Buying guide
Felt vs EPDM rubber roofing: which is better for a shed?
Short answer: EPDM rubber if you want a roof you never think about again; felt if you're happy to trade a lower price today for maintenance later.
Head to head
Mineral felt
Cheaper today, more later
- Cost
- Lowest up front
- Construction
- Overlapping strips, nails & joints
- Lifespan
- A few years before it perishes
- Upkeep
- Re-felt periodically
EPDM rubber
Fit and forget
- Cost
- Upgrade on timber, free on composite
- Construction
- One seamless membrane
- Lifespan
- Decades, commercial-grade
- Upkeep
- Virtually none
The detail
What is the difference between felt and EPDM roofing?
Felt is laid in overlapping strips with joints and nails that can work loose over time. EPDM is a single rubber membrane covering the whole roof in one piece — far fewer places for water to find a way in.
Which lasts longer, felt or EPDM?
Felt typically needs replacing every few years as it dries out, cracks and perishes in UV and weather. EPDM rubber is built to last decades with minimal maintenance — it is the same material used on flat commercial roofing for exactly that reason.
Does EPDM cost more than felt?
On a timber shed, yes — EPDM is a paid upgrade over standard felt (from £174.50 on an 8x6, currently on sale from £349). On composite ranges, EPDM comes included as standard — no upgrade needed.
Is EPDM worth it?
If you want to fit and forget the roof, yes — the higher upfront cost is offset by not re-felting every few years. If budget comes first and you don't mind re-felting periodically, standard felt is a perfectly reasonable, cheaper starting point.
Total Rubber — included free on composite
Every composite building already ships with EPDM roofing as standard. On timber, add it as an upgrade and see the exact price for your size instantly.
