EPDM rubber roofing in Amersham — repairs, replacements and new installations.
EPDM is the most popular flat roof material for domestic properties in the UK. It’s a single sheet of synthetic rubber, bonded to the roof deck with adhesive, with no seams on most standard-sized roofs. That means fewer weak points and a lifespan of 30–40 years.
We install, repair and replace EPDM flat roofs across Amersham and the surrounding villages.
Call 01494 702 599 for a free survey.
What is EPDM?
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer — a synthetic rubber membrane. In practice, it’s a large sheet of flexible black rubber that gets glued to your roof deck. Because it comes in wide rolls (up to 15 metres), most domestic flat roofs can be covered in a single sheet with no joins.
That’s the main advantage over felt (which has multiple overlapping strips) and GRP (which is applied in liquid layers). No joins means no seams to fail, which is where most flat roof leaks start.
We use Firestone RubberCover — the industry standard EPDM system in the UK. It comes with a 20-year manufacturer guarantee on top of our own workmanship guarantee.
EPDM repairs
If your existing EPDM roof has a problem, it’s usually one of these:
- Puncture or tear — caused by foot traffic, dropped tools, or debris. We patch these with EPDM repair tape and Firestone primer. Quick job, usually under an hour.
- Lifted edges or perimeter failure — the adhesive has failed at the edge, allowing wind to get underneath. We re-bond the membrane and refit the trims.
- Failed seam (on larger roofs with joins) — the seam tape has lifted. We clean, prime and re-seal it.
- Shrinkage — over many years, EPDM can shrink slightly, pulling away from edges. Minor shrinkage can be re-dressed; significant shrinkage usually means replacement is more cost-effective.
Typical EPDM repair cost: £150–£500 depending on the problem and size.
EPDM replacement
If your existing flat roof (felt, old EPDM, or another material) needs replacing, EPDM is usually the best value option for garages, extensions, dormers and porches.
What you get:
- Old covering stripped and removed
- Deck inspected and any damaged boards replaced
- Insulation added if required (Building Regs for habitable rooms)
- Firestone RubberCover EPDM membrane fully bonded to the deck
- New drip edges, trims and flashings
- All waste removed
Typical prices:
| Roof type | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Porch | £800–£1,200 |
| Single garage | £1,200–£1,800 |
| Double garage | £1,800–£3,000 |
| Small extension | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Large extension | £2,500–£4,000 |
Why choose EPDM
- Long lifespan — 30–40 years, versus 15–20 for felt
- Seamless on most domestic roofs — no joins to fail
- Flexible — handles thermal expansion and contraction without cracking
- UV resistant — doesn’t degrade in sunlight the way felt does
- Low maintenance — once installed, there’s very little to do
- Proven — Firestone has been making EPDM membranes since the 1980s
EPDM vs felt vs GRP — quick comparison
| EPDM | Felt | GRP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 30–40 years | 15–20 years | 25–30 years |
| Seams | None on most roofs | Multiple | None |
| Walkable | Light foot traffic | No | Yes |
| Cost | Mid-range | Budget | Premium |
| Install conditions | Above 5°C | Most conditions | Above 10°C, dry |
| Best for | Garages, extensions | Budget replacements | Balconies, terraces |
Common questions
How long does an EPDM installation take?
One to two days for a standard garage or extension. The adhesive needs dry conditions and temperatures above about 5°C.
Can EPDM go over the existing roof?
Sometimes, if the existing surface is flat and sound. But we usually recommend stripping back to the deck so we can check for damage underneath. Overlaying a rotten deck just hides the problem.
Is EPDM rubber noisy in the rain?
No noisier than any other flat roof. The insulation layer underneath dampens sound.
Can I walk on an EPDM roof?
Light foot traffic is fine — accessing a Velux window, clearing a gutter. It’s not designed for regular heavy use. If you need a walkable surface, GRP is the better choice.
Where we cover
We install and repair EPDM roofs across Amersham, Old Amersham, Little Chalfont, Chalfont St Giles, Chalfont St Peter, Great Missenden, Chesham, Beaconsfield, Penn, Holmer Green, and Hazlemere.
Get a free quote
Call us or send a message. We’ll survey the roof, recommend the right approach, and give you a fixed-price quote.
Phone: 01494 702 599
Email: info@amershamroofers.co.uk