrane laid, bonded and rolled, with upstands, corners and outlets carefully detailed.

Finish and Tidy Up

Edge trims are fixed, flashings checked and gutters cleared of debris. Waste is removed from site and the area is left tidy.

Why Us

Why Choose Roofer & Builder?

Flat Roof Experience

With more than 20 years’ roofing experience, we have worked with rubber, fibreglass and felt, and can explain the differences in plain terms.

The Right System for Your Roof

We recommend EPDM where it suits the roof, and tell you when GRP or felt would be the better long-term choice.

Repairs When They Make Sense

If a patch or a rebuilt upstand will stop the leak, we will tell you, rather than recommending a new roof you do not need.

Structural Work In-House

Rotten joists, sagging decks and damaged brickwork around upstands can be put right by our own roofing and building team.

Emergency Line 24/7

If water is coming through a flat roof, call our emergency line at any time. Where it is safe, we make the roof secure first, then arrange a permanent repair.

Clear Written Quotes

Quotations are free, without obligation and written in plain language, so you can see exactly what is included and compare like for like.

Rated as Excellent on Google

See What Our Customers Think

Rated Excellent 4.5 Based on 33 Google reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Stephen Mansley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just had my Velux loft window replaced. Fantastic job done to a very high standard by John and his team. Cleaned up as well before leaving. Simple process from start to finish with Carla coordinating everything. Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Natasha Pritchard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an issue with my flashing so had six roofers out to quote... John was the only one of the six who seemed genuine and trustworthy. This turned out to be the case... he did the work for a fair price, gave a proper invoice with breakdown of work, communicated well and left it all tidy. One of the firms who quoted said we needed a new roof (we didn't). It's so important to get several quotes and trust your gut. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sharon Dexter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend John and his team. They carried out work on my roof and guttering in a quick and efficient manner. John was happy to answer all my questions and queries, explaining everything to me in a straightforward and friendly manner.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John and his team completed some repairs to our roof today. I completely recommend them. Friendly, tidy, professional and the job was completed to a very high standard. John is super knowledgable and put our mind at ease about the overall condition of our roof too. We’ll be using them when we need work like this in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jon McGee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John has done major commercial and minor domestic works for us, he and his team are professional, courteous, and complete works to a high standard, I will use RooferBuilder every time
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Hodgkiss 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roofer and Builder have just completed gutter and rain pipe replacement around our whole house. They were a delight to deal with - friendly, helpful and very efficient. The work was done by a team of five in a single day and was to a high standard. They cleaned up carefully on completing the work. Maybe not the cheapest but probably the best.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hannah Gregory 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend John and his team enough. I had water leaking through my ceiling after a storm (3 days before Christmas!). John and his team were able to attend the same day. John was very knowledgable, assessed and explained the damage with photographs, and gave me repair options on other problems that were found. The team completed all the work the same day and really went above and beyond to do a great job rather than just a patch up. They've saved me a lot of stress and were pleasant and professional to deal with throughout. I will be contacting John again for future work.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   maha salama 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't praise this roofer enough! From start to finish, their service was outstanding. Trustworthy, honest, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable, they went above and beyond to ensure the job was done right. Their helpful attitude and commitment to excellence make them the go-to choice for any roofing needs. I wholeheartedly recommend this roofer for their exceptional work and integrity.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Barbara Ford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a problem that had been going on for years with various people trying to repair it and failing. Last December John came and repaired the roof. The materials used were 1st class, I have photos of every stage of the operation and after rain of biblical proportions I can now safely say that the roof is sound and my house is drying out. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anybody. Thank you

FAQs

EPDM Rubber Roofing FAQs

What is EPDM roofing?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane used to waterproof flat and low-pitched roofs. On most homes it is laid in one sheet and bonded to a timber deck, with trims at the edges and upstands at the walls. It is flexible, fitted without heat and has very few joints.

What kinds of roof is rubber roofing suitable for?

EPDM suits most flat and low-pitched roofs, including garages, single-storey extensions, dormers, outbuildings and commercial units. It works particularly well on simple, rectangular roofs that one sheet can cover. If your garage roof is leaking or holding water, rubber is often one of the options we discuss.

Can a damaged EPDM roof be patched?

Yes, in many cases. Small punctures, splits and lifted seams can be repaired with an EPDM patch and seam tape once the surface has been cleaned and primed. Bitumen-based sealants should generally not be used on rubber. Our practical guide to EPDM repairs explains what to look for.

Why is my rubber roof bubbling or lifting?

Bubbles or lifted areas usually mean the membrane has lost its bond to the deck, or that air or moisture is trapped underneath. Common causes include adhesive applied to a damp or dusty deck, too little adhesive at the edges, or water getting in at an upstand. We find the cause before recommending a repair.

Is EPDM better than GRP fibreglass?

Each has strengths. EPDM is flexible, has few joints and is less dependent on the weather during installation. GRP gives a hard, seamless finish that generally copes better with foot traffic and suits roofs with lots of detail. We compare both against your roof and explain which we would choose and why.

Do I need a new deck for an EPDM roof?

Not always. If the existing boards are dry, firm, well fixed and smooth, they may be suitable. In practice, older flat roofs often have boards that have softened or swollen where water has got in. These need replacing, because the membrane must bond to a sound surface and will show any unevenness beneath it.

Areas We Serve

EPDM Rubber Roofing Across Merseyside

From our base in Maghull we cover Liverpool and the surrounding towns. Find your local page:

Get a Quote

Have Something You'd Like Us to Price?

If there’s something you’d like our team to take a look at, then feel free to contact us. We’re happy to discuss your project and provide a competitive quote.

Head Office

Maghull Business Centre, 1 Liverpool Road North, Maghull, Liverpool L31 2HB

Opening Hours

Office: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00
Emergency line: 24/7

Email Address

info@rooferandbuilder.co.uk

Phone Number

0151 739 0669