How to fit EPDM roofing on your log cabin
If you purchase a flat roof or pent roof log cabin from Tuin, we supply traditional roofing felt as our standard roof covering. However, many customers choose to upgrade to our more durable and long-lasting solution: EPDM rubber roofing.
EPDM is an alternative solution suited to log cabins, garden buildings and flat roof structures due to the strength and longevity it provides. Traditional roof felt has a lifespan of up to 5 years, depending on its exposure so will need to be regularly replaced. On the other hand, EPDM lasts for 15-20 years and provides reliable weather protection when installed correctly.
The material you choose to finish your log cabin roof with plays a crucial role in protecting the entire structure from rain, snow, UV rays and temperature changes, all of which can have an impact on your log cabin. The right material will provide additional protection and ensure you can enjoy your log cabin for decades.
In this guide, we’ll explain what EPDM roofing is, why it’s a great choice for log cabin roofs and how to install it correctly.
What is EPDM roofing?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) is a highly durable synthetic rubber roof material. It’s manufactured from Ethylene and Propylene which are derived from oil and natural gas. This material is chosen for use on flat roofs due to its durability and exceptional weather resistance.
Some of its main benefits include:
Excellent UV resistance
Proven hail resistance
High resistance to ozone, weathering and abrasion
Flexibility in low temperatures
Superior resistance to extreme heat
Thermal shock durability
High wind resistance
The benefits of EPDM roofing for log cabins
EPDM offers a range of benefits for garden buildings such as log cabins.
Long lifespan
When installed and maintained correctly, EPDM has an extremely long lifespan and can last for decades, making them a cost-effective solution. This roofing solution can last between 15-20 years, providing peace of mind that your log cabin will be protected throughout its lifetime.
Minimal maintenance
When compared to other roofing materials, EPDM requires very little maintenance. It is highly resistant to the elements which means it provides reliable performance over time, with very few replacements required. We recommend regularly cleaning the roof of your log cabin, clearing debris and checking for any damage to protect your log cabin from damage.
UV and weather resistance
Unlike many roofing materials, EPDM remains stable even when exposed to prolonged sunlight, rain, snow and fluctuating temperatures. This resistance means the roofing does not become brittle or deteriorate over time, despite exposure to the elements.
Supplied cut to size
EPDM is typically cut to the correct size for your garden building’s roof which means there are no joins, providing further protection for your roof.
Cold installation
Unlike some roofing materials, EPDM can be installed without heat. Adhesives are applied cold, making the installation process easier.
Environmentally friendly
EPDM is considered to be environmentally friendly because it has such a long-life span.
Cost-effective
The initial investment in EPDM tends to be higher than other materials but their long-term effectiveness makes them a great solution. Its long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements reduce overall costs throughout your log cabin’s lifetime.
How to install EPDM roofing
In this guide, we’ll explain the adhered system for installing your EPDM roofing as this is the most commonly used by roofing professionals.
1. Preparing your log cabin roof
Before installing EPDM roofing, it’s important to prepare the roof surface. Your roof boards should be fully installed, securely fixed, clean and dry and free from any dust, debris and sharp objects. The surface also needs to be smooth to allow the EPDM membrane to bond properly. Any protruding screws, splinters or uneven surfaces should be corrected before installation for the best results.
2. Roll out the EPDM membrane
Once your roof boards are ready, take the roll up onto the roof and undo the ends. You should find glue in the form of spray cans inside the roll. The EDPM should have been cut to the exact size of your building so you will have enough material to cover the roof in a single piece.
Roll the full length out across the roof and start to fold it out flat across the whole roof. Then, start to roll it up again lengthways. Try to do this reasonably tightly, it helps if there are two people to try and keep it as level as possible. Keep rolling together with your partner, keeping it level and quite tight.
When completed, you’ll end up with sausage at the start of your roof.
3. Allow the EPDM to settle
Once you’ve completed the above step and have a sausage shaped roll of EPDM sitting on your roof, it’s important to allow it to settle before adhering it to the roof. This helps to remove any remaining creases and ensures the material lies flat.
4. Glue the EPDM down
When ready, start applying adhesive to the surface of the roof. Slowly roll the EPDM membrane down, pressing it down as you go. Working from the highest point of the roof downward allows the membrane to lay naturally.
As you can see in the picture, we have used a piece of timber to create a slope against the barge board. We think this provides an attractive finish to the roof and it prevents water from getting behind the barge board.
Shuffle the roll of EPDM down to the edge where you want it finished. Once everything is aligned and you’ve given the glue cans a shake, roll it back slightly to take the front and uncover the area to be glued. Spray the glue evenly at a length of 50cm all the way along the roof. The glue starts to go off quickly and doesn’t need to be applied thickly.
Once you’ve rolled the first part down, kneel on it and roll out the rest, gluing every 50cm as you go, smoothing out as many air bubbles out as you can.
When the main body of the roof has been laid, you can work on the edges and fit the barge boards and trims as required, completing the final gluing stage in these areas.
5. Trim and finish the edges
Once the EPDM roofing has been fully glued to the roof surface, the final step is trimming and finishing the edges.
Common methods include:
Tucking the membrane behind the barge boards
Trimming the membrane flush with the edge of the roof boards
Wrapping the membrane slightly around the edge for additional protection
There is no correct approach, and the final finish will depend on your preferences, the design of your roof and the style of your building.
Why EPDM is a smart roofing choice for your log cabin
Choosing the right roofing material is essential when installing your log cabin. Traditional roofing felt is a great option, but EPDM offers a far more superior solution. Its strength and weather resistance mean it can withstand the elements throughout the year, providing a waterproof barrier that protects your log cabin from moisture, helping to extend the lifespan of your garden building.
Using EPDM on your log cabin roof provides peace of mind that your structure will be protected over the long term. When fitted correctly, it offers a clean, durable and low maintenance roofing solution that will keep your log cabin weatherproof and secure for many years to come.
If you’d like more advice on choosing the right roofing solution for your log cabin, please contact our expert customer service team.
