The average price of an EPDM rubber roof is around £40 – 100 per m². Your costs will vary depending on your job.
Looking at replacing an old flat roof or repairing a current one? We’ll talk through some of the key cost factors involved when choosing rubber as your roof material.
Rubber roofing, also known as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is relatively new to the UK market. It is rapidly becoming a popular choice for home and business owners. It’s durable, low-maintenance, affordable and easy to repair.
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Your roofer will discuss with you whether you can opt for a brand-new roof to be built with a rubber membrane finish, or whether you can simply cover your existing roof with this new rubber material.
We’ve put together a handy guide to answer some of your rubber roof cost questions.
Contents
How much does a rubber roof cost?
The below table gives you a rough idea of how much a rubber flat roof is likely to cost for a few common jobs.
| Job type | Estimated duration | Material cost | Labour cost | Average approximate total |
| House extension roof | 2 – 3 days | £1,500 – 2000 | £800 – 1,200 | £2,750 |
| Double garage roof | 2 – 3 days | £1,400 – £1,800 | £800 – 1,200 | £2,600 |
| Single garage roof | 1 day | £600 – 1,200 | £400 – 800 | £1,600 |
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What is EPDM roofing?
EPDM is a type of rubber roofing that is suitable for flat roofs. Made from a single-ply rubber membrane of around 50mm, it is typically used on single-story extensions and garages to provide a water-tight covering to your roof structure which will also ensure strong protection against the elements.
A typical EPDM roofing job will take 1-3 days to complete, depending on accessibility and the size of the property.
EPDM rubber is a durable and cost-effective option for roofing on sheds, workshops, garages, porches, bay windows and flat-roofed home extensions.
EPDM roofing material costs range between £700 and £1,000, and the average price ranges between about £60 – £80m².
Why choose rubber roofing?
Longevity
Rubber roofing is relatively low cost when compared to other roofing options and you can expect a life-span of up to 50 years if well maintained.
Ease of installation
EPDM roof covering is installed without heat so does not require flames to secure it to the property.
Easy to repair
Flat roofs can be prone to damage from falling branches or leaves. Small tears or holes in rubber roofs can be repaired with sealant and larger tears can be patch-repaired without the need for large-scale, expensive work.
Protection from the elements
EPDM offers a secure, water-proof roofing system. It is installed without seams so prevents leaks, draughts and potential mould and condensation from developing on your roof or ceiling effectively.
It is also fire and lightning-proof as it is made with a flame-retardant compound.
You should be aware that rubber can shrink or crack in particularly cold weather conditions, you can discuss the best ways to protect yourself from this with your roofer.
Environmentally friendly
Rubber roofing is recyclable, so if you do need to replace it in many years your old roof will not end up in a landfill. It is also approved for use in green roofing (the process of growing vegetation over your roof space).
EPDM labour cost
Total labour costs per day will range between £200 and £500 and will vary depending on geographical region and the size of the project.
- Preparing the roof structure: Cleaning and/or repairing the existing roof deck, and removing any old roofing material; £2 – 5 per hour.
- Installation: Installing the membrane and your choice of EPDM; £20 – 30 per hour.
- Finishing: Trims and flashing are installed to ensure a secure and water-tight roof surface; £20 – 30 per hour.
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What factors impact the cost of my EPDM roof?
Labour cost
The labour installation cost of rubber roofing is normally around £200 per day but prices will vary around the country depending on your location and proximity to London and the south-east.
Roof size
A larger roof will of course require more labour and materials and therefore incur a higher cost. A smaller roof size, such as a bay window, may be calculated in square feet rather than meters.
You can expect to pay around £8 to £12 per square foot for a smaller roof.
Type of job
Typically used on single-story extensions, flat roofs are also used regularly for garages, outbuildings and sheds as well as commercial units, porches and bay windows.
A smaller job such as a porch or bay window roof will require less labour than a larger job such as an extension, and will likely not require additional materials such as flashing and overlaps.
Ease of access
If scaffolding is required due to the height or difficulty of access to your job, this will incur an additional charge.
Factor in costs of around £900 per week for an average semi-detached two-storey house. Any safety equipment such as harnesses or safety lines for particularly high roofs will also cost more.
Waste removal
The waste from your previous roof covering and any EPDM offcuts may be disposed of using a skip and registered waste management company.
This cost can range from between £150 – 300 per week.
Flat roof slopes
In order for proper drainage, the recommended minimum slope for a flat roof is 1:80 (0.72°), but a slightly steeper angle of 1:40 (1.44°) is recommended for installation.
If your roof does not have a slope at all then it may need to be rebuilt in order to comply with building regulations and prevent future problems due to lack of drainage.
The cost of converting a flat roof to a pitched roof is typically between £3,000 – 4,500.
Existing roof quality
For a new roof to be constructed securely, the existing roof deck (the load-bearing foundation that the rubber roof materials are added to) needs to be in a solid condition.
If this needs repairing or replacing as part of your job, it will cost significantly more (up to £18,000 to build and complete a roof from scratch) than if your roofer can work with the existing roof deck.
Removing old material will cost around £5 – 10 per m². Any additional factors such as specialist asbestos removal will also incur higher costs.
Roof insulation
If required, additional insulation can be added to your rubber roof and you can expect to pay around £10 – 20 per m².
A government grant may be available to aid the cost of your insulation.
Additional services
If your job needs more than just a simple roof installation, you can expect additional charges on top of the basic rate.
Your roofer can install skylights and/or additional drainage if required and add or replace guttering, but these will be subject to higher costs in the total paid.
For example guttering typically costs from £800 to install and fascias & soffits cost in the region of £2,500 for an average house.
Material type
Costs will vary depending on the purpose and composition of the roofing material that you choose.
| Type of EPDM | Benefits | Approximate cost per m² | ||
| Standard EPDM | Popular, cost-effective | £10 – 20 | ||
| Reinforced EPDM | Double puncture resistance compared to non-reinforced. Great for areas with dense foliage. | £15 – 25 | ||
| Fire retardant EPDM | Helps to prevent spread of fire, popular with commercial properties. | £20 – 30 | ||
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In conclusion, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, durable and environmentally friendly roofing option, rubber roofing could be the smart choice for you.
Post a job to discuss your options and get a free, no-obligation quote from a local roofer today.