How Long Does an EPDM Rubber Flat Roof Last?

rubber flat roof life expectancy

One of the most important questions to consider when replacing your roof. EPDM rubber flat roof life expectancy is between 40-50 years, but some EPDM rubber roofs have been known to last for even longer.

It depends on the quality of materials used, the installation technique, and the maintenance of the roof. It's also worth noting that the climate of your area will affect your EPDM rubber flat roof life expectancy.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) have a lower life expectancy of around 15-20 years. TPO is widely used as a rubber roof material as it is cheaper than other rubber roof products available and is usually a grey-white colour, better suiting a warmer climate, and often matching the appearance of buildings in this climate. Although you may save money in the short term with TPO, with a lower life expectancy it will likely need repairs sooner and may even need to be replaced within the life expectancy of an EPDM rubber flat roof. Similarly, PVC has a lifespan of almost half that of EPDM and is more expensive than TPO.

  • EPDM rubber flat roof life expectancy can be increased even further by carefully choosing the supplier and the brand of EPDM membrane used. It may be best to seek the help of a reputable roofing company for consultation and installation, particularly one which specialises in installing EPDM flat roof membranes.

 

EPDM Rubber Roofing Membrane 1.5mm – Rubber Flat Roofs EPDM Rubber Roofing Membrane 1.5mm – Rubber Flat Roof

 

  • The longevity of your EPDM rubber flat roof will be affected by the climate in your region. In the UK, the climate is fairly temperate so damage due to extreme and prolonged UV exposure is not a huge problem. Heavy and sudden rainfall (and also snow/ice) can damage EPDM rubber flat roofs if the roof isn’t properly maintained, so it’s worth carrying out a few checks a year and keeping an eye out for pooling water on the roof. Check out our blog on roof maintenance here.
  • Maintenance is one of the biggest contributing factors to your EPDM rubber flat roof life expectancy. It is also one of the many advantages of EPDM; one of its best qualities, in addition to its lifespan, is its ease of repair. Compared to other flat roof membranes, it has a great potential for repair and restoration if there are any problems.

At Rubber Flat Roof, we offer a warranty service of 20 years for a thinner membrane, and 30 years for a thicker membrane to ensure you can be rest assured your rubber roofing needs are taken care of.