How Long Will a Rubber Flat Roof Last?

Here at Permaroof Peterborough we’ll always recommend a Firestone rubber flat roof, but for the majority of homeowners, having to consider roofing materials is not a key priority. However, choosing the right type can have significant impacts on both cost and replacement lifecycles. Going for the cheapest option may seem like the right choice in the short-term but different materials have varying life expectancies, which can cost a lot more in the long run.

Longevity of roofing materials

Slates and concrete have the longest life expectancy (up to 100 years) but are also the heaviest option, and it may not be possible to create your desired design without a high cost. Slates are notorious for being broken or even blown off in extremely high winds, so the long-term costs can be expensive.

Metal is less expensive than slate but has a shorter life span, with an estimate of 40-60 years. Metal roofs can be prone to punctures, tears and pooling of water, plus they can be unsuitable for some building types. You wouldn’t want to create a sauna effect in your home office during summer!

Asphalt shingles present a more stylish option than concrete or metal but have the shortest life expectancy at around 20 years. They are not suitable for areas with high water run-off or risk of moss, as this can cause the shingles to break off.

A traditional felt roof is the cheapest option but also carries the lowest life span. There is a higher risk of leaking, tears and pooling of water with a felt roof.

EPDM rubber carries a life expectancy of more than 50 years and is more robust than metal. It is fire and UV resistant and is a great option for roofs with high water run-off. It also represents a very cost-effective option.

How can I prolong the life of my EPDM rubber flat roof?

Buy a quality product

The old adage of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ rings true here. Whilst it might be tempting to shave a few pounds off the price, buying a good quality, genuine EPDM membrane for your roof will ensure it lasts an age.

Proper installation

Making sure your EPDM membrane is applied correctly will mean your flat roof will be properly sealed and you avoid any leaks, gaps or breaks. Perfect for protection against the British weather! Although EPDM rubber is suitable for DIY installation, for the best results it is always best to use an approved, trained professional to install your roof.

Correct preparation

When discussing your roofing requirements with your installer, ensure you understand what is required to adequately prepare the area. An EPDM rubber flat roof can be overlaid on other roofing types as long as they are in good condition and prepared correctly. The roof is installed by applying adhesive to both the membrane material and the existing roof. The temperature needs to be above 5 degrees for installation.

As with any major purchase for the exterior of your home, when choosing a flat roof material there are a number of factors to take into account. Getting the right balance of longevity, cost and practicality is important to help avoid any costly mistakes. With an EPDM rubber flat roof, you have the peace of mind that the installation is expected to last for around 50 years, and increases the likelihood of never worrying about replacing your flat roof materials again.

 

Why choose us for your rubber flat roof installation?

Standard features of our service include:

• Full site survey by experienced personnel
• Complete report including expected residual lifetime of roof and necessary details
• Recommendations for new or remedial works and the appropriate installation system
• Quotation based on experienced estimation, survey, report and recommendation
• Site safety planning is included as standard, including conformance to all relevant Health and Safety Regulations

All this helps to provide reliable and professional, permanently waterproof flat roofing installations.