Rubber Roofing Cost

Want to know how much EPDM rubber roof installation costs in the UK?

In 2025, the average rubber roof costs £1,250 to get installed. However, the cost of rubber roof installation will vary depending on a few different factors, including the size of the roof, the thickness of the EPDM roof materials, and your location in the UK.

This guide covers everything you need to know about rubber roofing costs in the UK. We look at what EPDM rubber prices are, the cost to install rubber roofing, and much more!

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How Much Is Rubber Roofing?

Rubber or EPDM roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a type of single-ply rubber membrane around 50mm thick and is mostly used on flat roofs.

You can buy this roofing material in rolls up to 50 feet wide. It is usually black, but can have pigments or dyes added to make it lighter if you need to keep a building cooler.

Rubber roofs are lightweight and easy to install, while being very effective at keeping a roof watertight.

Even better, they have a long lifespan and don’t need much maintenance. Whatever type or shape of roof you have, rubber can be installed easily, and if it becomes damaged by punctures or tears, it is also really easy to patch.

So, how do I calculate rubber roofing costs?

The typical cost of rubber roofing in the UK is around £1,250, which includes supply and labour costs.

Rubber Roof Prices

What Do You Need to Consider When Installing a Rubber Roof?

Rubber roofs are not the most aesthetically pleasing choice, but they are more watertight than shingles or felt, making them a good choice for flat roofs.

Although rubber roofs are durable, they can crack or shrink with changes in weather. You may need repairs from time to time.

If you're looking for a "green" choice, rubber is a good option as it takes less energy to produce than other roofing materials, and is usually made from recycled materials.

Rubber is also fire resistant, and is almost impossible to set on fire, even with lightning!

What's Involved in Installing a Rubber Roof?

With any EPDM-type roofing, manufacturers recommend professional installation only.

Here are the steps your roofing contractor will take:

• The roof deck will be prepared and checked to ensure it's completely dry, as the adhesive won't bond if any moisture is present.
• The rubber membrane will be rolled out and smoothed to remove any creases or folds from storage.
• Once flat and relaxed, the adhesive will be applied to the roof deck.
• The rubber membrane will be pressed down onto the adhesive, starting the bonding process. This will be done one half at a time, with the same process being repeated until the entire roof membrane is attached.
• Any loose edges will be attached with nails.
• If desired, the roof can be finished off with a coating of gravel to improve the appearance and to add weight to keep the membrane secure.

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Can You Install a Rubber Roof Yourself?

Some flat roof replacement and repair jobs can be done on a DIY basis, plus there are a number of waterproofing and sealant patching materials which can make temporary repairs, giving you time to gather quotes and save up for more expensive professional repairs.

But, if the damage to the roof is localised to just a small area, it might be possible to complete a long-term repair, rather than replacing the roof.

However, it's usually not cost-effective to hire a contractor to carry out flat roof repairs, as it will work out only slightly cheaper than getting a completely new roof. In addition, often making repairs to a flat roof is a waste of money, and you can even make things worse if you don’t know what you are doing!

You can buy rubber roofing kits specifically designed for DIY installation, but avoid these unless you are 100% sure they will be suitable for your roof, and more extensive repairs are not necessary.

Rubber Roofing Alternatives

Let's compare the pros and cons of rubber roofing with some other roofing alternatives to give you an idea of what's on the market.

Rubber Roof Costs

Rubber roofs give a good balance between affordability and durability, but their appearance might not be desirable for all homeowners.

The typical cost of a rubber roof is £1,250.

Pros

• ✔ Long-lasting and durable
• ✔ Easy to patch repair if the roof becomes damaged
• ✔ Affordable, widely-available

Cons

• ✖ Rubber roofs can shrink over time if the original installation is incorrect
• ✖ Can be susceptible to punctures
• ✖ Not very aesthetically-pleasing

Fibreglass Roof Costs

Fibreglass roofing - or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) - is a roofing material with lightweight but durable properties. It's ideal for extensions and dormers, and is popular with homeowners due to its modern appearance.

The typical cost of a fibreglass roof is between £1,000 to £1,350.

Pros

• ✔ Long lifespan of 20 to 30 years
• ✔ Resistant to rot and moss, as well as being low-maintenance
• ✔ Clean, modern appearance

Cons

• ✖ Typically more expensive to install than rubber or felt roofing
• ✖ Dry weather is required for installation
• ✖ May crack if installed incorrectly

Felt Flat Roof Costs

Felt is a very common flat roofing material in the UK, popular due to its low cost. It's seen on garages, sheds, and outbuildings.

The typical cost of a felt flat roof is between £750 to £1,050.

Pros

• ✔ Low-cost roofing option
• ✔ Quick and easy to install
• ✔ Easy to repair

Cons

• ✖ Shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials of 10 to 15 years
• ✖ Can be prone to leaks if seams aren't properly sealed
• ✖ Not very aesthetically-pleasing, and can look cheap if installed poorly

Checklist: How to Find and Hire a Roofer in the UK

When the time comes to hire a roofer for your rubber roofing project, here's everything you need to do:

• Get at least 3 quotes from different roofers near you to get an idea of local prices.
• Ask for your final quote to be itemised so you can see exactly what's included in the fee - does it include skip hire, waste removal, scaffolding hire, or do you need to organise those yourself?
• Make sure you take a look at the contractor's past work to ensure they've got adequate experience in fitting rubber roofing.
• Look at pictures of their past work, and read over their customer reviews, paying close attention to comments about work ethic and quality.
• Remember to ask about any guarantees or warranties included in the roofer's work.

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