Thatcham at a glance
- Postcode districts
- RG18, RG19
- Population
- about 25,464 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- West Berkshire Council
- Building approval
- West Berkshire Council building control, or a registered building control approver
- Nearest main town
- Basingstoke, about 12 miles
- Guide price region
- South East (+10% on West Midlands rates)
Why choose EPDM rubber roofing in Thatcham?
For landlords with property in Thatcham, EPDM's low upkeep is the main draw: once the outlets are kept clear and the trims are checked once or twice a year, there is little else to do. It also goes down quickly on a small roof, which keeps disruption for tenants to a minimum.
In a town like Thatcham, flat roofs are commonly found on 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions or newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced. Much of the South East sits in the drier Thames catchment at roughly 730 mm of rain a year, so the usual failures are at joints, upstands and outlets rather than from sheer volume of rain.
How much does an EPDM rubber roof cost in Thatcham?
For Thatcham we use South East rates: £1,750–£3,100 is the guide for a typical 18 m² garage roof in EPDM, VAT included. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,750–£3,100 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £3,100–£5,350 |
| Porch or bay (4 m²), EPDM | £850–£1,400 |
How long does an EPDM roof last, and what guarantees come with it?
A well-specified EPDM roof typically lasts 25 to 50 years, and one BBA assessment of an EPDM membrane puts its expected life at 35 years or more. Problems usually come from poorly bonded upstands, damaged trims or ponding, rather than the rubber itself.
Three separate documents can sit behind an EPDM roof:
- Manufacturer material guarantee: covers the membrane and, on some systems, the wider build-up. Many need registration and a specified build-up, so we register it for you where the system allows.
- Our written workmanship guarantee: given on every re-roof, with the length set out in your quote.
- Insurance-backed guarantee: an option worth asking about if you want cover that does not depend on the contractor still trading.
A BBA certificate is an assessment of the product, not a guarantee. Our guide to flat roof guarantees explains the differences, and the lifespan guide compares EPDM with the other systems.
What's included?
- EPDM membrane fully bonded, in one sheet where the roof size allows
- Strip-out of the old covering, with waste taken away
- New drip and kerb trims, outlets and upstand details
- Deck check and replacement of soft or rotten boards
Building regulations in England
Replacing more than half of a flat roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so the roof is insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's technically and economically feasible, and the work is notified to building control: the council or a registered building control approver, unless a registered competent person self-certifies it. A roof on a new extension is built to 0.15 W/m²K. Patch repairs, and most unheated detached garages, don't trigger the upgrade. Structural changes, or a new covering that adds 15% or more to the roof's weight, also need approval. More on the rules.
Which nearby areas do we also cover?
EPDM rubber roofing in Thatcham: questions
Do you cover Thatcham?
Yes. Thatcham is part of our Berkshire coverage, including postcode districts RG18, RG19. Surveys and roofs are carried out by vetted roofing teams working under S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.
Who checks building regulations for a flat roof in Thatcham?
Where the work needs approval it goes to West Berkshire Council building control, or a registered building control approver. We tell you at the survey whether your job needs it and deal with the paperwork as part of the quote.
How much does an EPDM rubber roof cost in Thatcham?
£1,750–£3,100 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in EPDM, at South East guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Can a punctured EPDM roof be repaired?
Usually, yes. The area is cleaned and primed, then an EPDM patch or cover tape is bonded over the damage. If water has reached the deck, a survey first is sensible.
Can you walk on an EPDM roof?
Occasionally, for maintenance, yes, but EPDM is not designed as a regular walking surface. Where you need a route to plant or windows, walkway pads can be bonded on, or GRP may be a better fit.