EDPM Rubber
Pros
- 50 year life expectancy
- Easy and clean to install
- No flame gun needed (no fire damage)
- Seamless one piece installation
- Modern feel and finish
- Modern grey trims
- Can be used with a sedum roof
- Fire resistant
- Single layer system
Cons
- More expensive than felt
- Substrate need to be smooth clean
Due to its composition, Firestone EPDM rubber membranes offer unmatched resistance to ozone, UV radiation and extreme temperatures. As the membrane does not contain any plasticizers or flame retardants, its characteristics remain stable and unchanged over time. Studies show a life expectancy of more than 50 years. Firestone RubberGard EPDM is available in large seamless sheets up to 15.25 m wide and 61 m long (930 m²), resulting in fewer field seams for large surfaces and short installation times.
Compatible with extensive green roof & photovoltaic installations
Having successfully passed the FLL test for resistance to root penetration on extensive green roofs, Firestone RubberGard EPDM is an ideal membrane for combination with extensive green roofing systems, using lightweight and low maintenance sedum vegetation. The Firestone RubberGard EDPM membrane can easily be combined with any type of PV installation due to its high temperature resistance, wear and tear resistance and unmatched life expectancy.
Flat roofing felt (torch on)
Pros
- Cheaper than EDPM rubber
- Substrate can have minor imperfections
Cons
- Only 10 – 15 year lifespan
- Uses high powered flame touch
- Can burn gutters and fascia
- Lots of joins as rolls are only 1M wide
- 3 layer system
- Damaged by extreme weather
Torch-on roofing, or torch-down roofing as it is also known, is a flat roof covering solution that involves three layers of modified bitumen (felt) melt-welded onto the roof surface and each other with the use of a blowtorch to create an impenetrable, waterproof seal.
Traditionally, the three layers used in this process are a vapour control sheet, reinforced felt and a cap sheet with mineral finish. Using three layers of felt is required by building regulations for habitable areas of a home. For sheds and garages, only two layers may be needed.
The dangers of applying these layers with the use of a hot flame makes torch-on felt roofing a job best left to the professionals.
Torch-on roofing felt is known as one of the quickest and most reliable flat roof installations readily available in the UK and has become a popular system for these reasons.
