RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM vs. Three-ply Modified Bitumen Roofing (Felt Flat Roofing)

RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM

Three-ply Modified Bitumen Roofing (Felt Flat Roofing)

Cost

Comparable cost to the better brands of felt roofing used, but the much longer life span of the RubberBond gives a lower life time cost.

Dependant on type of felt, there are cheap felts available through to good modified felts and the cost changes with the quality, so ensure what type you are being offered.

Safe

No heat or flame used in the installation of the flat roofing system.

Use of gas flames or bitumen pot, inherent risks reflected in extra insurance costs.

Clean

EPDM membranes are clean in installation. The final result is a clean finished surface.

Use of chippings on some felts lead to blocked gutters and moss growth. This is being reduced due to mineral finished felts.

Quality

EPDM is made from engineered polymers rather than leftover by products as used in bituminous felts.

Strength

Due to the layers of felt used this makes a reasonable puncture resistant surface, unfortunately when the membrane is warm it softens allowing for damage to be easily caused by walking on the surface.
Irrespective of the climatic conditions, Rubberbond maintains a strong, puncture resistant surface.

UV Resistant

Yes.
The roofing membrane is completely UV stable and the membrane doesn’t become soft or crack.

No.
Modern felts have a better performance than old but still prone to UV degradation.

Can it be repaired

Yes.
The membrane can always be repaired or added to. There is no evident loss of ability to join or repair.

Over time felt roofs lose their properties to be joined leading to unsatisfactory roof alterations or repairs in the future

Flexible

Yes.
The membrane can elongate up to 300% and doesn’t crack or craze to allow for any building movement.

No.
Felts can crack and allow for roof leaks at angle changes or seams where roof expansion and contraction is most evident.