You should probably consider installing an EPDM rubber roof as a weatherproof covering if you’re constructing a shed, workshop, garage, or even a flat-roofed addition to your home. In this article, we explore the rubber roof cost and what factors that can affect it.
In contrast to conventional bitumen felt roofing, EPDM rubber requires little upkeep and has a long lifespan. It can be easily repaired if it is unintentionally torn by falling branches or other accidents. It is also watertight and resistant to algae and moss.
When installed properly, EPDM rubber roof has a lifespan of about 50 years, making it very cost-effective. For a typical garage, installing a rubber roof will cost between £1,500 to £4,500.
Why install rubber roofing?
Although there are many different styles and textures that can be used to create residential roofs, functionality is far more crucial than aesthetics. Although they are frequently disregarded, roofs shield our homes from the elements, wild animals, and other dangers.
As a result, they are an essential component of any building. Rubber roofs may not be the most appealing option, but the wealth of advantages they offer more than makes up for this. Rubber roofs, which are frequently used on flat roofs, require little maintenance and, with proper care, can last for more than 50 years. Rubber roofs are an excellent substitute for felt because they are watertight, moss and algae proof, and they are simple to patch.
A rubber roof has another significant advantage over other options in that it is produced in an extremely environmentally friendly manner. In fact, your rubber roof can even be recycled once you’re done with it! Rubber roofs are a smart choice for any home when you consider their ability to withstand fire and lightning. Continue reading to learn more about the average price of rubber roofing in the UK and other topics.
How Much Does Rubber Roof Cost?
Due to its longevity and ease of maintenance, installing an EPDM rubber roof can more than pay for itself. You can use the table below to estimate the rubber roof cost across different scenarios as it can be determined by various factors.
| Job Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single garage rubber roof installation | £1,00-£1,500 |
| Double garage rubber roof installation | £1,500-£2,000 |
| 2-storey extension rubber rood installation | £1,500-£2,500 |
Rubber roof supply cost
You might need to know how much the materials will cost if you intend to install a rubber roof yourself. The roofing material itself, the rubber membrane, and any insulation you decide to install are the supplies you’ll need.
The supply costs for this kind of work are displayed in the table below:
| Type of Supply | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Rubber roofing rolls cost | £10-£15 per square metre |
| EPDM rubber roofing cost | £60-£90 per square metre |
| Fibreglass insulation cost | £10-£15 per square metre |
| PIR insulation boards cost | £10-£18 per square metre |
| Adhesive and sealant cost | £50-£80 |
Additional rubber roof cost that may apply
When it comes to installing a rubber roof, there are a number of additional costs to consider, such as:
Scaffolding Costs
You’ll probably need to hire scaffolding to complete the work when installing a new rubber roof. Some builders might bring their own scaffolding and charge for it as part of the total estimate. You might, however, occasionally have to make a separate payment for the scaffolding.
A scaffold tower typically costs between £400 and £800.
Guttering Costs
If it’s been a while since your gutters were replaced, you might want to consider installing new gutters when you install a new roof. This can make your house look nicer, as well as contribute to adequate drainage and help stop any potential leaks.
Soffits and Fascias Costs
To further enhance the appearance of your home, you may also want to replace the soffits and fascias. Your fascias and soffits will all match if you replace them all at once. Fascia and soffit replacement typically costs between £1000 and £4600. The size of your house and the caliber of the materials will affect the final price.
11 Rubber Roofing Cost Factors
Although the prices for rubber roofing in the table above are typical for small flat roofs, there are a number of other factors that influence the final cost. In addition, there are other expenses to factor into the budget:
1. Roof size
Larger roofs take longer to install and require more EPDM and adhesive. Costs of labor and materials consequently rise. Costs for EPDM rubber typically range from £50 to £80/m2. Larger roofs require more EPDM, which adds to their cost, and they take longer to install. In contrast, smaller roofs are less expensive.
2. EPDM rubber dimensions
The roll can be custom-cut to your desired length and comes in a variety of widths. Typically, 1.5mm thick membranes come in sizes up to 30m and widths ranging from 0.5m to 9m. As an alternative, get a sheet cut in one piece to fit your roof.
3. Type of project
The house extension roof has a higher labor cost and a longer completion time than the other roofs, as shown in the table. Because an extension joins the existing house in this instance and requires flashing to overlap the rubber upstand, we assume there will be additional work. We assume detached garages and sheds.
4. Accessories
You have to purchase more than just the membrane. Typical accessories cost £120 for a 5L tub of rubber adhesive, £120 for a roof pipe flashing kit, £18 for a 2.5m length of edge and gutter drip trim, and £25 for a pack of 20 insulation fixings.
5. Ease of access
A roof may occasionally have an odd shape or be too high to safely access. As a result, you require scaffolding, which ranges in price from £35-£55/m2.
6. Roof Height or Pitch
A residential building typically has a high pitch. A higher pitch can increase the cost of replacing a rubber roof by 15% to 50% due to the specialised installation equipment required. Sheet roofing works better on bigger home additions with flat or low slopes. However, flat roofing is generally only used in a very small percentage of residential applications.
7. Membrane Type
Depending on the kind of membrane material you select, your cost will change a little. While TPO and PVC membranes are thermoplastics, EPDM is a thermoset. Single-ply roofing membranes made of EPDM, TPO, and PVC have different qualities, but they all perform similarly on your roof. Rolls and sheets of rubber roofing are frequently priced per square, which is equal to 100 square feet.
8. Waste removal
A registered waste handler must dispose of the old roof covering and EPDM offcuts in accordance with national and local waste regulations. Consequently, the simplest method is to hire a waste skip. Prices for a small skip start at £120 to £150, and waste that isn’t diverted to landfills costs £120 to £160 per tonne. A local authority permit, which costs £60, is required if you can’t fit a skip on your property and want to leave it there.
9. Flat roof slopes
Even though it may seem contradictory, a so-called “flat roof” needs to have a slight slope of between 1:40 and 1:80 to ensure that rainwater drains towards the guttering. You must include a gradient in the project if your roof lacks one, which may require replacing the roof timbers. Flat roofs must be designed, specified, installed, and maintained in accordance with BS 6229 and BS 8217.
10. Timber repairs
We have assumed in our discussion up to this point that the decking and underlying structural timber are solid and will support the rubber roofing. This isn’t always the case, especially if a leak has been present in an old garage roof for a long time. Before installing the EPDM in this instance, the joists must be replaced. Moreover, a number of variables, including the span and weight of the roof, affect the dimensions of structural timber.
Rubber roofing cost across different types
Rubber roofing cost per square foot
The size of your rubber roof has an impact on the cost, as was already mentioned. The more materials and labor hours needed for installation depend on the square footage of your roof. It might be helpful to request a quote per square foot for smaller roofs. The typical price per square foot for rubber roofing is £8 to £12.
EPDM rubber roofing cost
With its durability and additional features, this kind of rubber roofing can be a fantastic choice. It might be a little more expensive than other roofing types, but it is well worth the price. The average price per square meter for EPDM rubber roofing is £75.
Cost of rubber roofing membrane
In order to protect any belongings under your roof as well as the structure of your home, it is crucial to build a watertight roof. Roofing membranes are useful in this situation. Rubber roofing membranes typically cost £250 to £350.
Rubber roof replacement cost
It might be time to replace your rubber roof if it already has seen better days. Remember that minor tears can probably be patched, but if the damage is more severe, a replacement might be the best option. For a double garage, the typical replacement rubber roof expense is £2,000 to £4,000.
How Long Does Rubber Roofing Last?
We can categorically state that an EPDM rubber roof can last thirty to fifty years with proper installation, a suitable preventative inspection and maintenance regime, and no severe weather. Compared to a typical bitumen felt flat roof covering, this lifespan is significantly longer.
Do Rubber roofs crack?
In contrast to many other roof coverings, EPDM does not split or crack with age. However, it can be harmed mechanically by things like falling branches or bad weather. It’s easy to repair cracks or other damage in rubber by using contact adhesive and scraps of EPDM, a repair kit, or both. However, always abide by the directions provided by the manufacturer.
It’s not difficult to keep an eye out for cracks and damage from birds and falling branches on your rubber roof. Although it is uncommon, when chicks leave the nest for the first time, they practice pecking on whatever they see first, which is typically the rubber roof.
Benefits of EPDM Rubber Roofing
Although EPDM rubber roofing is still relatively new in the UK, customers have already discovered a number of advantages that make them a worthwhile addition to flat roofs.
Long life
Most objects, including roofs, can be covered with rubber because it is a tough material. With a six-monthly inspection and maintenance schedule, EPDM should last from thirty to fifty years under normal conditions.
Moss and algae proof
Like EPDM, synthetic rubber is resistant to the growth of moss and algae, which may endanger the underlying roof structure. This characteristic ensures that the rubber has a longer lifespan and that there is no growth on the surface.
Made to measure
Despite the fact that many EPDM producers produce rolls in different widths, many also cut their rubber sheets to your precise measurements. Because of this, you can typically cover the entire roof with a single, undamaged piece of EPDM. By doing this, the likelihood that rain will get inside joints where the rubber sheet separates from the adhesive is decreased.
Repair and maintenance
If your EPDM roof covering sustains damage, you can fix it quickly with repair kits and patches that you can buy online or directly from the manufacturer. EPDM is simple to fix if you’re comfortable doing it yourself and watch one of the many online video guides.
Lightweight
Although two people would be more convenient, it’s not difficult to carry an EPDM rubber roll onto the roof and install it yourself due to its light weight.
Fire resistance
EPDM rubber complies with Approved Document B of the Building Regulations because it is fire-resistant.
How long does it take to install a rubber roof?
Most roofers won’t need more than one or two days to install a rubber roof, depending on the size of the roof. If additional roof pipes, such as air conditioning vents, chimneys, and joints with existing walls need waterproofing, they might require an additional day. In these situations, the roofer must combine EPDM and flashing to provide weatherproofing. But doing this can be challenging. Additionally, you discover that installing a one-piece roof covering is quicker than joining rolls. Additionally, there is a lower likelihood of a leak starting.
Useful rubber roofing checklist
- Rubber roofing is a tough and watertight material that is a great way to finish a flat or sloped roof.
- The lifespan and functionality of rubber roofing more than offset the average cost of this type of roof.
- A single-ply rubber membrane is used to create the rubber roofing material known as EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer.
- The price of rubber roofing will depend on elements like the size and type of roof. It is not advised that you install a rubber roof yourself, but small tears and holes can be quickly repaired as a DIY project.
As discussed above, rubber roof cost can largely vary and is therefore best that you get multiple quotes from different roofing contractors in the area. At PRS Roofing, we provide free estimates and no-obligation quotations for rubber roof projects in Nottingham. Do get in touch with us for learn more about how we can help you with the same.
