Firestone EPDM Rubber Roofing for Durham County Council
Project – Rubber Roofing
This large scale North East roofing project required a complete rubber re-roof at Durham County Council’s headquarters in Durham City.
The existing roof covering was made of traditional felt which was around 15 years old. Having had many roof repairs, it was definitely past it’s life span and was in much need of replacement and rectification.
What We Did – Firestone EPDM Rubber Roof
For this Durham roofing project, DVC Roofing began by stripping off the existing felt right down to the timber decking, renewing any defective timber deck throughout the project.
We then covered new deck with 1 layer of torch on Vapour Control Layer (VCL), further adhering 120 mm of tissue faced insulation board directly to the vapour control layer.
The final step was to waterproof the roof. In order to do this, the waterproofing consisted of laying Firestone EPDM single Ply incorporating all necessary perimeters and field ties.
The Finished Product
The finished product of this flat rubber roof covering was extremely successful. The Firestone EPDM rubber roofing provided a watertight and durable roofing solution for this client.
We are very pleased with how this roofing project turned out. To browse some additional images of this commercial project, please take a look at the gallery below.
Looking for flat roofing services? Contact us today.
Project Q&A
What type of project was undertaken?
This was a large-scale commercial roofing project involving a complete rubber re-roof at Durham County Council’s headquarters in Durham City. The work required full removal of the existing roofing system and installation of a modern, high-performance flat roofing solution.
Why did the roof require replacement?
The original roof covering consisted of traditional roofing felt that was approximately 15 years old. Over time, the roof had undergone numerous roof repairs, indicating widespread deterioration and system failure. The roof had exceeded its expected service life and required full replacement rather than further patch repairs.
What roofing system was selected for the replacement?
The replacement system utilised a Firestone EPDM rubber roof, a widely trusted single-ply membrane known for its durability, flexibility, and long-term waterproofing performance. EPDM rubber roofing is particularly well-suited to flat roof applications.
What is EPDM rubber roofing?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane designed specifically for flat roofing. It provides:
- Exceptional waterproofing protection
- High resistance to UV exposure and weathering
- Outstanding flexibility and movement tolerance
- Long service life with minimal maintenance
These properties make it ideal for commercial and public sector buildings.
What work was carried out during the re-roofing process?
DVC Roofing began by stripping away the existing felt roof covering down to the timber decking. This allowed a full inspection of the structural deck, ensuring any defective or compromised timber sections were renewed.
The new roofing build-up included:
✔ Installation of a torch-on Vapour Control Layer (VCL)
✔ Adhering 120 mm of high-performance insulation board
✔ Final waterproofing using Firestone EPDM single-ply membrane
All necessary perimeter detailing and field ties were incorporated to ensure structural integrity and weather resistance.
Why is the Vapour Control Layer (VCL) important?
The Vapour Control Layer plays a critical role in modern flat roof construction. It prevents warm, moisture-laden air from penetrating the insulation layer, reducing the risk of condensation, thermal inefficiency, and long-term structural damage.
What are the benefits of installing insulation within the roof system?
The 120 mm insulation board significantly improves the building’s thermal performance. Benefits include:
- Reduced heat loss
- Improved energy efficiency
- Lower long-term operating costs
- Compliance with building regulations
Thermal upgrades are a major advantage of roof replacement projects.
Why was Firestone EPDM chosen for waterproofing?
Firestone EPDM membranes are recognised for their proven reliability and long lifespan. Key advantages include:
- Seamless waterproofing protection
- Resistance to extreme weather conditions
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Excellent flexibility and crack resistance
This ensures a robust and long-lasting roofing solution.
How successful was the finished roof system?
The completed flat rubber roof delivered an extremely successful outcome. The Firestone EPDM rubber roofing system provides a fully watertight, durable, and low-maintenance solution, ensuring long-term protection for the client’s building.
Is EPDM rubber roofing suitable for commercial buildings?
Yes. EPDM is widely used across commercial, industrial, and public sector properties due to its durability, longevity, and performance in the UK climate. It is especially effective for large flat roof areas.
What types of roofing services does DVC provide?
DVC Roofing delivers a full range of commercial and flat roofing services, including:
- Felt roofing replacement
- Flat roof construction
- Roof insulation upgrades
- Commercial roof repair and refurbishment
