Most of the time, a repair is all you need. EPDM is a simple flat roofing material to handle, and a good repair can extend the life of an ageing roof for several more years. Fixing a roof that really needs to be replaced will just delay the problem and often ends up being more expensive later on. We will talk about usual EPDM issues, how to tell if your roof needs fixing or replacaaired. What Is EPDM and Why Is It Repairable? EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber roof membrane material that is commonly used in the UK on flat roofs and low-pitched roofs of garages, extensions and sheds and commercial properties. One of EPDM's characteristics is that it sticks well to repair products, even when it's been exposed to the weather. EPDM doesn't stiffen or degrade to the point that it is difficult to repair, as some other roofing membranes do. It is also available in large sheets, so if installed correctly, there are very few seams, and few seams equals few leaks. TIP: Don't use bitumen, asphalt or roofing cements on EPDM. They will cause an EPDM roof to deteriorate. Always use EPDM repair products. When Can an EPDM Roof Actually Be Worth Repairing? Most of the time, fixing an EPDM roof makes more sense if: There's just one problem spot: A single tear, a lifted seam, or a leaky flashing isn't a reason to assume the whole roof is shot. The roof isn't ancient: Less than 15 years old with no other major issues creeping in? You're better off fixing it rather than replacing the whole thing. You can actually find where the water's getting in: If you can track down the source of the leak, that makes it a whole lot easier to fix. The boards underneath aren't too soggy: If the timber or insulation hasn't been sitting around in damp conditions for years, you might just be able to get by with a surface repair. How to Repair an EPDM Roof: The Right Way If you’re going to repair, doing it properly matters. A bad or hurried repair isn’t going to last, and using the wrong products can make it worse. Step 1: Thoroughly Clean the Area Dirt, chalking or other contamination will prevent bonding. Clean with a mild detergent, or EPDM cleaner and allow to dry. Do not repair in freezing or rain Step 2: Inspect the Damage With it clean, determine the extent of the damage. For tears, see if the edges of the membrane are still attached to the substrate. For seams, peel up to check how far it has opened. Don't neglect this, you need to address the entire length of the problem, not just the glaring tip. Cut out at least 10cm - 20cm more than just the damaged spot this way you will also remove any microscopic tears. Step 3: Use the Right EPDM Adhesive A contact adhesive for EPDM is required to re-glue seams and edges. Spread it on the substrate and membrane, let it dry (it feels dry but tacky) and then press and roll to get rid of bubbles with a seam roller. Our EPDM Contact Adhesive is designed specifically for this job, and our Water Based Deck Adhesive is a good option for larger areas where the membrane needs rebonding to the deck. Step 4: Apply a Patch for Punctures or Tears For punctures or small tears, cut a patch of EPDM rubber that extends at least 50–75mm beyond the damage on all sides. Apply adhesive to the back of the patch and the prepared roof surface. Allow to tack, then press down firmly and roll out air pockets from the centre outward. Put a good amount of lap sealant around the edges of the patch. This step is important. If the patch edges are not sealed, they will come up over time. Step 5: Reseal Flashings and Edges Most EPDM leaks occur not in the main part of the membrane but at the edges and seams, where the rubber connects with a wall, parapet, or roof drain. Check all these details carefully. Reflash where needed using compatible materials, and reseal with a good lap sealant. For trimming and edge detailing, our Sure Edge Kerb Trim and Sure Edge Gutter Drip Trim are both compatible with EPDM and give a clean, professional finish to the edges. What About Larger Repair Kits? For garage roofs, shed roofs, or flat roof extensions where a larger area needs attention or a full re-cover is required, our complete Classic Bond EPDM Flat Roof Kits include everything you need: the membrane, adhesive, trims, and instructions. These kits are ideal for a full re-cover rather than a patch repair, and at the cost of materials, a DIY re-cover is often far more affordable than you'd expect. We also carry dedicated EPDM Garage Roof Kits and Skyguard Roof Kits for smaller outbuildings, so you can get the right amount of material for the job without overspending. If you want to build a custom kit based on your exact measurements, use our EPDM Classic Kit Builder to get exactly what you need. EPDM Repair vs. Fibreglass: Is It Worth Switching? One question that comes up fairly often is whether it makes sense to convert from EPDM to a fibreglass (GRP) system when a roof needs significant work. There's no straightforward answer. EPDM and GRP are both excellent roofing systems with different strengths. EPDM is more forgiving on roofs with movement (timber frames, extensions), it's easier for DIYers to install, and it handles cold weather well. GRP gives you a completely seamless, rigid surface that's extremely hard-wearing and particularly good where foot traffic is involved. If you're doing a full replacement anyway, it's worth weighing both options based on your specific roof. You can read more in our guide to EPDM vs fibreglass roofing or browse our full range of GRP Roofing Kits if you're considering a switch. How Long Will an EPDM Repair Last? An EPDM patch or seam repair will last 10 years or more if installed properly. Preparation is important, as well as compatibility and edge sealing. This is one reason that EPDM is so easy to repair compared to other flat roofing systems. According to the EPDM Roofing Association , EPDM is one of the few roofing systems that can be brought back to near new condition after years of exposure. But a repair only fixes what is broken. If the rest of the roof is starting to wear out, yearly checks are a good way to catch small problems before they turn into big ones. Can I Repair My EPDM Roof? Anyone with the right tools and materials can do minor repairs to patch, re-seal the edge and re-bond seams. EPDM is a material that can be installed without the use of heat guns or tradesman skills. If you don’t know how bad the damage is, if the leak is coming from somewhere you can’t access, or if it’s a relatively large area, it’s a good idea to get a roofer’s opinion first. For repairs with large areas of membrane damage and/or complex roof penetrations of the structural deck, we recommend a professional. Maintenance Hacks to Keep Your EPDM Roof In Top Condition A bit of routine TLC and you'll be miles ahead when it comes to avoiding premature EPDM roof failures. Most of the time, it's the small stuff that goes wrong because we let it fester for too long, and the good news is that most of these early warning signs can be easily picked up on. Clear your drains and gutters. Get rid of any blockages to stop water from pooling up and putting extra pressure on your EPDM membrane. Try to stay off the roof as much as you can. You'd be surprised how many punctures are caused by people just walking on the roof. Take a look at your flashings and edges after a decent storm. You'd think it's obvious but a lot of damage from strong winds and debris happens right at the edges - where the membrane meets walls, gutters and parapets. Only use products that are made for your EPDM roof. The last thing you need is some bitumen mastic or general-purpose adhesive eating into your membrane. Inspect your roof twice a year. Spring and autumn are good times to do this - before summer heat sets in and after the winter's done. It's a quick 20 minutes of your time. Our EPDM training resources contain some great video guides on installing and maintaining your EPDM roof - including all the dos and don'ts. Repair or Replace? Situation Recommendation Small puncture or tear Repair with patch kit Lifted or separated seam Repair with contact adhesive Localised leak around a flashing Repair/reflash Membrane pulling away from edges Repair if isolated, assess fully if widespread Multiple leaks across the roof Assess full condition - may need replacement Membrane cracked or brittle throughout Replace Substrate (decking) is wet or rotting Replace Roof over 25 years old with widespread problems Replace Get the Right Products for the Job Whether you're repairing, or replacing or installing a new roof, having the right materials and accessories is the key to a repair that lasts for years, not months. Explore our extensive range of EPDM roofing products - kits, adhesives, trims and accessories - or use our EPDM Kit Builder to create the perfect fit for your roof. If you're still not sure, call us on 0800 612 7903 and we'll advise you on the best course of action.
