Is EPDM a best choice in Flat Roofing Membranes?

EPDM(ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) formulations are versatile, and many EPDM materials produced have a wide range of use in automotive, industrial, and commercial applications. EPDM roofing has been used as a roofing material in North America since the early 1960s. EPDM is a synthetic rubber material that can be formulated with extensive flexibility for use as membrane sheet roofing. EPDM membranes exhibit good resistance to ozone, UV rays, weathering, and abrasion. EPDM also has good low temperature flexibility. EPDM is resistant to some acids; alkali's; and oxygenated solvents, such as ketones, esters and alcohols. On the other hand, exposure to aromatic, halogenated and aliphatic solvents, as well as animal and vegetable oils and petroleum based products, should be avoided to prevent membrane swelling and distortion.

The EPDM rubber roofing has been an appealing choice for both re-roofing and new roof construction projects in the low-slope commercial roofing industry for over 40 years. The EPDM rubber roofing membrane is an elastometric polymer synthesized with clay for fire resistance and dimensional stability, carbon black to increase tear strength and resistance to UV rays, process oils for flexibility and curing agents for vulcanization. EPDM sheets available in thicknesses of 45, 60, 75 and 90 mils.

The popularity of EPDM roofing in market, made EPDM manufacturers remain committed to continuous product innovations. The innovations of seam tapes in the 1980s to replace liquid adhesives has resulted in greater productivity for the contractor and enhanced performance for the roof system and building user.

Advantages:

1. It retains physical characteristics throughout its service life.
2. They are resistant to UV light, high and low temperatures
3. The EPDM rubber membrane offer design flexibility
4. Easy to install.
5. Great warranties up to 30 years will save your investment on the roof
6. You can install EPDM over an existing roof system.

While inspecting EPDM roof

When inspecting an existing EPDM roof, roofing contractor, facility managers should look for these conditions:

1. Disbondment at seams, laps and splice areas which can result from ppor workmanship, delamination, physical damage and deterioration over time.
2. Holes or punctures in membranes as result of fasteners backing out of substrates or contact with heavy objects
3. Wrinkles in the membrane that restrict water flow, caused by inadequate attachment, curling of insulation or contraction of the membrane after application
4. Shrinkage of sheet membranes
5. Dimensional stability of the insulation that deforms or otherwise puts undue stress on the membrane
6. Defects in ballast such as broken, deteriorated or missing pavers, exposed membranes due to displaced ballast or ballast with sharp edges
7. Defective or improper repairs in the roof membrane
8. Improper application of EPDM sheets that were not allowed to relax or recapture themselves , before perimeter securement.