Roofing Materials: EPDM vs Felt?

One of our most frequently asked questions is ‘Why should I choose EPDM over felt?’ Knowing the benefits of EPDM over felt roofing is essential for DIY-ers to help them make an informed decision about the right roofing solution for them.

In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of two flat roofing options , the price ranges of each and which one makes the most reliable flat roofing material. 

EPDM

What is it?

Rubber EPDM has become an increasingly popular method of roofing in recent years. Thanks to its low cost and incredible durability, it has become renowned for its long lifespan and as great value for money. EPDM membranes can be cut to any size and are applied using rubber roofing adhesive, making it incredibly quick and easy to install. 

Pros and Cons

Improved energy efficiency

By installing EPDM, you could actually save money by reducing energy bills. Not only does rubber roofing reflect heat and have superior insulating properties, but they can also withstand varying temperatures and as such can help your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the colder winter months.

Durable

Unlike felt, EPDM rubber membranes usually come with a lifespan guarantee of around 50 years and come with a 20 year warranty. The membranes themselves are created from a high-quality rubber which doesn’t scuff or rip easily. It offers year-round performance and is less likely to warp in warm weather or crack in colder conditions. Another notable feature of EPDM is that it is fire-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. It can even impede fire damage from inside the home. 

Easy to Repair

Because of the durability of this roofing material, repairs are rarely needed. However, on the rare occasion that damage does occur, it is very easy to repair tears and rips. We stock a huge range of EPDM flat roofing tools, sealants and adhesives which can be used to easily rectify any damage to your flat roof.

Needs to be installed in dry weather

EPDM rubber roofing is very easy to install yourself and can be done with just a few simple tools and adhesives. Although EPDM can be installed year-round, one thing to note is that the roof must be dry and clean, so dry weather conditions are essential to a proper installation.

Price

EPDM rubber membranes usually do cost more than felt roofing. At RubbaSeal, we are an official supplier of the high quality Firestone brand, which has become renowned for producing reliable rubber roofing materials. Our prices start from £7.49 per m². As we have already mentioned, EPDM is extremely durable and lasts longer than felt, so as with anything with a larger initial investment, it will usually outweigh any costly outgoings that you may experience in the future.

Felt

What is it?

Torch-on felt roofing is a waterproof material that can be applied to any type of roof, most notably flat roofs. Not only is it a popular choice among homeowners for applications such as garage roofs, porches and outbuildings, but it is usually used as an underlay under slate or tiled roofs to act as additional weatherproofing. Installation usually requires torching the felt to create a seamless covering.

Pros and Cons

Easy to Repair

Although more susceptible to damage, any cracks or rips in felt roofing are extremely easy to patch up. Most repairs are carried out cheaply with a weather-proofing coating over small cracks. However, these repairs tend to be dangerous and must be done by a skilled tradesman. 

Aesthetically pleasing

Unlike EPDM, felt roofing has an attractive finish which makes the roof more aesthetically pleasing than the black rubber. This is most likely due to the material being torched on - the material is easy to mould to the shape of your roof, leaving a smooth finish.

Seamless Application

As its name suggests, torch-on felt uses heat installation to fit the flat roof. By torching the felt roof, you can ensure all seams are properly sealed. The felt fibres melt together creating a totally seamless application and appearance. This also helps with the longevity of your flat roof as it eliminates any potential open seams or holes.

Shorter lifespan

Compared to EPDM, felt roofing has a much shorter lifespan with its general lifetime being around 10-15 years. If well maintained, you might get a few extra years out of your felt flat roof, however it could be more cost-effective to consider a longer lasting (if more expensive) solution. 

Prone to cracking

Extreme weather conditions can easily damage felt roofing, causing cracks and rips. Generally, warm weather can cause the felt to become soft and warp out of shape and in winter, it becomes brittle, weak and prone to cracking. 

Price

Torch-on felt is the cheaper roofing option of the two solutions, with some suppliers offering prices as low as £3.90 per m². Although felt is the cheaper option, all the other pros and cons should be weighed up against your personal requirements to ascertain whether felt is the right solution for you.

No matter which option you choose, you should always do your research into how each material performs and if you choose to install it yourself, you should always find the  proper tools and advice to aid your installation. Also remember that felt does need to be installed by a skilled tradesman, so it may be more difficult to find a suitable person to carry this out. If you are looking for more advice about installing EPDM roofing, take a look at the Installation Guides on our website.