As the autumn approaches, many homeowners in Brighton will be looking to replace the garage roof. Traditionally, you would engage a roofer to install a replacement felt roof. A felt roof is a traditional material, applied typically using a hot, bituminous substance, or by using a torch down method of application if the felt is pre-coated.
The modern alternative to a traditional felt garage roof is to apply a rubber roof. Rubber roof systems, such as EPDM, are outperforming traditional felt rivals significantly in both longevity and waterproofing ability. This is contributing to the rise in popularity of rubber roofing across the country.
What is a rubber roof?
EPDM rubber roof systems consist of a single-ply, high-performing sheet membrane that is perfect for garage roofing. This is because the typical size of a garage makes replacing the roof a significant project. Most homeowners don’t want this project to be repeated for a good stretch of time.
Felt can be one of the lowest performers in terms of weatherability and commonly needs to be replaced every eight to ten years. Yet a high quality rubber roof, such as EPDM, is expected to continue to perform at consistently high levels over a 50-year life expectancy. The performance of rubber roofing simply adds to the value vs. cost of EPDM compared to the more traditional garage roof materials.
Is rubber roofing more expensive than felt?
Rubber roofing commonly requires a slightly bigger initial investment than felt, which can be a cheaper fix on the face of it. However, investing in a higher performance system in the initial application of the garage roof will pay off significantly over the long term.
EPDM rubber roofing systems carry a life expectancy of more than 50 years, and a felt roof may last for up to around 10, perhaps 12 at best. The felt roof will need regular maintenance to ensure it stays in place and patching will be commonly be needed after hot weather, when felt tends to bubble and crack. It is very easy to see how the price compares over the long term.
Once applied, EPDM rubber roofing is good to look at from the very start, and once trims are installed, improves the overall kerb value of the garage and the home. EPDM rubber systems offer 100% waterproofing and once applied, can be left alone for decades with just a visual inspection required a few times a year to ensure there is no damage. Tough and durable, a rubber roof on your garage is going to last, look great and perform to an extremely high standard, unlike its’ traditional felt rival.
Permaroof Brighton know that EPDM rubber roofing is fast-becoming the roofing industry’s answer to sustainability and will probably become the most common alternative to felt for the UKs domestic garage roof.
If you’ve been looking at rubber roofing for your garage, book your free, no-obligation survey and quote from Permaroof Brighton today and let us guide you through your options.
