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EPDM rubber roofing in Sussex and Surrey
Looking for an EPDM rubber roof in East Grinstead, Crawley or across Sussex and Surrey? EPDM is a tough synthetic rubber membrane that is ideal for garages, extensions and dormers. We lay it as a warm deck with proper falls, so water runs off and the room below stays warm. Free survey, fixed written price and our twenty year workmanship guarantee. Call 01342 445004.
What is EPDM?
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, a synthetic rubber. It comes in large sheets, so most domestic roofs can be covered in a single piece with no joints across the middle of the roof. It stays flexible in frost and summer heat, and it copes well with the slight movement every flat roof experiences. Manufacturers quote long life expectancies for their membranes when they are installed and maintained correctly.
Where EPDM works best
- Garages. Simple rectangular roofs are perfect for a single sheet.
- Single storey extensions. Clean, quiet finish with neat edge trims.
- Dormers. Lightweight and quick to lay on small roofs.
- Porches and bay roofs. Small areas with few details.
EPDM is less suited to roofs that will be walked on regularly, such as balconies, or roofs with many awkward details. For those we usually recommend GRP fibreglass.
Thinking about EPDM for your extension or garage? We price every roof after a free survey. Call 01342 445004 or WhatsApp 07939 862 818.
EPDM at a glance
| EPDM | |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matt black rubber |
| Joints | Usually none across the main roof on domestic sizes |
| Weather on the day | Can be laid in cooler weather than liquid systems, but needs a dry deck |
| Hot works | No naked flame needed for the main membrane |
| Foot traffic | Light maintenance access only |
| Repairs | Straightforward patch repairs if damaged |
How we install an EPDM roof
- Strip the old covering and check the deck. Replace any soft or rotten boards.
- Lay a vapour control layer to stop moisture from the room getting into the roof.
- Fit insulation boards to bring the roof up to current standards, with falls built in so water drains.
- Lay the EPDM membrane in one piece where possible, bonded with the manufacturer’s adhesives.
- Form upstands at walls and fit the correct trims and flashings.
- Fit edge trims, drip details and outlets into the gutter.
- Clear the site and photograph the finished roof.
Warm deck and Building Regulations
Replacing more than half of a flat roof normally means bringing the insulation up to current standards where practical. A warm deck puts the insulation on top of the deck, under the EPDM. It keeps the timbers warm, reduces condensation risk and leaves your ceiling untouched. We check heights at doors and windows first, because the roof level rises.
Why roofs fail and how we avoid it
Most early EPDM failures come from poor detailing, not the rubber itself: unbonded edges, badly formed corners, or no fall so water ponds. We take time over the details, follow the manufacturer’s method, and build falls into every roof.
EPDM near you
See flat roofing in East Grinstead and flat roofing in Crawley, or our main flat roofing page.
EPDM compared with felt
| Point | EPDM rubber | Built up felt |
|---|---|---|
| Joints | Often one sheet | Several overlapping layers |
| Installation | Adhesive bonded, no flame | Usually torch applied |
| Appearance | Matt black | Mineral finish |
| Flexibility | Very flexible, copes with movement | Less flexible, especially when old |
| Repairs | Patched with compatible products | Patched with felt |
Warning signs your current flat roof needs replacing
- Water pooling for days after rain
- Cracks, blisters or crazing on felt
- Lifting edges or loose trims
- Soft or spongy areas when pressed
- Ceiling stains in the room below
What materials go into an EPDM roof?
A good EPDM roof is more than the membrane. It includes a sound deck, a vapour control layer and insulation boards for a warm roof, the EPDM sheet itself, the correct bonding adhesive, edge trims, upstand detailing at walls, and outlets or gutters to take the water away. Corners, pipes and roof lights need preformed or carefully formed details. We specify each part for your roof rather than using a one size approach.
Is EPDM right for my roof?
EPDM suits most simple flat roofs on homes: garages, single storey extensions, dormers, porches and bay roofs. It is a good option where flame free installation is preferred, such as close to timber cladding. For a balcony or a roof that will be walked on regularly, we may recommend GRP or a separate walking surface instead. Read EPDM vs GRP vs felt.
EPDM on Crawley and East Grinstead homes
Crawley has many flat roofed garages in rows, and EPDM details well where neighbouring roofs meet. In East Grinstead, EPDM is a common choice for side and rear extensions and dormers on older homes, where a neat, low profile finish matters. See flat roofing in Crawley and flat roofing in East Grinstead.
What affects the price of an EPDM roof?
As a guide, EPDM roofs in the South East usually cost between £70 and £120 per square metre, so a single garage roof is typically from £1,400 and an insulated extension roof costs more. Size, insulation, the deck condition, the number of details and access all affect the price. We price each roof after a free survey and list what is included. Read flat roof replacement cost. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free survey.
Frequently asked questions
As a guide, EPDM roofs in the South East usually cost between £70 and £120 per square metre, so a single garage roof is typically from £1,400 and an insulated extension roof costs more. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free survey.
Sometimes, if the deck is sound, but we usually recommend stripping so we can check the deck and insulate properly.
Yes. Rooflights and lanterns are easiest to fit when the roof is being replaced.
No. It is a soft rubber membrane, so rain is quieter than on many other surfaces.
Black is standard. If you want a different colour, GRP or a coated system may suit you better.
Yes. Our installation carries our twenty year workmanship guarantee, and the membrane carries the manufacturer’s warranty.
Most garage and small extension roofs take one to two days.
Yes, within the adhesive manufacturer’s temperature limits and in dry conditions.
Damage is uncommon, but sharp objects and careless foot traffic can puncture it.
Get a quote for an EPDM roof
Call 01342 445004, WhatsApp a photo to 07939 862 818, or book a free survey.
Book a free roof survey
Leave your name and number and we will call you back to arrange a free survey. Photos help us quote faster and spot anything urgent.
Free survey & fixed quote
No guesswork, no obligation
We will look at the roof properly and tell you exactly what it needs, with photographs and a fixed price in writing. The survey costs you nothing.