flat rubber roof repair in East Lothian (19)

The main disadvantages of rubber roofs are:

• Appearance

  • There aren't many ways of customising a rubber roof and can be a bit of an eyesore

• Installation

  • While the installation process is quite quick, it can only be installed on a dry day

If you aren't sure whether rubber roofing is the best choice for your home, it's also worth considering asphalt roofing or felt roofing.

All types of roofing materials have their pros and cons, though. Felt roofing is very affordable but not durable. Meanwhile, asphalt roofing is available in a range of colours but can be easily damaged.

To work out how much your rubber roofing will cost, you need to consider a range of factors that impact the total price, such as:

• Type of rubber

  • While EPDM is the most commonly used rubber roofing, there are different options that’ll have different prices

• Roof slope

  • If you choose to add a roof slope to improve drainage, this will cost extra

• Size of roof

  • The larger your roof, the higher the cost of materials and labour

• Condition of roof

  • If your roof is in poor condition, you may need to pay extra for repairs before rubber roofing can be installed

• Insulation

  • Adding insulation will be charged at a premium

• Location

  • Depending on where you live in the UK, labour costs will vary

• Access

  • If your roof is difficult to access, this may increase your rubber roofing cost

EPDM roofing installation can be tricky as it usually comes in one large sheet rather than individual tiles. While this creates a seamless barrier to repel water, it can make installation heavy going if you're covering a large surface area.

First your roof will be covered in adhesive, then the rubber will be rolled out to cover the surface. It then needs to be smoothed out to ensure it looks even.

While DIY rubber roofing installation may be possible for very simple small structures, it’s not usually recommended. Professional installation ensures a:

• Watertight finish
• Avoids risks from working at height
• Prevents structural issues caused by a poor install

To help you find checked and reviewed fitters for rubber roofing installation in East Lothian, consider these tips:

• Read online reviews to determine their reputation and quality of work
• Verify their public liability insurance, so you know they’re covered against any potential accidents or damages
• Get multiple quotes from at least three tradespeople so you can compare prices and services
• Use Checkatrade and hire one of our approved members that have undergone up to 12 checks so that you can hire with confidence

When getting a quote for rubber roofing installation, make sure it covers:

• Materials – The correct grade EPDM membrane is important
• All labour and prep work – Especially important if you need an old existing roof to be removed
• Any repairs to roof structure or decking
• Whether insulation or drainage improvements are included

This all helps avoid surprise costs later down the line.