EPDM rubber will have come to mind in case you had been considering flat roofing. It has been in commercial roofing decades old, but in the last decade or so has become the standard choice among homeowners as well, particularly sheds, garages, extensions of houses, dormers and bay windows. It is because it is so fast, it is so long lasting and there is not much that can go wrong once it is down. We have a complete line of EPDM products at Apex, kits to fit a small shed or a huge roof on a garage, and all the adhesives, trims and accessories you need to complete the job correctly. This blog will take you through each product to be aware of what you are buying. What Is EPDM and Why Does It Work So Well? EPDM is an acronym that means Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, it is a synthetic rubber membrane that was applied on flat roofs since the 1960s.The NHBC guidelines on flat roofing state that flat roofing systems should exhibit durability over the long-term, and EPDM has been known to do just that, with product lifespan of 50 years or more reported in commercial applications. The fact that it is applied cold is what makes it convenient to both DIY and trade installers.No torches, no hot works allow, no expert gear.The adhesive is used to bond the membrane to the deck, the membrane is folded into details at the edges and perimeters and the trims are fitted to hold it all together. The steps are to follow and it makes a watertight roof, period. EPDM also copes with the British climatic conditions. It remains pliable during cold conditions, does not break in the UV and the dark surface sheds standing water without wearing out. That will count when you are considering a roof that must last 20 winters without your returning to it. The question of whether to use EPDM or GRP is not clear in your project? Where you require something hard and rigid, like a fibreglass roofing kit, which can support a foot traffic, but where you require flexibility, speed and cold application, EPDM will win. Our EPDM Product Range We've built our EPDM range around the ClassicBond system, which is one of the most widely used EPDM products in the UK trade, plus Skyguard for smaller applications and Resitrix for gutter lining work. Here's each product broken down. ClassicBond EPDM Flat Roof Kits Our ClassicBond EPDM Flat Roof Kit is the main kit for house extensions, flat roofs over living space, and any application where you need a professional, long-lasting result. The kit includes the ClassicBond EPDM membrane, water-based deck adhesive, perimeter and detail adhesive, and the fleece tape needed for seams and detailing. It comes in sizes to cover your specific roof area, and everything arrives together so there's nothing to chase separately. Not sure on size? Use our ClassicBond Kit Builder to enter your dimensions and get the exact quantities calculated for you. Key benefits: 50+ year expected lifespan when installed correctly on a suitable deck Single-piece membrane option available, no seams across most domestic roof sizes Cold applied throughout, no hot works, no torching, no specialist gear Skyguard EPDM Roof Kits Skyguard is our smaller-scale EPDM kit, ideal for sheds, garden buildings, bin stores, small outbuildings, and any flat roof where you want a durable rubber finish without the cost of a full ClassicBond kit. The membrane is the same quality EPDM material, pre-cut to size, with the adhesive included. A shed roof can realistically be done in a couple of hours by one person. Once the job's done, you'll want the edges finished off properly, take a look at our Sure Edge Gutter Drip Trim to complete the eaves neatly. Key benefits: Sized for small structures, no waste, no offcuts to deal with Straightforward enough for confident DIY, no roofing experience required Far more durable than felt, won't blister, split, or need replacing after a few winters EPDM Garage Roof Kits Temperature changes, standing water, and a lot of moss and waste can be hard on garage roofs if they haven't been taken care of. Our EPDM Garage Roof Kits are sized specifically for standard single and double garage footprints, so you're not having to work out quantities from scratch. The membrane goes over a prepared timber or OSB deck, bonds down with the deck adhesive, and the edges are detailed with our Sure Edge Kerb Trim. Key benefits: Pre-sized for common garage dimensions, takes the guesswork out of ordering Handles the thermal movement of large flat roof areas without cracking or splitting Much lighter than a comparable GRP system, easier to work with on larger areas EPDM Dormer Roof Kits Dormer roofs are one of the trickiest details in domestic roofing, small, awkward shapes with lots of junctions, and they're the first thing to cause problems if they're not done right. EPDM handles dormers particularly well because the membrane can be folded, bonded and dressed into corners without needing separate pieces at every change of direction. Our EPDM Dormer Roof Kits include the membrane and the adhesives to detail the cheeks, top and front face properly. If you're working on a dormer alongside a larger roof, it's worth checking our full EPDM product range to bundle everything into one order. Key benefits: Single membrane wraps the whole dormer, fewer joints, fewer leak points Works over existing substrates where in good condition, no mandatory strip back Compatible with our Sure Edge trim range for a neat finished edge Custom Size? Use Our Kit Builder If your roof doesn't fit a standard size, use our ClassicBond Kit Builder. Enter your roof dimensions and it calculates exactly what you need, membrane, adhesive, accessories. No guessing, no over-ordering. Adhesives and Consumables Getting the adhesives right is where EPDM jobs either work perfectly or cause problems later. We stock both adhesive types you'll need, contact adhesive for perimeters, details and corners, and water-based deck adhesive for bonding the field area of the membrane to the deck. EPDM Contact Adhesive Our EPDM Contact Adhesive is used for all the detail work, bonding the membrane at perimeters, upstands, around penetrations, and where the rubber meets the trim. Apply to both surfaces, leave to go tacky, then press together. Gets a firm bond quickly and stays flexible, which is exactly what you need at the edges where movement is most likely. If you're detailing around a parapet or upstand, pair this with our Sure Edge Kerb Trim for a mechanically fixed finish at the top edge. Key benefits: Strong, flexible bond that doesn't go brittle over time The right product for corners, upstands and all perimeter detailing Fast tack time, you can work at pace without waiting around ClassicBond Water-Based Deck Adhesive The Water-Based Deck Adhesive is what bonds the bulk of the membrane flat to the roof deck. Water-based means it's low-odour, much more pleasant to work with than solvent adhesives, and there are no VOC concerns in confined spaces. It goes on with a roller, you wait for it to become touch-dry, then lay and roll the membrane into it. This adhesive is included in most of our ClassicBond kits, but you can order it separately if you're topping up or re-doing a section. Key benefits: Low odour, more comfortable to use and better for indoor-adjacent applications Water-based formula cleans up easily with water before it sets Works on OSB, plywood and most common deck substrates Trims - Finishing the Edges Properly A well-fitted EPDM membrane is only half the job. The trims at the edges, gutters and kerbs are what give the roof its final waterproof seal and stop the membrane from lifting over time. We also stock a full range of GRP roofing trims if you're working on a mixed system or need something for a fibreglass edge detail. Sure Edge Kerb Trim The Sure Edge Kerb Trim locks the edge of the EPDM membrane at the upstand, the raised edge around a flat roof where the membrane turns up before being covered by coping or trim. It holds the rubber firmly in place and creates a clean, professional finish. Each length is 2 metres and they click together at joints. Available in white and anthracite grey to match fascia colours. Key benefits: Mechanically fixes the membrane edge, no reliance on adhesive alone Clean, straight finish that looks professional from the ground 2m lengths are easy to handle solo on a ladder Sure Edge Gutter Drip Trim The Sure Edge Gutter Drip Trim is used at the gutter edge of the roof. It secures the membrane at the eaves and guides the water in a clean manner into the gutter instead of it cascading down the membrane. It is the last bit of trim that you have installed, and it really counts to the way the water is going to run in a heavy rain. Key benefits: Channels water cleanly into the gutter, stops back-tracking and drip marks Holds the membrane edge tight so it can't lift in wind Works with standard half-round and square gutters EPDM Gutter Lining Resitrix EPDM Gutter Lining Kits Leaking gutters are one of those jobs people put off until the water starts coming through the wall. Resitrix EPDM Gutter Lining Kits are a self-adhesive EPDM system specifically designed for relining box gutters, valley gutters and parapet gutters. The membrane peels and sticks, no separate adhesive needed, and it forms a continuous waterproof skin over the existing surface. If you're already doing an EPDM roof job, it makes sense to sort the gutter at the same time. The Resitrix FG35 Primer is recommended when bonding to certain substrates, worth adding to your order if you're going onto concrete or an older surface. Key benefits: Self-adhesive backing, peel and bond directly to the existing gutter surface Bonds to most substrates including asphalt, concrete, timber and metal Ideal for relining box gutters without a full strip-out Installation Tools ClassicBond Tool Installation Kit You don't need much to fit EPDM, but the right tools make a big difference, particularly when it comes to rolling out the adhesive evenly and getting the membrane to bond without air pockets. The ClassicBond Tool Installation Kit includes the roller, brush and seam roller you need to do the job properly. If you're fitting EPDM for the first time, it's worth adding this to your order alongside the roofing kit. Key benefits: Everything you need for a clean EPDM installation in one kit Seam roller ensures proper bonding at joints and edges, no guesswork Works across all our ClassicBond and Skyguard kits Watch: EPDM Installation Step by Step Before you start, it's worth going through our EPDM online training centre. We've put together a full video walkthrough covering deck prep, adhesive application, laying and bonding the membrane, edge detailing and fitting the trims. Whether it's your first EPDM job or you just want a refresher, run through it before you pick up a roller. Browse All How-To Videos Where Does EPDM Work Best? EPDM isn't the right system for every flat roof, but it covers a lot of ground. Here's where it really earns its place. House extensions and single-storey additions Most rear extensions have a flat or shallow-pitched roof. EPDM is the dominant choice for these now, largely because it can be installed over large areas as a single piece, which is where most leaks start on older felt roofs. The Planning Portal notes that single-storey extensions are among the most common permitted development projects in England, and a quality roofing system is essential to protect that investment. Garages During summer, garages are hot, during winter they are cold and the roof deck moves. EPDM can cope with that thermal movement, it does not crack, it bends with the deck. Garage felt roofs will last five years at most. Well done EPDM ought to last you decades. Sheds and garden buildings Most garden buildings come with felt as standard, and most of them start leaking within three to five years. Replacing it with a Skyguard EPDM kit is a half-day job and gives you a roof that should outlast the building itself. Dormers The detailing on dormer cheeks and tops has traditionally been done in lead, which is increasingly expensive and a target for theft. EPDM provides the same weather performance at a fraction of the cost and with no theft risk. Our EPDM Dormer Kits are put together specifically for this. Bay windows Small, awkward, and almost always the last place anyone wants to be working, but EPDM is ideal for bay roof tops. The shape is covered with a membrane which does not require a large number of individual components and the outcome is a waterproof and highly maintenance free result. Ready to get started? Questions as to which kit will best suit your job, call us on 0800 612 7903 we are more than happy to discuss your project with you and make sure that you get the right thing the first time. Browse our full EPDM range or build your kit to get exactly what you need for your roof size. Or head straight to our ClassicBond EPDM Flat Roof Kits and pick your size.
