Website Review
What is RubbaSeal?
RubbaSeal is a UK-based supplier of EPDM rubber roofing materials, describing itself as having served the flat-roofing market for over 35 years. Its core product is TRC EPDM rubber membrane, a synthetic rubber sheet used to waterproof flat roofs, along with the adhesives, trims and accessories needed to complete an installation.
Who it is for
The range is aimed at two broad groups:
- DIY installers tackling a single flat roof, such as a garage, extension or shed, who want a complete kit rather than sourcing parts separately.
- Trade fitters who install flat roofing regularly and need membrane plus the associated consumables.
What it offers
- EPDM membrane, which can be cut to size for the project.
- Adhesives, trims and finishing accessories.
- Same-day dispatch on available items, according to the site.
Trade-offs to consider
EPDM is typically chosen for its flexibility and resistance to weathering, and a single large sheet can reduce the number of seams compared with some alternatives. The main practical considerations are that a membrane roof still needs correct substrate preparation and careful detailing at edges and penetrations, and that cut-to-size ordering requires accurate measurements in advance.
For anyone planning a flat-roof project, RubbaSeal is best understood as a materials supplier rather than an installation contractor.
What is TRC EPDM rubber membrane and how is it used for flat roofing?
TRC EPDM rubber membrane is a synthetic rubber sheet used as a single-ply waterproof covering for flat roofs. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is valued for flexibility and resistance to weathering and UV exposure, so it suits low-slope roofs, extensions, garages and sheds. TRC refers to a particular membrane product line supplied for these applications.
RubbaSeal supplies TRC EPDM membrane alongside the adhesives, trims and accessories needed for installation, and offers cut-to-size sheets. The membrane typically arrives as a large, pliable sheet that is laid over a prepared deck, then secured and sealed at edges, joints and penetrations.
Typical installation sequence
- Prepare and clean the roof deck.
- Lay the membrane and allow it to relax.
- Apply bonding adhesive where required.
- Fix edge trims and drip details.
- Seal around outlets, vents and upstands.
Who it suits
- DIY installers wanting a manageable sheet-and-adhesive system.
- Roofers seeking a durable single-ply covering for flat or gently sloping roofs.
Trade-offs EPDM is generally durable and easy to repair, but seams and details must be done carefully, and some adhesives need specific conditions to bond well. It is less suited to highly visible roofs where a decorative finish matters.
What tools and accessories are needed for a DIY flat roofing installation with RubbaSeal?
A DIY flat roof installation with RubbaSeal centres on EPDM rubber membrane, which is supplied cut to size. Because the membrane arrives pre-cut, the emphasis shifts from cutting large sheets to preparing, bonding and finishing the roof.
Core tools
- Sharp utility knife or scissors for trimming membrane edges and details.
- Chalk or marker for setting out overlaps and positions.
- Roller or squeegee to press the membrane into adhesive and remove air.
- Tape measure for checking dimensions and alignment.
- Broom or vacuum to clean the deck before bonding.
Adhesives and accessories
RubbaSeal lists contact adhesive, lap adhesive and seam tape for joining and sealing edges. Trims and edge profiles finish the perimeter, while drip edges and corner pieces may be needed depending on the roof shape. A roller helps consolidate seams, and sealant is typically used around penetrations such as pipes or vents.
Trade-offs
The system is aimed at competent DIYers and fitters who want a single supplier for membrane, adhesive, trims and accessories. Cut-to-size delivery reduces waste and on-site cutting, though accurate measuring before ordering remains essential. Same-day dispatch may help tight schedules, but installation still depends on dry conditions and careful surface preparation.
For the full range, see RubbaSeal.
How do I measure and order the correct size of EPDM membrane for my flat roof?
For a flat roof, EPDM membrane is usually ordered by length and width, so measuring accurately matters more than choosing a brand. Measure the flat roof area itself, then add an allowance for upstands, drips and overlaps. A common approach is to add roughly 150 mm to each edge that turns up or over, plus extra for any wrinkles or uneven substrates. If the roof is not a simple rectangle, split it into rectangles, measure each, and add them together before ordering.
RubbaSeal supplies TRC EPDM membrane, adhesives, trims and accessories for DIY flat roofing and professional fitters, and notes that membrane can be cut to size with same-day dispatch available. That suits people who know their dimensions and want a ready-cut sheet rather than a standard roll.
H3 Practical order checklist
- Measure the roof at its longest and widest points, not just the main field.
- Add upstand and edge allowances to both dimensions.
- Note any pipes, rooflights or outlets that need detailing.
- Round up rather than down; extra membrane can be trimmed.
- Confirm the supplier's cutting tolerance and dispatch lead time before ordering.
If you are unsure, ask the supplier to check your measurements against their cutting guidance. For complex roofs with many penetrations, a fitter may be better suited to specifying the sheet size.
Does RubbaSeal offer same-day dispatch and what are the delivery options?
RubbaSeal is a UK supplier of TRC EPDM rubber membrane for flat roofing, along with the adhesives, trims and accessories needed for both DIY installations and professional fitters. The company states that same-day dispatch is available, which may suit buyers who need materials quickly once an order is placed.
Delivery options are not detailed in the supplied information, so the exact services, cut-off times and charges are best confirmed directly with RubbaSeal before ordering. In practice, same-day dispatch usually depends on ordering before a stated daily deadline and on stock availability, so it is worth checking these points if your project is time-sensitive.
The site is likely most useful to:
- DIY homeowners replacing or installing a flat roof
- Roofing fitters and small contractors buying membrane and accessories together
- Buyers who want membrane cut to size rather than standard rolls
A key trade-off is convenience versus planning. Same-day dispatch helps urgent jobs, but flat roofing still requires correct adhesives, trims and detailing, so ordering a complete kit may reduce the risk of missing components. If you need a specific delivery date, confirm it with RubbaSeal rather than assuming it is guaranteed.
How does EPDM compare to other flat roofing materials like felt or GRP in terms of durability and cost?
Durability
EPDM rubber membrane is known for long service life, often quoted in the 40–50 year range, and it stays flexible in cold weather. It is a single-ply sheet, so it has few seams, which reduces leak risk. It resists UV, ozone and ponding water reasonably well, though it can be punctured by sharp debris or foot traffic.
Felt (bitumen) is the cheapest and shortest-lived option. Traditional felt typically lasts 10–15 years and becomes brittle with sun and frost. It is easy to repair but needs more frequent maintenance.
GRP (fibreglass) is rigid and seamless when installed correctly, typically lasting 25–30 years or more. It is resistant to standing water and foot traffic, but it can crack if the deck moves, and repairs are harder than with EPDM.
Cost
| Material | Relative material cost | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Felt | Lowest | 10–15 years |
| EPDM | Moderate | 40–50 years |
| GRP | Highest | 25–30+ years |
EPDM usually costs more than felt upfront but less than GRP. Over decades, its longevity can make it competitive per year of service.
Practical fit
RubbaSeal supplies EPDM membrane with adhesives, trims and accessories, cut to size for DIY flat roofing and fitters. Felt suits tight budgets and short-term repairs; GRP suits walkable, rigid roofs; EPDM suits large, low-maintenance flat roofs where flexibility and fewer seams matter.
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