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Protect Flat Roofs With EPDM Sheets

April 21, 2011 By admin

Its flexibility and strength make EPDM one of the most useful roofing materials and it has become especially popular as a means of protecting flat roofs against rain and other elements as well as physical damage that may be caused by falling debris or even by wildlife. EPDM sheets are extremely flexible as well as being durable and weather resistant. It has an extremely long life and because of its natural appearance there’s no need to cover it unless you’re using EPDM as a strong base for a built up or multiple-ply roof.

What Is EPDM?

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a form of roofing rubber that has gained in popularity as a roofing material because of its unique properties. Despite being flexible and malleable so that it can fit easily and effectively over any roof it is also extremely strong and tough so that it can protect against virtually any type of damage. It protects against UV damage as well as the rain, snow, and ice so it won’t warp, shrink, expand, or even discolour whether you cover the EPDM sheets or leave them to face the elements alone.

Installation

Installation of EPDM sheets is also considered safer than some of the more old fashioned roofing systems. There is no need to heat or melt the material which means that no flames are used during the installation process. Despite this, while bitumen and asphalt roofs have a severely limited lifespan, EPDM sheets offer are often guaranteed for as long as 20 years and there are buildings that still enjoy high quality protection after 50 years of installation. EPDM sheets are very high quality and extremely long lasting.

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is important to any roof and it isn’t just the rain that can cause damage either. The sun’s harmful UV rays are potentially damaging to a roof if it is made from less protective materials. The UV rays can cause the material to thin which can in turn cause leaks when moisture collects on the thinned area. The thinner area may also stretch leaving holes and gaps in the roof. EPDM does not disfigure following exposure to UV rays.

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How to Choose Flat Roof Materials

April 14, 2011 By admin

Your roof is one of the most important structural elements of your home. It protects you from the elements, prevents heating from escaping, and provides various other benefits. However, while protecting against the elements this means that it must also face a combination of weather conditions from ice to rain and snow to sun. Where the typically sloped roof offers natural drainage options for rainwater, the flat roof can offer difficulties in this area.

Choosing Flat Roof Materials

There are a number of options available when it comes to choosing flat roof materials. There are basically three main types of flat roof material available which are designed to provide the needs of all homeowners and residents – built up materials, bitumen, and rubber roofing materials.

Built Up Roofing

Built up roofing materials is an attempt to provide a barrier against the water by essentially plugging the roof with as many different layers as possible. Layers of tar and water resistant materials are laid and the whole concoction is finally covered with gravel. This is an old technique of roof covering and it does require regular maintenance – the gravel, especially, will tend to need weeding and replacing to keep your roof looking its best and offering any kind of protection against the weather.

Bitumen

Bitumen is another long serving, time honoured solution. Bitumen does offer the advantage that it is fairly easy to install although you should always use a professional installation service to ensure that you get the best possible results as doing it yourself may lead to gaps, holes, or shrinkage over time. Some of the more expensive bitumen materials offer greater UV resistance and are better at preserving heat within the home than the traditional material.

Rubber

Rubber is the strongest of the flat roof materials. It is extremely strong and difficult to break. Any damage is easily found and quickly rectified while the materials is resistant to all weather conditions from sun to rain and snow to ice. While the initial cost is quite high, good rubber roofing systems include 20 year guarantees and the minimal maintenance and repairs required mean that it will typically prove to be the most cost effective solution in the long run.

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The Benefits Of EPDM Roofing Systems

February 16, 2011 By admin

When it comes to roofing an extension or other flat roofed building, finding the right membrane material is an important choice. The wrong materials may only last for a very limited time and may incur damage as a result of rain, frost, snow, or heavy rain. Standard roofing materials may also require extra covering which can blow free or roll into guttering causing the gutters to leak down walls causing more problems. If you are suffering from leaking roofs or if you’re having a new flat roof installed then you should consider EPDM roofing.

What Is EPDM?

EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a rubber material that is often used in the making of flat roof membrane. It is a strong and durable material that is not only resistant to general wear and tear but is resilient to weather conditions as well. It is strong enough that people can walk on it once it is installed on the roof and modern Fleeceback EPDM roofing membrane has been proven to have a 50 year life expectancy.

Flat Roofs And Drainage

Flat roofs do not offer the natural drainage solution that sloped roofs do. Water and other precipitate is able to collect, often in large pools or piles, on the roof and eventually this can leak through other roofing membrane materials. The damage from these leaks can be costly and left unchecked the problem is only likely to get worse rather than better.

Flexible Strength

EPDM is a flexible material so that it can be stretched to fit the area it is covering. As well as being flexible it still retains its strength so will not tear when birds land on it or even if people walk on it. Very little ongoing maintenance is required to ensure that the EPDM retains its strength and with such a long life expectancy this makes it a cost effective solution too.

EPDM Roof Membrane

When looking for a flat roofing solution, EPDM is often the material of choice because of its strength and resilient nature. Resistant to all weather conditions including the sun and snow, it will not discolour or warp with age either.

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The Advantages of Using EPDM Rubber for Your Roof

November 21, 2010 By admin

EPDM rubber is a very versatile and durable material that has a huge range of different purposes and applications. EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene M, in which the M refers to a class of rubbers that contain a saturated chain of the polymethylene type. What that means in simple terms is that EPDM rubber has fantastic heat, ozone, and weather resistance. It is also a great electrical insulator.

EPDM sheeting is often used as a liner for back yard water ponds and other man-made water features. The rubber does not leach chemicals, and so would not harm any fish living in these ponds. EPDM roofing material is one of the most common applications of this rubber product, although it can be used in garden hoses, washers, belts, electrical insulation, seals and speaker cone surrounds.

EPDM rubber is also often the main substance used in the weather seals of vehicles, such as door seals, window seals, and hood seals. This is due to the great weatherproof properties of this type of rubber.

One of the advantages of EPDM roofing materials is that they are completely waterproof. A roof built with EPDM roofing materials is also environmentally friendly, because the rubber does not pollute the rainwater that collects on the roof. In fact, with an EPDM roof you can safely direct this water to use it for personal sanitation or hygiene and further reduce your impact on the environment.

EPDM roofing materials have been proven to last up to 50 years, if properly maintained. They are resistant to all types of weather, and they do not split or crack, as other tar and sand roof surfaces are known to do. The flexibility of the rubber allows the roof surface to bend along with the structure, where more hard and brittle materials simply crack or tear. EPDM roofing rubber is also resistant to ultra violet and ozone, and will not be damaged by prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. It can be used in steep pitched roofs as well as flat roofs, however its waterproof qualities make it particularly appropriate to use on a flat roof.

EPDM rubber has a lengthy proven track record; it has been in use for more than 40 years in diverse conditions. Outfitting your roof with quality materials is an investment, which will pay off in the future because you will not have to spend as much money on roof repairs or on replacing your roof sooner that you would wish to. Flexible and versatile, EPDM rubber is a material with much strength, which you can rely on to keep your family safe and dry.

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Why Use Rubber Flat Roof System?

October 13, 2010 By admin

Having a flat roof is not suitable for all building types but if you do your research you will see that there are practical solutions available which help make flat roofs a viable choice for lots of buildings.  Sometimes a flat roof is the only sensible option so what sort of flat roof should you go for? As with any project you undertake it is a matter of looking up information on the topic to ensure that you know as much as you can about it and make the right choice.

A lot of the time people assume that a flat roof will have a shorter life expectancy because of the way that they are built. We know that sloped roofs drain off water quickly and easily which helps to keep them in tip top condition. By this assumption the flat roof systems are not as good because they do not drain this water away in the same way and so puddles can form and leaks could start. However this is not true and if you look at the right flat roof system, it’s not a problem at all. For example some of the best rubber roof systems have a life expectancy of over 50 years, proving that just because it is a flat roof doesn’t mean that it won’t give you value for money. These have a much thicker membrane with lining that wont tear, split or crack.

These systems have a number of other benefits such as extreme weather and ozone resistance. This is one of the main worries when it comes to fitting a new roof so is something that you should look out for.

Don’t worry if you are not an expert in this field because the roofing contractor that you hire to help with your project should be able to look at what you want to achieve and recommend something for you. You must ensure that the EPDM rubber roof is fitted correctly by an approved contractor, otherwise the durability and leak free qualities could be at risk. That said there are lots of resources online that can help with roofing options, giving you the pros and cons of the different systems helping you to decide which is best for you. Doing your research is vital but is also something that you probably don’t want to spend too much time on. This is why looking up advice and information online is ideal because it is so quick and easy to find what you are looking for.

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Why use a rubber roof for commercial buildings?

September 27, 2010 By admin

Why use a rubber roof for commercial buildings?

Are you considering a new flat roofing system for a commercial building? Or maybe you are a contractor that replaces roofs for clients? In either case, rubber roof systems are a great alternative to traditional flat roofing systems.

Rubber roofs are exceptionally durable and are friendly to the environment. By installing a new rubber membrane, you can expect a long life expectancy with fewer leaks and other problems over the life of the roof. A new rubber roof system is usually less costly than a fibreglass or GRP roof and comparable in cost to a felt flat roof system.

The Rubberbond Fleeceback EPDM roofing system, for example, has a demonstrated life expectancy of 50 years regardless of the type of flat roof building involved. The materials used for the Fleeceback system are among the toughest available and are noteworthy for their ability to resist exposure to weather and sunlight.

The Fleeceback rubber roof systems are guaranteed for 20 years against rain and snow damage with some exceptions such as damage caused by falling trees, fire, etc.  This is providing that it is fitted by a professional and approved roofing contractor.

Rubber roof systems are widely used throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, and more than a billion square metres of rubber roof have been installed across the globe. The first roofs date back to the 1960s and they are still functional some 50 years later.

The rubber roof is remarkable in its ability to conform to the shape of the roof in every detail, yet it is at the same time highly resistant to cracking, splitting and tearing. The roof membrane is highly attractive, but tough enough to walk on. Rubber roofs are also safe as no heat or fire is used during the installation process.

Testing has shown that Rubberbond’s EPDM is the only membrane that maintained flexural fatigue resistance in all tests and locations. The Fleeceback EPDM materials have proven highly reliable with a history going back more than 15 years.

Other types of flat roof systems like asphalt, felt and bitumen have significantly shorter life spans particularly when exposed to the UK’s diverse climatic conditions. Often these other types of flat roofs develop cracks and leaks relatively quickly when compared to rubber systems. The repairs needed to fix non-rubber roofs can quickly mount up, so it is often more cost effective to simply install a new flat roof with greater life expectancy.

Many rubber roof suppliers can be found on the internet via major search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. One should take care to make sure that the supplier has a good track record and is using materials that are proven in the field. Reputable suppliers should guarantee their materials in the same way that Rubberbond guarantees its Fleeceback system for 20 years. Another way to check for reliability is to ask people you trust who have experience with rubber roofing system suppliers.

In concluding, when you take into account all the factors including cost, life expectancy and ease of installation, rubber membranes are clearly the most cost effective roofing alternative for your commercial building.

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The Different Uses for EPDM Rubber

September 15, 2010 By admin

EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer, rubber is a synthetic form of rubber which is able to be used in numerous applications. EPDM rubber contains a large concentration of ethylene which allows for the compound to be widely used.

This form of rubber is used in a variety of venues such as radiators, appliance and garden hoses, tubing, belts, washers, insulation used with electricity, as well as in cable jointing, geomembranes, thermoplastic, rubber goods, and in roofing. The rubber shows itself to be compatible with a variety of compounds such as ketones, water, hydraulic fluid, as well as alkalis. It has, however, been shown to not be usable with compounds such as gasoline, and other oils as well as with aliphatic hydrocarbons, and highly concentrated acidic solutions.

The use of EPDM rubber has increased in popularity due to its ability to withstand natural elements such as heat, ozone, steam, as well as general inclement weather conditions. It is also able to function exceptionally well as electrical insulation. The following are brief descriptions of the various uses of EPDM rubber.

Roofing

EPDM has been shown to be highly effective in the waterproofing of roofs. Unlike other materials, it has been shown to be non-toxic as it does not pollute rainwater runoff. This is of extreme importance to a large number of home owners, particularly those who wish to use this runoff water for personal hygiene and sanitation in the process of rainwater harvesting. Not only does it allow for the water to be used by the homeowner without detrimental health side effects, it also prevents negative effects to the environment.

Vehicles

This form of rubber is also commonly utilized in the weather sealing in vehicles. It is used in many areas of the car such as the boot, the doors and windows. Coatings are placed on top of the rubber in order to reduce the sounds which are produced due to the friction of the rubber on the metal or glass of the windows as well as to increase the rubber’s resistance to chemicals.

EPDM rubber can also be found in the circuit hoses of the vehicle’s cooling system. These hoses are used throughout the car in the functioning of the water pump, EGR valve and cooler, the thermostat, heater, radiator, and cooling system. EPDM is also occasionally used in turbo engines in the charge air tubing.

Cable Insulation

The rubber can also be found in electrical appliances which are intended for outdoor use or are exposed to UV rays. Specifically, the material can be found used as the outer casing for these appliance’s wires. Examples of these types of appliances include motors for outdoor awnings and blinds.

Panels for Solar Pools

The rubber is also frequently used as a component of solar panels which collect heat in order to warm indoor or outdoor swimming pools.

Safety equipment

The material is also common in safety equipment such as in the protective face seals for industrial respirators particularly to avoid silicone exposure which can be underwent when using vehicle paints.

With the advent of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), the practice of weather sealing, roofing, and numerous other fields have been revolutionised allowing for more efficient and effective protection against detrimental natural and chemical effects.

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What is EPDM and why it is used on modern flat roofs

September 8, 2010 By admin

EPDM is a material used in the roofing industry that helped to spawn a revolution in the way that the industry works. It is still widely used today as a part of the now dominant sector of the market known as flexible membrane roofing. EPDM is a polymer made from ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer, which is where it gets its name.

The material was introduced to the roofing industry in the 1960s. The properties of the material are such that it is given strength when it is heated. The heating causes the molecular chains in the polymer to cross link with one another, giving the material strength and flexibility. This process is known as “curing.” The membrane roofing is versatile, allowing it to be produced in several different colours, with the most common one being black. It can be built to have a thickness between 3 and 9 centimetres.

As a roofing material, it has several advantages. For one, it is very flexible. This allows it to withstand movement as a result of stress on the structure. It is normal for wind, temperature, and other factors to cause a structure to expand, contract, and alter shape somewhat. A less flexible material would start to tear or even rip under such conditions. The material is also stable under exposure to the elements, including not only rain but ozone, ultraviolet light, and wild fluctuations in temperature. Acids, oils, alkalies, and most of the other chemicals that will be found on a roof will not have an effect on the membrane either. All of these properties make the membrane ideal for roofing because of its durability and long life expectancy.

The membrane can be applied in one of a few different ways. When it was first introduced, it was applied to the roof loosely, and held down by stone tiles or other heavy elements. These held down the membrane so that it would not blow away when the wind picked up. This was referred to as a ballasted roof and is a method that is still used today. Today, the membrane can also be held to the building’s roof by adhesive, allowing the membrane to be fully exposed. Since the membrane can be coloured in many different ways, this allows for a pleasant appearance. The membrane can also be adhered to the building through a mechanically fastening system. One of the reasons for the success of EPDM is the fact that it can be easily designed to work with any type of roof, no matter its size, shape, or slope.  It comes in sheets of various sizes to all easy fitting of complex areas often found on commercial roofs in particular.

EPDM is a trustworthy option for your roofing needs because it has been time tested and proven to work throughout the years. It does not break down or fall apart over time, and many of the companies who first introduced it are still around. The fact that these companies have stuck around for so many years is proof of the material’s reliability. When factors of price, warranty, and quality of the material are all taken into account, this material has demonstrated again and again that it is one of the best choices available for you flat roof.

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Benefits of EPDM rubber roofing membranes

August 11, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

If you are one of those homeowners who have a flat roof covering your domicile, then chances are that it has incurred a leak or two during your time of residence. If you haven’t had the roof checked for 10 years or more, then it’s definitely worth getting it checked out. As with any major type of renovation project of this nature, there are professionals skilled in this particular area. If the entire covering needs to be replaced, it may be time to use a rubber roofing material such as EPDM. This not only seals and covers well, but will last a long time, sealing out those nasty leaks.

The new EPDM rubber membranes are perfect whether you own a home large or small. Since this is a special type of roof, there is the need for a very specific material to shield it from the natural elements such as rain and snow. With a normal pitched roof, felt paper and shingles are typically enough to make the precipitation run off. However, the flat roof doesn’t have enough inclination to funnel this water off by itself. Normally there are standing puddles where some settling may have occurred. This is where a proper rubber roofing application such as EPDM can protect against property damage caused by water infiltration.

There are many DIY projects that can be done around the house, but this isn’t really one of them if you want it done correctly. In order to properly lay down the EPDM rubber membranes on a flat roof, it takes special equipment and training to complete the job properly. Some of this involves the use of a heating torch to properly seal the rubber roofing to the underlayment. This is definitely a job that needs to be left to the professionals. The proprietary EPDM material used by companies specialising in this work can have a long life expectancy so getting it right is cost effective.

As with any roof application, the covering has to withstand the effects of sun, wind and rain. The EPDM rubber membranes are able to stand up against ultra violet light and ozone damage. It doesn’t become brittle with age and is resistant to both moss and fungus. Many rubber roofing materials out there cannot make this same type of statement. It is important to get the very best system applied to your home when completing a project of this nature. Why not get the best quality EPDM solution to your worst nightmare?

When installed, the EPDM rubber membranes will last on average for 50 years. It is composed of a proprietary polyester fleece backing that stands up well to abuse. This is the unique substance that helps to provide the elastomeric quality in this material. The ability to stand up against harsh elements, and still remain pliable will safeguard against leaks and ensure that your roof will remain tight against any possible water damage. Compared to comparable systems, this is not only cost affordable, but also a better value since there is virtually no maintenance involved following installation. Consider this system a very wise investment on the basis of value for the money.

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