Ethyleen Propylene Diene Monomer Roofs (EDPM)
EPDM, or rubber roofing systems, consist of
three types of installations. Totally adhered membranes are glued
to a mechanically attached insulation board. Mechanically attached
membranes are screwed to the substrate insulation directly, while
a ballasted system is loose laid and covered with rock.
Rubber roofing continues to evolve with faster, better and more
user-friendly components. The single biggest drawback for
rubber roofs is the extremely low puncture resistance. Since
warranties do not cover holes, extreme care must be taken
so as to not damage the roof surface. Some buildings are simply
not good candidates for rubber, requiring either a PVC membrane
or a built-up membrane for high traffic areas.
| EPDM Benefits |
EPDM Drawbacks |
- flexibility in design and installation
- lightweight in some cases
- ease of installation
- easy to locate punctures (adhered and mechanically attached)
|
- low puncture resistance
- inherent shrinking of membrane
- black membrane heats up considerably
- many inexperienced contractors install it, as no
equipment is required
- odor associated with solvent-based glues and primers
- extreme difficulty locating punctures in ballast or re-roof
|
