ClassicBond® 1.5mm EPDM Rubber Roof Membrane

Generally, installing a ClassicBond roof can be a very quick job if you have basic knowledge about the preparation and the correct steps to take.

Some factors will affect the installation time such as the current substrate, size and type of roof; along with if there is any detail work required such as skylights.

Our friends over at RoofScout have made a great video showing you exactly how long it takes to install ClassicBond on a freestanding, timber-boarded log cabin.

For Sam, it took him just under a 1hour and 30minutes. He did install this roof alone and installed edge trims which make a difference to the installation time.

Check out RoofScout's video below.

Creases appear as hard ridge lines in the rubber due to the weight of the huge roll that is sent to us from the manufacturer. These can easily be removed from the rubber by gently applying heat to the crease and flattening it by hand, it must then be adhered to the deck using contact adhesive rather than water based deck adhesive

Having just had your roll of EPDM rubber delivered, you may be faced with exactly how to get it up onto the roof! Without some heavy equipment (which we certainly don't all have access to!), it can be a daunting task! Luckily, Sam has put together this short video so he can share a few genius tricks to help you get that heavy roll onto your flat roof.

Choosing the right boards for your job can be daunting with many different options available to use for flat roof decking. However, some are much more highly recommended than others. In our video below, Sam covers the key differences between the most commonly used boards, OSB3 and S-Grade Plywood.

For the most part, each section of the installation is easy. Gluing the membrane down with both adhesives is very straightforward and securing the trims and clips to the perimeter is as well. Watch our video for a detailed step by step breakdown so you can follow along!

We sell a wide variety of EPDM rubber flat roofing kits to our customers and try to provide the widest possible selection, with options for many different types of flat roofs available from Orangery Roofs to Garden Rooms. Check our video below for a full breakdown of what to expect in your kit! (The information about the contents of your kit can be found on the product page on our website.)

Both the 1.2mm and 1.5mm EPDM rubber membranes are perfect for residential and commercial projects alike. 1.2mm membrane is a trusted product by our roofing customers and our most popular item for a good reason. 1.5mm membrane tends to lay a little easier due to the thickness and can also provide a smoother looking finished flat roof. We would recommend 1.5mm if there is going to be anything overlayed on top of the rubber like decking, screed and tiles or even a green roof.

Whilst EPDM rubber membrane has no right side up, you will notice only one side has writing on it, this is from the manufacturer and has some information about the rubber. You can lay this side down to the decking for a cleaner looking finish, this can be useful if the roof can be seen from a window for example.

ClassicBond®, ClassicBond Pro™ and RESITRIX® all have a life expectancy of 50 years. However, if you have attended our training course we are able to offer a 20-year EPDM guarantee. 

Applying for an EPDM guarantee is quick and easy, simply email us a photo of your completed roof along with your order number and the guarantee will be issued directly to you or your customer. 

If you would like us a find a certified installer near you, please call or email us.

Occasionally, bubbles and blisters can appear around the perimeter of the EPDM rubber roof just after it's been fitted. There are a few reasons why this can happen, the Contact Adhesive could have been applied too thick, or if it has not been allowed enough time to properly tack-off. Luckily, we can share a few tips to help avoid this potential problem, check our video for an in-depth explanation.

Along with a life expectancy of 50 years and beyond, EPDM rubber can stand up to quite some force from outside elements, in our video below we explore what different objects falling on the rubber will do to it and how much damage it takes to actually penetrate the membrane! Prepare to be surprised!

One of the most evident benefits of EPDM rubber roofing is that it can be repaired very quickly and easily, allowing you to catch a problem before it turns into something much bigger! Supplied as a 6 inch strip, any small hole or rip can be sealed effectively with our repair patch kits. This easy-to-use patch, primer and brush combination will ensure you can safely patch any minor damage to the roof.

Link to the kit here!

EPDM membranes require the substrate to be dry prior to installation so that the adhesive & primers can effectively bond the rubber to the roof deck. EPDM products will not adhere to wet or damp surfaces. It is important to bear in mind that trapped moisture within the deck may vaporise and negatively affect the performance of the membrane. 

If you would like more tips on when to install your EPDM roofing, check out the video below.

Classicbond EPDM membranes are identical on both sides so there is no right or wrong side when installing this product. It is important to bear in mind that sometimes there may be a small amount of manufacturer writing printed on one side of the rubber membrane; if this is the case we recommend installing this side down onto the deck so that the clear side is only visible. 

Yes. ClassicBond EPDM holds the British Board of Agrément certificate, No. 11/4853, issued to Flex-R Ltd. The BBA carries out assessment, testing, approval and certification of products and systems for the construction industry against national requirements, internationally recognised standards or other relevant technical specifications, reviewed and reissued every 3 years.

Fire Ratings

The ClassicBond system is also fire rated, the 1.2mm EPDM has a fire rating of EXT.F.AB and the 1.5mm EPDM membrane is fire rated to EXT.F.AA. Fire rating is carried out on a variety of deck surfaces and it is important to seek the certificate that relates most accurately to your roof structure.