Is EPDM Rubber Roofing Better Than Felt Roofing?

When it comes to replacing the material on your flat roof, you might start to question which is best: EPDM rubber or felt? While both have advantages and disadvantages, you might be looking for features that will suit your roofing needs to help you make an informed decision. 

In this blog, we will compare a felt vs rubber roof so that you can weigh up the pros and cons and decide if you should choose EPDM or traditional felt. Here at Alvadac, we offer flat roofing supplies and installations across our home county of Yorkshire and the rest of the UK, providing you with everything you need to get the job done. 

Let’s get into a felt vs rubber roof in a bit more detail… 

What is EPDM rubber roofing? 

If you’re unfamiliar, EPDM (Ethylene Polypropylene Diene Monomer) is currently one of the most versatile rubber roofing options on the market. Made from a synthetic rubber membrane, it’s often considered to be up there with one of the best materials if you’re after a flat roof installation. Rubber is a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications because of its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions and high durability. 

What are the benefits of EPDM rubber roofing? 

As mentioned above, EPDM rubber roofing has a whole range of amazing benefits, including: 

  • High durability – unlike felt, EPDM usually come with a lifespan guarantee of around 50 years. The membranes themselves are made from high-quality rubber which doesn’t scuff or rip easily. It is also fire-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. 
  • Low maintenance – due to being weather resistant, EPDM is less likely to deteriorate, meaning that less money is spent on maintenance fees. 
  • Incredibly waterproof – EPDM’s seamless membranes provide excellent waterproofing, meaning that your building is less likely to have leaks or other water damage. 
  • Energy efficient – by choosing EPDM, you could actually save money by reducing energy bills. Rubber roofing reflects heat, but it can also withstand varying temperatures and as such help your home to stay cool in the summer and warmer in the colder months. 
  • Eco-friendly – EPDM roofing is considered to be incredibly environmentally friendly, being 100% recyclable and contributing to sustainability and energy efficiency. 

EPDM roofing generally costs more than felt roofing. For more information on price, check out our blog: How Much Does EPDM Rubber Roofing Cost in 2024? 

What is felt roofing? 

In comparison, felt roofing is another popular flat roofing system that consists of two or three layers of felt sheet forming a dense and protective barrier. This multiple layering technique is vital to ensure that the roof is completely waterproof and has been used for over 100 years. Roofing felt is also a great moisture barrier, preventing damage in the long run. 

What are the benefits of felt roofing? 

Felt roofing also has its own unique set of benefits, including: 

  • Cost-effective – compared to EPDM and other roofing materials, felt roofs are generally cheaper to install, maintain, and also repair should they get damaged. 
  • Easy to install – because it’s incredibly lightweight, roofing felt is easy to handle and install. It’s usually supplied in easy-to-use rolls which can be applied to a roof with just a hammer, some nails, or specially made adhesive. 
  • Waterproof properties – roofing felt is designed to be water-resistant, providing a protective barrier that is installed between the roof deck and the final roofing material. 
  • Easy to replace and transport – felt roof membranes are lightweight and can easily fit into a range of roofing structures from smaller, weaker ones such as garages and sheds right through to more robust buildings. It’s also easy and cheap to repair. 

Discover the different types of flat roofing that we have available and find out if any other options are suitable for your roofing project. 

Felt vs rubber roof – which is better? 

So, is EPDM rubber roofing better than felt roofing? While it’s up to you to decide on your flat roofing fabric, it is quite clear that EPDM rubber roofing is considered a far superior product to traditional felt due to its high-quality materials and being incredibly easy to install. 

After looking through the benefits and features of both materials, EPDM is often a much more premium choice, costing you more, but ultimately lasting longer. Felt is still one of the most cost-effective flat roofing solutions available if that is one of the most important factors that you’re considering. 

Don’t forget to check out our shop for all of your roofing supplies and free next day delivery on all orders over £200! 

For low-cost EPDM rubber roofing, choose Alvadac! 

Hopefully, this felt vs rubber roof guide has shown you a fair comparison between the two, allowing you to make a well-informed choice when it comes to your flat roof material. Remember, the choice is up to you, but there’s a reason why EPDM rubber roofing has become increasingly popular. 

If you are considering upgrading your roofing, there’s no better place to come than Alvadac. With over 40 years of combined experience in EPDM rubber roofing and flat roofing, we’re easily accessible to customers all over Yorkshire. We’d love to take on your flat roofing project. 

For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Or, give us a ring on  01274 317 091. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you! 

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