a rubber roofing starter guide

A RUBBER ROOFING STARTER GUIDE


PART 1

First introduced in the early 1960s, rubber is still the material of choice for many low-slope roofing applications. It mainly features EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), which is considered a major ingredient in the roofing “industry revolution”. Since it was first formulated, EPDM as a roofing material has undergone a number of changes – factoring in innovations in the manufacture of seam

tapes and installation equipment.

What is Rubber Roofing?


PART ONE: WHAT IS RUBBER ROOFING?

The material is available as rolls for commercial purposes, and as shingles for residential applications. EPDM rubber roofs are made up of:

◘ RUBBER MEMBRANE. The EPDM rubber membrane is engineered to withstand damage from various elements, and is known to accord properties with outstanding weather protection that remains unseen in other popular low-slope roofing materials. Available to suit differing specifications, EPDM rubber membranes can be custom fit to your roof to eliminate the need for field seaming.

◘ BONDING ADHESIVE. Usually solvent-based, bonding adhesives used in EPDM roof applications secure the membrane to the roof deck and the surrounding walls.

◘ TAPES. Seam tapes are used to create field seams between two rubber sheets; laminate tapes can be used to create seams or to do repairs. Lamination tapes, on the other hand, are used to seal the air and water space between the rubber membrane and the roofing surface. (In some cases, termination bars are used in place of the tapes.)


PART ONE: WHAT IS RUBBER ROOFING?

EPDM rubber roofs can be installed in three ways. These are:

◘ FULLY-ADHERED. Fully-adhered application is best for roofs that have irregular geometric shapes or which have limited load-bearing capacities.

◘ MECHANICALLY-FASTENED. This type of application is most suited for decks that have enough resistance for mechanical fasteners. Like fully-adhered rubber roofs, mechanically-fastened EPDM is also lightweight.

◘ BALLASTED. Also called loose-laid, ballasted roofs do not have insulation bases that are fastened to the roof deck. They are ideal for roofs that can accommodate the added weight of the ballast, and those with slopes that do not exceed 10 percent. There are various available compatible substrates for this type of application to facilitate easy installation.

The question now is, do you need a rubber roof? What do you stand to gain should you choose to install one? Find out in the second installment of our e-book. Stay tuned!


PART 2

In the first part of this e-book, we presented a brief history on EDPM rubber roofs, their components, and their application types. Today, find out a little more about the

advantages of EDPM rubber roofs.

Benefits of Rubber

Roofing


PART TWO: BENEFITS OF RUBBER ROOFING

DURABILITYA study on long-term weathering capacity found that EDPM rubber roofs as old as 30 years or so can still perform like new, particularly when it comes to withstanding the effects of fire, water, and even hail. Tensile strength, thickness, and factory seam strength in the roofs involved in the study were found to be excellent, meeting or surpassing the required industry standards. This is why it’s not uncommon to find EPDM roofs that typically feature a 30-year warranty coverage. And, with current technological advances, you can look forward to a rubber roof that might soon surpass even four decades of service.

SUSTAINABILITYFor the eco-conscious homeowner, EPDM is a great choice. A Life Cycle and Assessment (LCA) study reported in the ATHENA Sustainable Materials Institute found that EPDM performs better compared with other single-ply or bitumen-based roofing materials when it comes to global warming, acidification, and smog generation. In addition, the EPDM Roofing Association says that the EPDM membrane can be removed from a roof (when it approaches the end of its life cycle) and recycled back into new walkway pads for new or existing roofs. In fact, the association launched a recycling program with its affiliate members – and, by the end of the first quarter of 2012 alone, already managed to recycle 13.5 million square feet of EPDM rubber membrane.

13.5 million sq ft


PART TWO: BENEFITS OF RUBBER ROOFING

ENERGY EFFICIENCYEPDM may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of energy efficiency, but don’t discount its value altogether. White EPDM, for one thing, is specially engineered for improved resistance to UV rays and to offset energy costs. White coatings can be applied over black EPDM membranes to boost their energy performance. A recent study conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratories also found that roofs with ballast applied over EPDM membranes are as effective as white membranes in helping a property save on energy during peak energy demand.

It certainly sounds like installing a rubber roof could be the smart thing to do, what with its many advantages. But how do you ensure that you truly get to benefit from your investment in rubber roofing? Read on, because we will cover the information you need to know about the installation, care, and maintenance of EDPM in the last part of this e-book.


PART 3

In part 1, we found out what an EDPM rubber roof is, what it is made up of, and how it is applied. Part 2 took us through the advantages of installing such a roofing system. Now, let’s tackle a topic that could arguably be the most important of all: how to make the most out of your investment with

the right information.

Rubber Roofing FAQs


PART THREE: RUBBER ROOFING FAQS

IS A RUBBER ROOF HARD TO INSTALL?EPDM rubber typically requires no special equipment for installation. However, some technical aspects will need to be considered prior to installation. Some of the seemingly simple things shouldn’t be taken for granted. For instance, while EPDM should be bonded over 5/8” plywood and 5/8” OSB board (among other components), you cannot bond it directly over the materials. Plywood and OSB boards must first be sanded to remove sharp edges.

JUST HOW POPULAR IS IT?According to the EPDM Roofing Association, EPDM rubber roofs cover over 1 billion square feet of new roofing every year – with a market share of around 35%. That’s just in the United States. In other parts of the world, EPDM rubber roofs are also growing in popularity.

IS IT COST-EFFECTIVE?Generally speaking, ballasted roofing systems have the lowest installation cost per square foot among all low-slope roofing materials. Mechanically-fastened and fully-adhered systems are also cost-efficient options.



WILL PONDING AFFECT MY WARRANTY?One of the biggest risks inherent in low-slope roofing systems is water ponding. EPDM roof warranties, thankfully, do not get voided should ponding occur within the life of your roof. We recommend, however, that you take every precaution necessary before installation in order to lower the risks of ponding – and the damage that it can do.

WHAT ABOUT REPAIRS?EPDM rubber roofs are considered one of the most easily repairable types of roofs in the market. Even an aged rubber roof can be restored back to its full functionality with the right repair materials.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN AN EPDM ROOF?Avoid low-hanging branches near the rubber roof, and eliminate signs of chalking with a good cleaning solution. Schedule routine inspections, as well, to spot early signs of damage and accordingly correct or prevent them.

HOW DO I MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A RUBBER ROOF? An EPDM rubber roof is a great investment, whether you have a commercial or residential property. But cashing in on this investment also involves carefully choosing your installation team. Go for a licensed contractor who is well-versed in the codes and regulations involved in the application of low-slope roofing systems. Read your contract’s fine print, especially with regard to the warranty coverage, as doing so will likely help you down the road – and just when you need it most.



A&A SERVICES115 North St Salem, MA 01970

978-607-0881www.A-AServices.com

http://www.A-AServices.com

a rubber roofing starter guide

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