The Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing

July 15, 2025 | General

When it comes to flat roofing materials, homeowners have plenty of choice.

Thanks to its reliability and durability, rubber roofing membrane - known in the trade as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) has become incredibly popular.

In this article, we explore the pros and cons of EPDM roofing so that you can make an informed decision about your next flat roofing project.

The Pros

Cost-effectiveness

When it comes to choosing a new roof, budget will always be a factor in the final decision.

With EPDM roofing, there’s no need to worry. Compared to other types of flat roofing material, it’s a favourable choice due to its upfront affordability.

Easy to work with

Made from a lightweight rubber, EPDM makes the overall product quick and simple to install.

Thanks to its versatility, it can be installed on a wide variety of flat roofing applications, including:

Extensions
Offices
Workshops
Verandas
Garages
Sheds
Garden rooms

Designed to last

Avenir Roofing Ltd is the exclusive UK distributor of TRC – Techno Rubber Company – EPDM rubber roofing.

Built to last, TRC EPDM has a life expectancy of 50+ years.

All TRC membranes come with superior durability and flexibility: the 045 (1.2mm) and 060 (1.52mm) membranes come with a 20--year warranty, and the Fleece-Backed membrane comes with a 25-year warrany for complete peace of mind.

Lack of maintenance required

Once your TRC EPDM roof is installed, very little maintenance is required, unlike traditional roofing materials such as felt.

EPDM has waterproofing qualities and is extremely resistant to ageing, meaning its appearance doesn’t suffer either.

However, we would still recommend an annual inspection to ensure your roof remains in the best condition over its long lifetime.

Quick to fix

Beyond its minimal maintenance requirements and long life expectancy, should your roof ever develop a leak, repairs are quick, easy and affordable. Most leaks can be solved fast using liquid rubber or special tape.

Sustainable

EPDM roofing is considered one of the most environmentally friendly types of flat roof on the market.

In fact, it's fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan, making it a sustainable roofing choice. That’s why the International Kyoto Ecology Agreement recognises and recommends EPDM as the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly roofing material available.

UV resistance

In the UK, flat roofs must be able to resist not just wet weather, but withstand UV rays too.

Even on overcast days, UV rays can affect flat roofs through the clouds.

EPDM membrane resists UV rays exceptionally well, while felt roofs and other alternatives will be broken down by UV rays over time.

The Cons

Appearance

As EPDM roofing is made of rubber, some may consider it to have a basic and understated appearance. However, you can always alter its appearance with rubber shingles and acrylic paint. EPDM is also a suitable and commonly used membrane for the base of a green roof due to its waterproofing capabilities, durability and resistance to root penetration. It provides a reliable and long-lasting waterproof layer that can withstand the challenges presented by a green roof environment.

Damage can happen

Despite its long life-expectancy, TRC EPDM can still be susceptible to damage: it's durable, not indestructible.

The fact is you can't find a roofing material that is impossible to damage. But EPDM roofing is easy to fix and, the thicker the membrane you choose, the less likely damage becomes.

Why choose Techno EPDM?

With over 15 years’ experience in EPDM manufacturing, TRC – Techno Rubber Company – EPDM has a proven track record of making products with superior durability, flexibility and UV resistance.

The manufacturing plant is home to cutting-edge technology, has ISO 9001 certification and its annual capacity far exceeds 10 million m².

At Avenir Roofing Ltd, we offer two membrane thicknesses of TRC EPDM – 1.2 mm and 1.52 mm – along with a 2.6mm Fleece Backed EPDM, and we supply whole rolls, merchant-friendly stock rolls or we can custom cut membrane for your project.

If you're interested in using TRC EPDM rubber roofing, visit the TRC site and get in touch here. Here, you'll also find installation guides, videos and technical sheets.