Roof work by McCluskey Roofing
Need it sorted? Book an EPDM roof
If you already know you want a rubber roof, ask for a free quote and we will look at the roof and explain each item.
Roof size and shape
EPDM membrane is supplied in large sheets, so a simple rectangular roof can often be covered in one piece. Irregular shapes, cut-outs and several small roofs take more time and create more offcuts. Size is the starting point, but shape and complexity often matter just as much.
Flat roofing
- Standing water and roof drainage considered
- Underlying deck condition assessed
- Upstands and wall junctions checked
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Request a free quoteStripping the old roof
Most EPDM jobs begin by removing the existing covering, whether felt, asphalt or an older membrane. The more layers there are, and the more stubbornly they are stuck down, the longer it takes. Waste disposal is part of the price.
Deck condition
The membrane needs a smooth, firm and dry deck. If the old boards are soft, uneven or rotten, they have to be replaced. This is often the biggest unknown until the covering is off, so a good quote explains how it will be handled and priced.
Insulation and warm roof build-ups
If the roof is being upgraded to a warm roof, insulation boards and a vapour control layer go under the membrane. That adds materials and labour, but can also improve comfort in the room below and may be required when most of a roof is renewed. Our warm roof guide explains the options.
Edges, upstands and outlets
Every roof has edges that need trims, and many have walls, windows, roof lights or pipes to seal around. These details take time and materials. A roof with three walls and a roof lantern needs much more work than a simple garage with open edges.
Access
Easy ground-floor access keeps costs down. A dormer or a second-storey roof may need scaffolding or a tower, and a roof reached only through a back lane or a neighbour’s garden can slow the job.
Is cheap rubber roofing worth it?
Lower prices sometimes come from thinner membrane, glued edges instead of proper trims, skipped deck repairs or no allowance for upstands. Those shortcuts can lead to early failure. Comparing what each quote includes is more useful than comparing the totals alone.
EPDM compared with replacing felt
Replacing felt with felt may look cheaper at first, but the true difference depends on the detail of each job. EPDM often needs less maintenance and copes well with temperature changes. Our flat roof replacement cost guide gives a wider picture.
Membrane thickness and quality
EPDM is made in different thicknesses and grades. Thicker membranes are more resistant to damage and are normally used on roofs that see more foot traffic or have a more complex shape. Reputable systems come with matching adhesives, primers, tapes and trims, all designed to work together. Using mismatched products can save a little but weaken the joints.
Roof lights and lanterns
A roof lantern or flat roof light needs a proper upstand and careful sealing of the membrane up and around it. Replacing an old leaking roof light at the same time is common and adds to the cost, but it makes sense while the roof is open.
Gutters and fascias
New edge trims often fix to the fascia boards. If those boards are rotten, they need replacing before the trims go on. Many people also renew the gutter at the same time so the whole edge is tidy and sound.
Time of year
EPDM adhesives need dry conditions and suitable temperatures. Work in the colder months is still possible but depends on the weather, so jobs may be scheduled around the forecast. That rarely changes the cost but can affect when work starts.
Disruption and timescales
Most domestic EPDM roofs are completed in a short time once the weather allows. The rooms below normally stay usable, though dust can come through old ceilings when the deck is lifted, so moving belongings out of the way is wise. A quote should give an idea of how long the job will take.
Ready for a quote
Send us photos and tell us roughly how big the roof is. We will inspect it, explain the options and give you a free quote for an EPDM roof.