EPDM Roofing - EPDM Rubber Roofing

WHAT IS EPDM ROOFING?

EPDM roofing is made from a synthetic rubber roofing membrane (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) that provides extreme durability, which is why it is widely used on low-sloped structures in the United States and around the world. The primary ingredients, ethylene and propylene, are refined from oil and natural gas. EPDM roofing is offered in both black and white and can be found in a selection of widths that range from 7.5 feet to 50 feet. The rubber roofing also comes in two thicknesses, 45mm and 60mm. An EPDM roof installation has several methods, including fully adhered, ballasted or mechanically fastened, and sealed seams using a liquid adhesive or specially designed tape.

How long does EPDM roofing last?
The life expectancy of EPDM roofing can extend to over 50 years. In that time, the rubber roofing will require little maintenance as it is extremely durable. While this kind of rubber roofing may be guaranteed for a 50-year duration, manufacturers more commonly offer an EPDM roofing warranty of 25 to 30 years.

Fitting Your EPDM Roofing
The most important steps in your EPDM roof installation involves trimming the roof membrane and gluing it in place. The process can begin after the membrane has had the opportunity to relax back into its original neutral state.

Cutting and Trimming EPDM Rubber Roofing
An EPDM rubber roofing membrane can be large and difficult to manage as it requires a sizable work area for trimming. Careful consideration and planning should be the main focus to establish what needs cutting because once it is cut, there is no way to fix a mistake.

Gluing EPDM Rubber Roofing

Gluing a rubber roofing system requires two stages. The first stage begins with the application of an even coat of the needed water-based adhesive (WBA) to the deck area of the roof with half of the EPDM roofing membrane folded back over itself. The glue is kept roughly 150mm (6-inches) from the outer edges of the roof since the contact adhesive will reach into these areas later in the process. The rubber roofing membrane is rolled from the center outwards to be firmly pushed onto the glue using a soft-bristled brush. The process must be repeated on the other half of the roof before beginning the second stage of the EPDM roof installation process.

The next phase focuses on the details and the edges while working with a much stronger EPDM roofing adhesive. We begin sticking the membrane into the corners and working on any other difficult areas. At the same time, this stronger glue can be used to reinforce the 150mm of edging that was created in the first stage. This will ensure the membrane is secure enough to deter all movement and resist wind lift under poor weather conditions. For the proper results, the contact adhesive must be applied to both surfaces and bonded together, but it needs to be dry to the touch before the EPDM roofing membrane contacts the substrate.