Common questions

about EPDM

Here are a few of your most common questions that are asked .

Q. Do I need any special tools to install an EPDM roof system?
A. No! You only need the usual handyman tools such as saw, screwdriver, utility knife, scissors, hammer etc.

Q. Should I wait until my roof is leaking before I do anything?
A. No! the Alvadac EPDM system can be installed over your existing roof thereby avoiding the water damage associated with a leaking roof and giving you peace of mind (and less work and expense as you won't have to replace any boards as long as they are sound).

Q. Do I need to replace any timberwork?
A. No! Unless it's rotten or water damaged.

Q. Do I need to strip the felt off my roof before I start?
A. Only if your roof decking is soft or rotten and needs to be replaced as the system uses a geotextile barrier membrane, which is laid on the roof prior to laying the rubber membrane.

Q. Does the roof need to be perfectly dry before installation?
A. Your roof will never be perfectly dry as all flat roofs have a certain amount of water retention although the drier the better even though the rubber membrane breathes due to it being vapour permeable allowing any trapped moisture to escape.

Q. What if I get stuck during installation?
A. No problem! Just contact us and we will talk you through the job step by step in simple terms. Although you shouldn't have any problems as with every order you also receive a comprehensive installation guide.

Q      What is EPDM?  

A   EPDM is a man made Synthetic rubber its full name is Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. It is a remarkable material that,

• Can stretch with up to 300% elongation, which easily accommodates building movement.

• Will not tear, split or crack.

• Is unaffected by ozone and UV radiation.

• Is manufactured in large sheet sizes from 3.05 to 12.20 meters wide and up to 30.5 meters long.  

Q               Are EPDM synthetic rubber roofing membranes new?  

A    No. The first synthetic rubber membranes, developed in America, were laid in the 1960's and are still protecting flat roofs some 50 years later.

Q    Will I get a substantial Guarantee?

A    The rubber membrane has a material guarantee of twenty years, the workmanship is guaranteed by the fitter and is usually twenty years.

Q    How proven is EPDM?  

A    Over Two Billion square meters of EPDM have been installed world wide from the glaring sun of the Middle East to the Arctic conditions of Alaska. Over One hundred Million square meters will be installed this year.

Q     Is EPDM synthetic rubber membrane suitable for my flat roof?  

A    EPDM rubber is suitable for virtually all flat and low sloping roofs.

Q    Are all roofing surveys free and with out obligation?  

A  Yes. Delston Roofing offer a full service including,

• Free survey.

• Friendly advice.

• Written quotation  

Q   What does EPDM look like?  

A    It has a smooth natural slate grey finish.

Q    Can I walk on it?  

A     Yes, it is designed for maintenance access. For heavy usage such as roof patio areas it can be overlaid with a variety of durable finishes, paving slabs, timber or plastic decking etc.

Q    Is EPDM expensive?  

A    No, despite its considerable technical advantages it compares well with other quality roofing systems and because of its long life span will often work out to be much cheaper over time.

Q    Is EPDM environmentally friendly?  

A    EPDM is an inert material with limited environmental impact during manufacture and use of the product.

Q    If EPDM is so good why isn't everyone using it?  

A     The manufactures have invested millions of dollars in manufacturing processes and branding. To protect these investments only trained and approved installers that have proved they can maintain the highest of standards have been allowed to use the materials. This has until recently been predominantly in the commercial sector, but is now at last also available, through approved installers and distributors to the residential market. Any competent person can install a simple EPDM roof.

Although these pages are checked regularly and every care is taken with the information within. Delston can not accept any responsibility or liability for information or results displayed within due to third party interference. All information was deemed correct at time of publication.

Author Myrddin
Copyright © 1999 [Delston ]. All rights reserved.

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