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Flat roof systems

EPDM rubber roofing across Devon

Replacing a flat roof in Devon with EPDM? We work at addresses across the area, stripping the old covering, repairing or renewing the deck and bonding a new rubber membrane with properly formed details. Use the guide-price tool for a starting figure, then book a free survey for a fixed quote with no obligation.

Roofer unrolling a single sheet of black EPDM membrane over a new OSB deck on a garage roofComputer-generated example image
Price per m²
£67–£118
Typical life
25–50 years
Manufacturer guarantees
20-year material warranties are common
Typical garage roof
£1,650–£2,900

Devon at a glance

Largest towns
Plymouth, Exeter, Paignton, Torquay
Postcode areas
EX, PL, TQ
Building control
Plymouth City Council, Exeter City Council, Torbay Council and 5 other councils
Neighbouring areas
Cornwall · Somerset · Dorset · Bristol
Guide price region
South West (+3% on West Midlands rates)

How much does an EPDM rubber roof cost in Devon?

Guide prices including VAT at South West rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

JobGuide price inc VAT
Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber£1,650–£2,900
Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation£2,900–£5,050
Porch or bay (4 m²), EPDM£750–£1,300

Which flat roofs are common in Devon?

Flat roofs in Devon sit on bungalows with flat-roofed side extensions and dormers, newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced and 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions. The South West averages roughly 1,260 mm of rain a year and many roofs face wind off the Atlantic, so we specify fixings and edge details for wind uplift as well as drainage. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.

Building regulations in England

Replacing more than half of a roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so it is insulated to current standards and notified to building control. Renovated roofs over heated rooms are insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's feasible, and new extension roofs are built to 0.15 W/m²K. In Devon the application goes to Plymouth City Council, Exeter City Council, Torbay Council and 5 other councils. More on the rules.

How are the joins, edges and upstands made watertight on an EPDM roof?

They are bonded with contact adhesive and sealed with purpose-made EPDM tapes and pre-formed pieces, because the edges and details are where most rubber roof leaks start.

  • Wall upstands: the rubber is turned up the wall, usually to about 150 mm above the finished roof, fully bonded, then finished with a termination bar or a cover flashing chased into the masonry.
  • Corners: folded rather than cut where possible, or finished with pre-formed pieces.
  • Joins: on roofs wider than one sheet, the laps are cleaned, primed and joined with splice tape, then rolled firmly.
  • Pipes and vents: sealed with pre-formed pipe boots rather than relying on mastic.
  • Edges and outlets: drip and kerb trims are fixed and the junction with the membrane is sealed with cover tape; outlets are bonded into the membrane at the lowest point.

We also check the falls before laying, because standing water around an outlet shortens the life of any detail. There is more on this in our pages on edges and drainage and rooflight upstands.

When is EPDM the right choice, and when is another system better?

EPDM is a strong choice for simple domestic roofs that people do not walk on, such as garages, single-storey extensions, porches and dormers. It is less suited to roofs with regular foot traffic or many pipes and vents.

Where it does well: few or no joins on small roofs, flexible in cold weather, tolerant of minor building movement, and laid without a flame.

Where it falls short: the finish is plain dark rubber, it can be punctured by dropped tools or sharp debris, and it is not designed as a walking surface without added protection. Roofs with many penetrations take a lot of careful detailing.

If you want a hard, walkable finish or a complex shape, GRP fibreglass often suits better. On a tight budget, or a larger roof where a layered system is preferred, torch-on felt is worth pricing. Liquid-applied roofing handles awkward details and overlays, single-ply membranes are built for larger commercial roofs, and mastic asphalt belongs on older and heritage buildings. Our EPDM vs GRP vs felt guide sets them side by side.

Which towns in Devon do we cover?

EPDM rubber roofing in Devon: questions

Which towns in Devon do you cover?

All of Devon. The main towns have their own pages below, and if yours isn't listed we still cover it: send your postcode and we'll confirm.

How much does an EPDM rubber roof cost in Devon?

£1,650–£2,900 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in EPDM, at South West guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

Which council handles building control for a flat roof in Devon?

It depends on where the roof is: in Devon that's Plymouth City Council, Exeter City Council, Torbay Council and 5 other councils. Replacing more than half of a roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so it is insulated to current standards and notified to building control. We confirm which applies at the survey.

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.

Does an EPDM roof need maintenance?

Very little. Clear leaves from outlets and gutters, look over trims and upstands once or twice a year and after storms, and keep foot traffic to a minimum.

Everything about EPDM rubber roofing → · All flat roofing in Devon →

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