Rubber Roofing Cost

How Much Does a Rubber Roof Cost?

Rubber or EPDM roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a type of single-ply rubber membrane available in different thicknesses (usually from 1.1mm – 1.5mm), mainly used for garage roofs.

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

In 2026, typical rubber roofing prices of around £60 per square metre mean the average rubber roof costs £1,050 fully 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 used, and your location.

This £1,050 figure is based on a typical mid-sized domestic project of around 17.5 square metres, similar in scale to a single garage roof or a small outbuilding, priced at the average rate of £60 per square metre. Larger or smaller projects, such as those in the table below, will cost more or less overall, even where the price per square metre is higher or lower.

Rubber Roof Prices By Project

Here is a breakdown of the typical cost to install rubber roofing for different projects:

EPDM Rubber Roofing Prices per m²

Putting those EPDM rubber prices into context, let's break them down into how much typical projects cost per m²:

Why is a double rubber garage roof cheaper than a single garage roof per m²?

The total project cost will be higher, but a double roof's price per m² is lower because roofers can install it more efficiently.

This is because the surface area is larger, so there's less stopping and starting or moving to a different location to reset tools and equipment, reducing the roofer's labour time, contributing to lower costs per m².

So, how do I calculate rubber roofing costs in the UK? Use our Rubber Roof Cost Calculator below to estimate the cost for your project.

Rubber Roof Cost Calculator

This estimate covers the rubber membrane, labour, and any roof preparation or removal you've specified. It doesn't include scaffolding or insulation upgrades. See the Additional Rubber Roofing Costs section for guidance on those.

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How Long Does Rubber Roof Installation Take?

The smaller the area, the shorter the rubber roofing project will take:

What Affects the Cost of a Rubber Roof?

The cost of installing EPDM rubber roofing will vary from one project to another. Here are the main factors that affect the price of your rubber roofing project.

• Roof Size – Bigger roofs cost more overall, though the price per square metre usually drops as the project gets larger.
• EPDM Thickness and Quality – Thicker, fleece-backed membranes cost more than standard options but tend to be more durable.
• Location – Labour rates vary by region, with most roofers charging £250 to £350 per day, and prices in London and the South East typically 15% to 25% higher than the rest of the UK.
• Roof Complexity – Roofs with skylights, vents, or awkward shapes take more time and materials to fit.
• Roof Access – Roofs that are hard to reach, or that need scaffolding, add time and cost to the job.
• Condition of the Existing Deck – If the deck underneath the old roof is damaged or rotten, it will need repairing or replacing before the new membrane can go down.
• Time of Year – Some roofers offer more competitive pricing during quieter periods, such as winter, although installation still needs dry, mild conditions.

Additional Rubber Roofing Costs to Consider

Factors such as roof size and choice of EPDM will affect all rubber roofing projects, but there are also potential additional costs that you should be aware of, which will vary from project to project.

Where are you planning to install rubber roofing?

Garage

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Shed or workshop

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Garden room/outhouse

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Other (garden terrace, porch, balcony etc)

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Scaffolding

High roofs or those that are difficult to access may require scaffolding to enable the roofer to safely and properly install your rubber roof. For a single-storey garage or outbuilding, a small tower typically costs an additional £600 to £1,200. Larger jobs, such as a 2-storey extension roof, may need a full elevation scaffold instead, which costs considerably more — see our scaffolding cost guide for a full breakdown by project size.

Waste Removal

If it's required, most rubber roofing quotes will include the removal of your old roof, but depending on the amount of waste this creates, you might need to factor in additional costs for skip hire, with a medium-sized skip costing between £220 and £400.

Insulation Upgrades

If your current roof doesn't meet building regulations, you'll probably need to upgrade the roof insulation when your new rubber roof is installed. Depending on the system and materials used, this can add a further £30 to £70 per square metre to your rubber roofing costs.

Ongoing Maintenance

Keeping up with regular roof maintenance can help you catch small issues early, before they turn into a costly repair or an early replacement.

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Rubber Roof?

Not every problem with a rubber roof means you need a full replacement. Depending on the extent of the damage and the age of your roof, a repair may be enough to see you through for several more years.

New Installation vs Replacement Costs

Replacing an existing rubber roof typically costs a similar amount to a new installation, as most quotes already include removing and disposing of the old roof covering. If the roof deck underneath turns out to be damaged, though, repairing or replacing it as well as the membrane can add significantly to the cost, in some cases close to doubling the total project price.

Signs You Should Repair

• The damage is limited to one small area, such as an isolated tear, puncture, or blister.
• The roof is less than 15 to 20 years old and the membrane is otherwise in good condition.
• The roof deck underneath is still sound and dry.
• This is the first time the roof has needed attention.

Signs You Should Replace

• The membrane shows widespread cracking, shrinkage, or blistering across the roof.
• You're dealing with leaks in more than one area.
• The roof is more than 20 to 25 years old.
• The deck underneath is rotten or damaged.
• The roof has already been patched or repaired multiple times.

Cost of Repairs

Small jobs, like fixing a tear or a failed seam, are usually inexpensive compared to a full replacement. If removing the old covering reveals unexpected problems with the deck, it's worth budgeting an extra 10% to 15% on top of your quote for these unforeseen costs.

What's Involved in Installing a Rubber Roof?

With any EPDM rubber roofing, manufacturers recommend professional installation only.

Here are the steps your roofing contractor will take:

Before the Job Starts

• Initial Inspection – An inspection will check your current roof for any damage, leaks, or structural issues that will need to be addressed before the installation.
• Measuring and Quoting – The roof will be measured and details of the required work noted, allowing the roofer to provide an accurate quote for materials, labour, and any additional costs.

During the Installation

• Old Roof Removal – The old roof will be removed and disposed of, and any required repairs completed.
• Deck Preparation – The roof deck will be prepared and checked to ensure it's clean and completely dry, as the adhesive won't bond if any moisture is present.
• Membrane Preparation – 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.
• Bonding – 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.
• Edge Finishing – The roof edges are secured with the necessary fixings, adhesives, and trims for a watertight seal.
• Surface Finishing – 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.

After the Job

• Final Checks – The roofer will check to make sure the installation has been completed properly and the roof is correctly sealed and watertight.
• Clean-Up and Waste Removal – The site is tidied and any remaining waste material removed.
• Guarantee – Any guarantee or warranty paperwork will be provided, along with recommendations for any ongoing maintenance to prolong the life of the new roof.

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.

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

There are several things worth considering before hiring a roofer for your rubber roofing project. Below is a list of the main things to check when finding the right contractor for the job:

• Does the roofer have experience fitting EPDM rubber roofing? Check their portfolio or ask for examples of recent rubber roofing jobs, ideally similar in size to yours.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile, website, or social media for feedback from past customers.
• Are they insured? Public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement, but it protects you against accidental damage or injury claims.
• Do they offer a guarantee? Most reputable roofers will guarantee their workmanship, and some EPDM brands offer a manufacturer's warranty too.
• Have you got at least three quotes? Ask for an itemised breakdown, so you can compare like for like and check what's included.
• How long will the job take, and what happens if there's a delay? A good roofer should give you a realistic timeframe upfront.

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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 £60 per m², costing an estimated £1,050 for the average rubber roof installation.

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 £240 per m², working out at £2,100 to £2,700 for a 10m² fully-insulated fibreglass dormer roof.

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 £80 to £120 per m², with the average flat roof replacement costing £2,500.

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

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