EPDM Rubber Roofing
For simple flat roofs, it is hard to beat one continuous sheet of rubber. City Building and Roofing Ltd install EPDM membranes on garages, extensions, dormers and outbuildings across London and Surrey — cold-applied, flexible and with minimal seams to fail.
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EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane for flat roofs, usually installed as a single continuous sheet bonded to the deck — so a typical garage or extension roof has no seams across its field. It is cold-applied with no flames, stays flexible in temperature extremes, and is straightforward to repair. City Building and Roofing Ltd install EPDM across London and Surrey and advise honestly between EPDM, GRP, felt and liquid systems.
What is EPDM rubber roofing?
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber used on flat roofs for decades, domestically and commercially. It arrives as a large sheet cut close to the size of your roof, is bonded to the prepared deck with adhesives, and is finished with purpose-made trims and corners at the edges and details.
Its defining advantage on simple roofs is the absence of seams: one sheet typically covers an entire garage, extension or dormer roof, removing the laps and joints where felt roofs traditionally fail. The material itself remains flexible through hot summers and freezing winters rather than becoming brittle.
Installation is cold work — adhesives rather than torches — which removes hot-works risk on timber decks and occupied buildings. Where an EPDM roof is ever damaged, by impact or foot traffic, it is also one of the most straightforward membranes to patch properly.
Where EPDM is the right choice
- Garage, extension, porch and outbuilding flat roofs with simple rectangular shapes
- Dormer tops and bay roofs wanting a discreet, low-maintenance finish
- Replacing a repeatedly patched felt roof with something better in kind
- Timber decks and occupied buildings where flame-free installation matters
- Sheds and garden buildings where a durable, economical covering is wanted
What our EPDM service includes
Deck assessment
We check the existing deck and renew boards where needed — rubber over a spongy deck is money wasted.
Single-sheet installation
The membrane sized to the roof, bonded to the prepared deck and rolled smooth, with no field seams on typical domestic roofs.
Edges and details
Purpose-made trims, corners and upstand details — where EPDM roofs are made or broken.
Outlets and drainage
Outlets, drips and gutters detailed correctly so water leaves the roof rather than sitting on it.
Rooflights and penetrations
Kerbs, pipes and penetrations dressed and sealed with the correct components.
Written guarantee
Workmanship guaranteed in writing, with insurance-backed cover available on eligible works.
How It Works
Survey and quote
We measure the roof, check the deck and provide an itemised written quotation — with honest advice if another system suits better.
Deck preparation
Old coverings stripped where required, deck repaired or renewed, surface cleaned and dry.
Membrane bonding
The EPDM sheet positioned, adhered and smoothed in suitable weather conditions.
Trims and details
Edge trims, corners, upstands and outlets completed with purpose-made components.
Inspection and handover
Final checks, site tidied and your written guarantee issued.
Honest notes on EPDM
- Large or complex roofs may need seamed joints or a different system — the single-sheet advantage is greatest on simple shapes
- The standard finish is matt black rubber; where appearance matters — overlooked terraces, for example — GRP or liquid finishes may suit better
- EPDM is not a trafficable surface by default; regular foot traffic needs appropriate walkway provision
- As with any bonded system, installation is weather-dependent and the deck must be sound and dry
We would rather tell you the honest position than win work on promises we cannot keep.
London & Surrey Coverage
We install EPDM roofs across London and Surrey — garage and extension roofs in Fulham, Hammersmith and Chiswick borders, dormers across Kensington and Chelsea, and domestic flat roofs throughout Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames, Esher, Cobham, Staines, Kingston and Richmond.
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Find City Building and Roofing Ltd on Google
Customers across London and Surrey can find City Building and Roofing Ltd on Google to read reviews, view recent work and contact the team directly. We recommend calling the correct local number for your area — Surrey enquiries on 01932 950 995 and London enquiries on 020 7118 0095.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an EPDM rubber roof last?
EPDM has one of the strongest longevity records of any flat roof membrane, with correctly installed roofs commonly giving decades of service — the material tolerates UV and temperature swings without becoming brittle. Actual life depends on installation quality, detailing and drainage, which is where choosing an experienced installer earns its money.
Is EPDM better than felt?
For most simple domestic flat roofs, yes. Traditional felt fails at its laps and joints as it ages and embrittles; a single EPDM sheet has no field seams to fail and stays flexible. Modern high-performance felts have their place — we install those too — but a repeatedly patched felt garage roof is usually better replaced with EPDM.
Should I choose EPDM or GRP?
It depends on the roof. EPDM suits simple shapes, timber decks, budget-conscious jobs and situations where flame-free, quick installation matters. GRP gives a rigid, hard-wearing, smarter-looking finish and handles complex shapes well, but needs a good dry weather window and sound new decking. We install both, so you get a recommendation based on your roof, not our preference.
Can you walk on an EPDM roof?
Occasional access for maintenance — clearing leaves, checking gutters — is fine with care. EPDM is not designed as a regularly trafficked surface by default; where you want to use the roof for access or as a terrace, we can incorporate walkway protection or recommend a trafficable system instead.
Can EPDM be repaired if damaged?
Yes — this is one of EPDM's quiet strengths. Impact damage or a puncture can usually be patched properly and permanently with compatible materials, restoring the membrane rather than condemning it. That repairability, combined with its longevity, is why it is a favourite for garages and extensions.
Do you replace the boards under the rubber?
Where they need it, yes. EPDM is bonded to the deck, so the finished roof is only as good as the boards beneath — bonding rubber to soft, damp or delaminating decking wastes your money. We check the deck as part of the survey and include any renewal in the itemised quote.
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