When considering flat roofing solutions, choosing EPDM rubber roofing over market alternatives ensures you’re investing in guaranteed longevity. Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaRoof, one of the largest importers and distributors of Firestone RubberCover EPDM, discusses what makes rubber roofing so long-lasting and resilient.
EPDM roofing membranes have been developed with an optimal balance of key ingredients that work together to ensure extended durability and provide a long-lasting solution. Contractors who choose to install the complete system can expect more than 50 years of quality, even withstanding extreme elements.
A consistently popular roofing system, EPDM boasts an impressive track record in prevailing against adverse weather conditions in harsh environments, such as Wisconsin. At Albo Manufacturing, Firestone’s installation of EPDM single-ply roofing remains intact without any reported issues despite tornadoes, snow and extreme sun in the 40 years since it was fitted.
Why is EPDM so long-lasting?
EPDM became a natural choice for roofing solutions following the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Passage of Clean Air Amendment Act, which came into law in the 1970s and negatively impacted asphalt.
Alternative flat roofing options to EPDM are prone to degradation due to the loss of mechanical properties caused by exposure to UV. Temperature fluctuations, even those that are normal for the changing UK seasons, cause stress in materials with low degrees of flexibility and elasticity. This results in cracks and tearing – particularly at any joints or details.
When applied correctly, to adequately prepared roof decks, EPDM rubber roofs far outperform other types of roofing. EPDM is resistant to UV radiation, as well as ozone and temperature fluctuations, and has excellent waterproofing, which would otherwise age the product significantly. EPDM membranes have elasticity of over 300% to accommodate building movement and extremes in temperature. At temperatures as low as – 45oC, flexibility and elasticity are retained.
One of the many benefits of RubberCover roofs is that they can be adapted throughout their long life span to incorporate such additions as rooflights and vent pipes, meaning homeowners have a roofing solution that works for their evolving house plans.
As EPDM membranes are manufactured in very large sizes for up to 15.25m x 30.5m, many small flat roofs can be installed with a single sheet of membrane. This further reduces, or often completely removes, the need for seams, in turn extending the product’s waterproofing efficiency over time.
Installing for longevity
While the system is designed with longevity at the forefront, to ensure it is truly futureproofed, it must be installed by a fully trained contractor. The application is as important as the product.
Although EPDM is a simple system to install, even the most qualified roofing professional should continually invest in their training and development by attending courses, such as ones on single ply roofing solutions.
Training programmes are designed to take individuals through the entire process of implementing EPDM systems with quality, longevity and effectiveness guaranteed.
The best way to ensure the longevity of a roof’s performance – and avoid problems and failures down the line – is to use a full water-proofing system of compatible products, which consists of a membrane, adhesive, tape and primer from the same brand. It also helps to aid traceability, which is increasingly important on commercial projects, and helps to keep a high standard of roofing in the UK.
Rubber roofs can be applied using cold, water-based adhesives. This results in a safe, faster application method, and a lightweight and flexible result. Adhered roof systems also have a high wind uplift performance rating, which makes them a good choice to further enhance the resilience of a structure.
A future proofed solution
The natural characteristics of EPDM, and how it is supplied and applied, are the key reasons for its outstanding longevity. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that installations are still as effective today, no matter the tornadoes, snow, or sun they have been exposed to.
For further information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk. For more information on Firestone Building Products, please visit www.firestonebpe.co.uk/en.