Five Factors to Keep in Mind if You're Embarking on a DIY Rubber Flat Roofing Project

EPDM is a type of rubber roofing that creates a very strong waterproof barrier through its carbon-to-carbon chemical bonds.

One of the appealing qualities of EPDM roofing is its ease of installation. Here at Rubber Flat Roof, we have countless online videos and tutorials that guide beginners through the installation process. However, it is worth weighing up whether you are able to take on such a project on your own.

1. Do you have the right experience?

• As with any amateur project, you will need a certain level of knowledge and technical skill to ensure your roof will meet its long lifespan. 
• The more research you do and the more you become familiar with the materials and processes, the more successful your project is likely to be. This knowledge does not have to be professional and you can learn a lot from our handy online videos and tutorials.
• Not everyone will have the experience to make them feel confident handling these materials – even after watching tutorials. In this case, finding a friendly and fair professional could be one of the best investment decisions you make.

2. Do you take safety awareness seriously?

• Never undertake a DIY project without being aware of health and safety issues.
• Remember to wear suitable clothing and read the packaging on all chemical products involved, as some might be solvent-based and require adequate ventilation. For further health and safety advice, have a look at our guest post on the Work Safety Blog.

3. Do you know someone who can help?

• As with all roofing work, it is best not to undertake a project alone. Working on roofs can be very dangerous, particularly in certain weather conditions and you should ask someone to help you with your DIY project. Although flat roofs look a lot easier to work on, they come with their own hazards and it’s best to seek help from a friend or family member.

4. Have you done your research?

• You will need to calculate how much of the EPDM material you will need to cover your roof. Find out more information about this here.
• We provide a EPDM calculator if you would like a basic idea of the materials required for your project.
• Most rubber roof membranes need to be applied onto a special timber board (this must be in good condition so as not to damage the EPDM membrane).

5. Are you confident in your ability?

• As aforementioned, it is crucial that you research the construction steps and warnings in depth. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer to see extensive written descriptions, well-labelled diagrams, or more interactive videos, as long as you feel confident in your ability by the end of it!

If you feel you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you are in a good position to tackle the job yourself. If not, it could be worth investing in professional installation. Knowing that the work is carried out correctly will likely save you a lot of stress and money in the long run.