Category Archives: EPDM Roof

How to Care for EPDM Rubber Roofing to Prevent Leaks and Damage

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Do you have EPDM rubber roofing on your home or business? If so, then congratulations on choosing a material that offers outstanding longevity, durability, resilience to the heating/cooling cycle, and many other benefits. However, if you want to enjoy those benefits for as long as possible, and maximize the return on your roofing investment, you’ll need to make sure that you provide your roof with the right care and maintenance over its lifespan. Not sure what you need to do to care for something like a rubberized roof? It’s not all that complicated, and we’ll walk you through it below.

Understanding the Potential Problems

Does cleaning and maintaining EPDM rubber roofing focus strictly on the aesthetics of the roof? Actually, this is more about preventing potential damage to your roof while also ensuring that it looks good for as long as possible. For instance, in some climates, mold can gain a foothold and then grow on your rubber roof. Another problem is that contact with anything sharp can cause splitting, and in some cases, exposure to prolonged periods of heat with low humidity can also cause cracking. The right care and maintenance steps will help eliminate those issues.

Cleaning

We recommend that you clean your roof at least once per year, although twice per year is better. Spring and fall are the two best times as this allows you to address issues before extreme heat or cold become a problem.

Begin with a soft-bristled broom and sweep the roof. Start at the peak of the roof and work down, making sure to remove all dirt, dust, and debris. Of course, this material will fall to the ground, so you’ll need to clean it up from there, as well. If any of the debris gets into your gutters, make sure to clean it out immediately.

Next, you will need to wash your roof. You’ll need a bucket of warm water and some gentle dish soap. Use a soft-bristled brush here, as well. Do not use anything with stiff bristles to avoid scuffing your roof. Gently wash your roof and then rinse it clean with a garden hose.

Regular cleaning removes debris that can build up and cause threats, but also washes away mold and mildew. The water used in the washing and rinsing process will also help prevent problems that can stem from very low humidity levels that might lead to splitting in high-heat environments, as well.

Be Alert for Dangerous Situations

While regular cleaning is important, you also need to be aware of potentially dangerous situations that could lead to damage to your roof. For instance, tree removal on your property could cause branches to fall on the roof, potentially puncturing or tearing the EPDM rubber roofing. Storms are also serious considerations. While your roofing will stand up to threats like high winds, driving rain, and even hail better than other types of roofing, there is always the chance that storm winds will blow branches onto the roof, potentially causing damage. We recommend that you inspect EPDM rubber roofing after any storm to make sure that there is no danger. A quick visual inspection is usually all that is needed, coupled with possibly sweeping twigs and leaves off the roof.

Conclusion

While EPDM rubber roofing is strong and durable, it can be subject to damage from a number of sources. The right maintenance and cleaning strategy can help reduce your risk while maximizing the lifespan of your roof. Be proactive with your maintenance and you’ll encounter fewer problems.

Using Liquid Rubber Roof Coatings to Repair Your Business’s Roof

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The roof of your business is just as vital as a residential home’s roof, perhaps even more so. While a leak within a home might damage hundreds or thousands of dollars’ worth of clothing and electronics, a leak in your business’s roof could cause hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. It could also lead to other problems, like mold buildup within the business. If you’ve noticed telltale signs of a leak, rectifying the situation immediately is vital. If you have a rubber roof, there is good news. Liquid Rubber roof coatings can be applied quickly and easily to reseal the entire roof and prevent further damage.

How to Tell If You Have a Rubber Roof

Commercial roofs are often flat, and there are several different types of flat roof systems on the market. If you are not sure that your business has a rubber roof, you’ll need to verify that before you move forward. However, understand that Liquid Rubber roof coatings can be applied over BUR, TPO, and PVC roofs (three of the alternative roof systems), just as easily as it can over EPDM rubber.

You can tell if you have a rubber (EPDM) roof pretty simply – get up on the roof where you can look at and feel the material. It may be any shade of gray or black, but if it is smooth and lacks surface granules, then it is rubber. If you can find an exposed edge, you can also check the thickness. In most cases, an EPDM rubber roof will only be between .41 and .90 millimeters thick.

Again, Liquid Rubber sealant can actually be used on just about any type of roof surface, except for those with an oil-based coating. This includes metal, urethane foam, concrete, and the three flat roof systems mentioned above.

Find the Leak

Your most critical task will be to find the source of the leak itself. In most instances, this is not going to be the roof membrane itself, but the seal around a vent pipe, or perhaps damaged flashing. This will also be the most time consuming part of the repair. However, it is critical to locate the leak, unless you want to simply cover the entire roof with Liquid Rubber roof coatings. In some cases, that may make the most sense, though, particularly if your roof is aging and has not been re-roofed in many years.

How to Repair Your Roof Leak

Once you have found the source of the leak, it is relatively simple to repair the problem. You’ll need follow a few basic steps, though:

  • Clean the Area: Your first task will be to clean the area. If you’re patching a leak, then you’ll need to scrub the existing membrane clean using a scouring pad and a good cleansing solution.
  • Trim: You may also need to trim the edges of the damaged area so that they are not jagged.
  • Remove: If there is old caulking in the area, it will need to be scraped or cut away, as well.
  • Apply: Once the damaged area is clean and dry, it is time to repair it. Simply apply a coating of Liquid Rubber using a paintbrush or a roller. You need only a thin layer, around 1 millimeter thick. Once it is applied, it is immediately waterproof, but it will take some time to cure completely.

That’s all there is to repairing a leaking commercial roof. However, if your roof is old and in poor condition, it may make more sense to apply Liquid Rubber roof coatings to the entire surface to protect it for decades to come.

The Role of EPDM Adhesive in a Roofing Installation

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Why would you require EPDM adhesive if the material is able to be installed through a mechanical attachment method? There are a few reasons that EPDM adhesive (the most appropriate EPDM adhesive) is essential to a good outcome.

What is EPDM Roofing?

EPDM or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer is a wildly popular roofing material used on low-slope and flat rooftops. Many property owners, in addition to those with flat or low-slop roofs choose it because of its wide-ranging applicability. It is able to be installed over almost any existing roof (with the exception of tar, asphalt, shingles or asphalt rolled roofing because the oils in these petroleum-based materials will fail to bond) as long as there is a newer layer of plywood or appropriate boarding beneath.

All EPDM roofing materials are available in black or white colors. You would choose your color based on such factors as the amount of sunlight the roof receives and whether or not you want that roof to absorb the light and heat or reflect it back and away from the building.

You must also choose the width of the EPDM material and the thickness, as it arrives in rolls that are then applied wherever needed. The edges of the rolls overlap as you install them. You will choose the type of installation you will use based on the roof itself. Is it new? Is it older and being being replaced covered by the new material? You will have to have the existing roofing prepped properly and then installation can begin.

Using EPDM Roofing and Adhesives

Then comes the role of the EPDM adhesive. As you roll out the individual strips of the roofing material, they are overlapped and must then be bonded together and to the surface to create a waterproof skin or shield; making the new rooftop. Technically, an EPDM adhesive is viewed as one of two options:

  • You can find an actual adhesive or glue-like material; or
  • You can find a tape made specifically for the roofing material (NOTE: If you opt for tapes, the roofing application will still require what is known as a primer or adhesive primer to be applied to the rubber, so you won’t save a step by opting for tapes)

The Ease of EPDM Installation

The good news about any type of EPDM adhesive is that it is an easy to install option. The key is to be sure that the surface is both clean and dry. Any sharp edges or debris must be removed as it runs the risk of puncturing or weakening the roofing. Once the basic prep is done, and as long as you have a material suited for treatment with the EPDM material, you need only lay out the materials as they will be installed and begin the adhesion process.

This is done through the use of a roller and the adhesive is applied to the exposed decking materials as well as the back of the roofing material. Areas of overlap will become “seams”, and these will bond to create an impervious finish. You can also apply a bead of caulk once the adhesive has formed.

Installing EPDM roofing is not something possible on a year-round basis in all locations. Air temperatures have to allow the roofing to “relax” and open after being unrolled, and humidity has to be within workable ranges. Usually EPDM adhesives will work when it is 40 degrees and higher 24 hours a day (before, during and after application). If it is cold or very damp and humid, it is best to wait for more amenable conditions.

The good news is that the use of EPDM roofing and adhesives is a common choice with low-pitch and flat roof structures because, when installed correctly, offers a water tight and long-lasting finish.

Why You Should Hire Professionals to Help With Your EPDM Roof

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Have you been considering getting an EPDM roof for your business, or for another property that has a flat or low-sloped roof? If you want to have EPDM membranes and all of the benefits that they can provide, it tends to be a good idea to hire professional contractors for the installation.

Why Not DIY?

For those who have the time and the patience to learn how to install this type of roofing membrane, it may be possible to install on your own. However, if you have a large roof, or if you do not want to go through the hassle, working with contractors will be far more efficient. The contractors already have the tools and experience needed to install these types of roofing systems, which means they can likely do it in a fraction of the time that you would take. Of course, one of the biggest benefits is that they know how to install the membranes correctly to ensure they are doing their job.

The EPDM Roof Life Could Be Reduced If the Installation is Poor

You have probably heard that the EPDM roof life is between 20 and 30 years in most cases. This is true, and it means that you should end up having a lot less to worry about with your roof for quite some time. However, if you were to install the roof on your own, there is the chance that you might not do it properly. There could be gaps, debris left between the roof and the membrane, and other issues. Perhaps you did not use a good EPDM adhesive, and the membranes are not staying put.

There are many “little things” that you might not have gotten right, and this would mean that the EPDM roof life for your roof might not be quite as impressive. If you installed it incorrectly, it might only last a couple of years before you notice a problem. This essentially negates many of the benefits that EPDM can offer. To circumvent this problem, you can hire a professional team that can install the roofing for you. Most of the time, they will have a warranty for the product and labor.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractors for the Job

Knowing that you should use a contractor and actually hiring the right contractor are two different things entirely. When you are choosing a contractor, you will want to take the time to learn more about their experience and check their reputation. Have they worked with EPDM roofing systems in the past? Do they have any examples of their work on their website? Check for testimonials from customers, and check to make sure they are licensed and insured for work in your state.

What About Liquid EPDM Roof Installation

You will find that the liquid EPDM roof installation tends to be faster and easier, and this could be something that you might want to try on your own. If you know how to use a paint roller and a paintbrush, you should not have any problems, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. However, those who have large roofs that they need to cover might still want to work with contractors, as they can take care of the job in less time. This will allow you to get on with the other aspects of running your business.

An EPDM roof can be a huge benefit to a business by providing true protection for the roof from the elements. Just make sure you have it installed properly.

What You Need to Know About EPDM Roofing

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EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is very popular today when it comes to roofing, and it could be a good solution for your needs. It can work well with many different types of roofs, and you will find several EPDM options available to provide your roof with the added protection it needs. The material has been around since the 1960s, and it has proven to be very effective in a variety of capacities, not just for roofing.

Options With EPDM

The rubber is available in sheets in a range of thicknesses, vulcanized and nonvulcanized membranes, and as a liquid coating that can be applied similar to paint. The roofing material has become very popular with commercial roofs, as many businesses tend to have flat or low-sloped roofs. With so many options available, different types of buildings and buildings of different sizes can make use of the material.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

You will also find that EPDM roofing tends to be environmentally friendly. The material is very durable, and even a single coating or membrane can last for decades without the need for replacement. In addition, it can help with heating and cooling bills. The product comes in white and black.

Those who live in environments where it gets cold in the winter months and who have relatively short or mild summers may want to choose the black coating. This can help to absorb sunlight and will keep the heating bills down in the winter. In addition, those who live in hot environments, such as the southern part of the United States, will find that the white coatings can help to reflect the heat. This keeps the cooling bills down.

Other Benefits of Choosing EPDM

As you start to learn more about EPDM, you will find there are quite a few other benefits it offers. The material has the capacity to resist massive temperature fluctuations. It can expand and contract with the changing temperatures without any breaks or cracks in the material. It can last for up to 50 years when it is installed properly, and it is fire resistant. It is recyclable, and as you will see below, it tends to be easy to install.

One of the other benefits of the material is the fact that it is inexpensive. When you consider some of the other roofing systems out there that do not boast all of the benefits that EPDM offers, it’s amazing to see just how affordable the product can be. Even those who have large roofs can save a substantial amount of money when they choose the material.

Self-Installation or Professional Installation?

When you decide to go forward and get an EPDM roof, you will want to consider whether you will take care of the application on your own or hire a professional. For those who are choosing the large EPDM sheets that need to be applied, it tends to be much easier to have the professionals take care of the entire process. For those who are using a liquid EPDM instead, it might be possible to take care of the application on your own. This will depend on the size of the roof, along with your comfort in a DIY project like this.

Regardless of who installs the roofing system, you will find that it tends to be a relatively fast process. In very little time, you can have the peace of mind you need for your roof, and you will know that it can last for decades to come.

A Basic EPDM Roofing Guide

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If you are considering a new or replacement roof for a low-slope or flat rooftop, you already know that EPDM is the most commonly used material. Affordable, long-lasting and amazingly easy to install, it can be a DIY project or something done by those without any prior roofing experience. In this EPDM roofing guide, however, we are going to look at the different steps required and any “must know” information that can help make your EPDM installation a success.

The Steps to Installation

The first thing we must address in this EPDM roofing guide is the simple fact that any EPDM installation has to start with prep work. Without adequate preparations, your end result may be unsuccessful or less efficient – i.e. your rooftop might eventually leak or it is covered with ripples and bulges, etc.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM Roofing

So, step one in any EPDM roofing guide is to do proper roof deck preparation. That begins with cleaning the roof surface and making sure it is totally free of debris, dirt and dust, and oil or grease. You also must inspect it for any loose materials or spots where moisture lingers. Trapped moisture will ruin the installation, so be sure everything is clean and dry. Also be sure it is a material appropriate for the use of EPDM.

In fact, it is common for a EPDM roofing guide to skip a discussion of this key point. However, you must know what the materials can and cannot bond with effectively, and the most commonly suggested material is a timber deck that is OSB3 or exterior grade plywood.

Structural Issues to Know About

Though any EPDM roofing guide will tell you that installation of EPDM is easy, you still need to be aware of a few terms that might be unfamiliar to a novice. These include:

  • Drip batten – At the edge of a flat roof, and overhanging the gutter slightly, this is a durable board that you may have to install if not already present. It ensures that any water runoff reaches the gutters and does not drip behind the gutter
  • Back drip trim – This is a piece of molding that goes over the drip batten and is impervious to water and weather. It makes proper drainage a certainty
  • Chasing out – If you have an area of rooftop in which the roof adjoins to another material, such as brick and mortar, you need to use a chisel or grinder to “chase out” the joint and ensure that the flashing can adhere fully and properly
  • Mastic – This is the material applied to any wall trim areas like those discussed in “chasing out”. You will use this to bond and seal the edges and then also use simple tools to chase out the mastic or binding agent into the groove
  • Pig’s ear – This is a way of forming and folding the area of overhang at the edge of the roof. You will definitely want to practice this in advance of your first installation as it ensures that the membrane (EPDM material) makes an impervious and long lasting cover for the edges of the roof
  • Sweeping – When you have placed the adhesive and the EPDM rolls, you must then sweep the membrane and ensure any and all trapped air is swept out and from beneath as this insures bonding and prevents damage

This is just the basics and if you opt for EPDM roofing, you’ll want to invest in an actual step-by-step EPDM roofing guide that walks you through all of the preparatory steps, the different processes needed for installation, and all of the unique methods you will have to know to finish the roof and get a good seal for years to come.

EPDM Roofing Guide What You Need to Know

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If you have been looking for a new roofing system for your building, and you have come across EPDM systems, you might be wondering whether this is the right solution for you. This basic guide will look at what this type of system is and some of the benefits that it can offer, along with tips for installation.

What Is EPDM?

EPDM is a popular type of roofing material that has been around for nearly 60 years. Those who have flat and low-sloped roofs, whether commercial or residential, have found that it is a good roofing application that offers some excellent benefits. EPDM is available in different thicknesses (45mm, 60mm, and 90mm) and styles, and it is even available in two different colors – black and white. These colors can help to confer energy savings. Those who live in warm climates might want the white for their roof, as it will reflect the rays of the sun and keep the building cooler, for example.

EPDM Roof

EPDM Roof

Main EPDM Roof Advantages

This type of roofing system has gained popularity because of the many benefits that it can offer. It has the ability to resist extreme temperatures and it holds up well if there is standing water on the roof. It is durable and can last for decades. It tends to be lightweight and has Class A fire resistance. Repairs are simple, and this is an inexpensive option for those who are looking for a quality roofing system.

Types of EPDM Roofing

Many companies today offer EPDM, but there are two main choices when you are choosing this product. You can choose the roofing membranes, which are a popular option for many businesses. There is also a liquid EPDM that could be used. This version tends to be easy to apply, and it has gained in popularity.

Installing the Roofing Membranes

The installation of the membranes is simple, but it will require preparation of the roof before beginning. The roof needs to be extremely clean and free of all dirt and debris. It also needs to be completely dry before beginning. The membranes are then laid out on the roof for about half an hour so wrinkles can be removed. When doing this, they are laid so that 3” of material hangs over the edge of the roof. The membranes are then folded back over themselves.

At this time, the contractors will get the EPDM adhesive ready, and will then apply the adhesive to the roof. The membranes are then folded back into place when the adhesive is tacky but not wet. A push broom can be used to ensure adhesion and to help remove any wrinkles. It is a slow but simple process, and many business owners find that it tends to be best to hire a professional to take care of the installation to make sure it is done correctly.

When it comes to the liquid EPDM, the installation process does tend to be easier, and you may want to do it on your own. You still need to clean the roof thoroughly, and you need to be sure that you have a dry roof before you start. You would then mix up the liquid EPDM with the catalyst to activate it. Then, it can be applied to the roof with a paint roller and a paintbrush, which can help to get into some areas that the roller can’t.

Now that you have a better understanding of what EPDM is and how it is applied, you can make a decision on whether it might be right for your business.

Need to Now Information Regarding Installation of EPDM Roofs

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Many business owners who have flat roofs on their buildings have decided that getting an EPDM roof is the best option given the number of benefits it offers. This is a lightweight material that tends to be easy to install yet remains highly durable. In fact, the EPDM roof life tends to be several decades. You can choose between white and black EPDM, which can help with energy efficiency in the building, as well.

Although the installation is easy, and it could be done on your own, those having the membranes installed may want to work with a professional crew. This can make the installation go faster and easier, with no need to worry about whether it is done correctly.

EPDM Roof

EPDM Roof

How Are the Membranes Installed?

First, there are a number of materials required to install this type of roof. In addition to the EPDM membrane, the roofers will also use EPDM adhesive, a utility knife, broom, paint roller, and protection for their hands and eyes. The first step is to make sure that the surface of the roof is entirely clean and dry. They remove debris and any sharp edges that might be on the roof that could puncture the membrane.

The membranes are then laid in position on the clean roof and allowed time to “relax”, so the wrinkles can be easily removed. It is important to make sure that any wrinkles in the membrane are removed before using the adhesive. The EPDM adhesive is then applied to the roof. The adhesive should be put on smoothly, and there should not be any areas that are too thick. Wait until the EPDM adhesive is tacky – not wet – and the membranes are added. The push broom can be used on the membrane to help remove any wrinkles that may be present after laying it on the adhesive. The broom will also help to ensure that there is proper adhesion.

Keep in mind that it is very important to make sure the roof deck is completely clean before applying the adhesive and membranes. If there is grit, dirt, or small particles, it could get between the roof and the membrane, which will not allow for proper adhesion.

While it might be possible for you to apply the membranes on your own, it is tricky work that is best left to the professionals. They have experience to ensure it is done right the first time, and they will have the job done faster than you would be able to do on your own.

How Different is Installation for the Liquid EPDM?

The liquid is just as easy to install as the membranes. In fact, it tends to be even easier, and many choose to install this on their own. After cleaning the roof thoroughly and making any necessary repairs, the Liquid EPDM mixture will go on very smoothly, just like paint. You can apply it with rollers and a brush, and it does not take long to cover even large roofs with this product. You will not need a primer, and although you could only use a single coat, many people choose to add two coats, as this is a lightweight material. The second coat should not add too much weight.

Whether you choose to hire a professional or complete the installation on your own, you will be happy with the results that the roof can provide. You will have the peace of mind you need for your business, knowing that the roof is protected.

Top EPDM Roof Advantages

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EPDM is one of the most popular types of roofing systems in use today. It can work well for businesses that have flat or low-sloped roofs, but it can also work for residences and outbuildings with these types of roofs. What is it about this type of system that makes it so popular? You will find that there are many EPDM roof advantages that can provide your roof with the protection it needs.

Fewer Seams Provide Better Coverage

The membrane sheets tend to come in large, wide rolls. This means that they will have fewer seams than other types of roofing materials. Fewer seams mean there will be less risk of an issue with those seams, such as leaks.

EPDM Roof

EPDM Roof

Quick to Install

While you will likely want to have a professional take care of the installation, one of the other EPDM roof advantages is the ease of installation. The contractors should be able to get your roof completed in far less time than it would take to install other types of roofing systems. This means less hassle for you.

Lightweight

The membranes are also lightweight compared with other roofing options, such as asphalt. This means there will be less weight on the roof, and it means that getting the materials up onto the roof for installation will be easier. It will also mean that your roof is under less stress than it would be with other types of roofing materials.

Potential Energy Savings

One of the EPDM roof advantages that many people never consider is the energy savings that can be had. This type of material comes in black or white. Since the roof is exposed to the sunlight throughout the day, this can affect how warm the building below gets.

Those who live in environments where it is often hot will want to use white EPDM, as this can reflect some of the light, keeping it cooler. It could mean that you use your AC less. If you are in an environment where you have cold winters, having black EPDM roofing can help to absorb the light from the sun and keep the building warmer, potentially reducing heating costs.

Highly Durable and Long Lasting

Of course, another one of the main reasons to consider using EPDM roofing is because of the durability. It can stand up to the weather and changes in the temperature very well. It won’t start to melt in high temperatures, as you might find with asphalt. It also has the potential to last for decades without needing replacement. If there are any minor issues that occur with the roofing, it tends to be very easy to repair without needing to replace the entire roof.

The Cost

One of the biggest advantages to this type of roofing is the cost. It happens to be the least expensive roofing system that you can install per square foot. The national average for the square foot price, before labor is added, is between $0.80 and $1.60. When compared with other options, you will save more when you use EPDM.

It Has Maintained a Good Reputation for Decades

This type of material has been on the market for a long time, and it has been able to retain its good reputation. It is a time-tested material that you can rely on to help keep your roof as safe as possible.

Of course, these are just some of the biggest EPDM roof advantages. If you would like to have this type of roofing installed, you can see why it can be a great option.