"EPDM Rubber Roofing" is simply the best roofing product there is to offer on the market." It has been tested and proven that it is stronger, lasts longer and is easy to repair (if needed) than felt. It is proven to last at least 50 years or more, Firestone EPDM has a major advantage over other similar products because most roofs can be covered in one membrane with no joints.

Here are several facts about Rubber Roofing that make it superior to felt

• Maintenance-free.

• Rot-proof, frost-proof and highly resistant to ageing

• Permanently elastic which means that the rubber will not rip or tear when the roof moves

• No surface protection by paint or chippings required • Withstands normal foot traffic and is slip resistant - even when wet

• Fire-retardant.

• No heat required during installation, roofers using hot bitumen are often a major cause of property fires.

• 50 + years life expectancy.

The finish is of a high quality giving no reason to cover the surface with stones or reflective silver paint.

Stones are put onto felt roofs to try reduce the effects of UV light and reduce heat build up, marginally extending the life of the felt. The stones encourage moss and vegetation growth not to mention regular visits from neighbouring cats! Stones also hide mistakes and disguise poor workmanship and block the drains.

Felt soon looses its elasticity and then cracks. Rubber stretches with the roof and its seals remain intact. Rubber Roofing is unaffected by the sun's ultra-violet and infrared rays. Also it is atmospheric pollutants resistant. Rubber is ECO friendly and can be recycled unlike felt which has to go to landfill.

Some Roofers will claim they are using new high performance re-enforced felt that will last for 15 years or more, the reality is that felt is usually made of modified bitumen with polyester reinforcements and thermo fusible film on the back and slate on the front, to be effective it has to be built up with three layers, leaks are likely to appear after only 7 or 8 years.

If EPDM rubber is so good why do roofers still promote felt for flat roofs? Felt is a very cheap material also an EPDM rubber roof is more difficult to fit properly than felt and re-training is required. Unlike felt it is not possible to hide a poorly installed Rubber Roof from the customer by covering it with a layer of stones.

Please view the Official Firestone Roofing Website for more information.