EPDM Rubber for Roofs - Roofing Membrane

What is EPDM Rubber?

EPDM rubber is a treated synthetic rubber from the elastomer group. The abbreviation EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. It is produced through the polymerization of ethylene and propylene along with a monomer, along with special additives (such as clay, oil, technical soot, sulfur, and stabilizers). The resulting rubber mass is then vulcanized to ensure its elastic properties.

Properties of EPDM

Thanks to its excellent properties, EPDM rubber mats are mainly used in the roofing industry. EPDM membranes are highly elastic and resistant to radiation. Until recently, tar paper was used exclusively for roofing. While it provided effective thermal insulation, it gradually lost its beneficial properties over time.

EPDM has many unique physical properties, including:

• Resistance, Durability, and Flexibility: EPDM rubber is highly elastic and waterproof, making it the most commonly chosen material for the production of waterproofing membranes. EPDM roofing membranes are extremely durable and resistant to harmful weather factors and UV radiation.

• Durability: A properly installed EPDM membrane on a flat roof ensures long-lasting tightness, resulting in almost zero operational costs.

• Ecology: EPDM rubber mats have minimal environmental impact. Moreover, the material is easily recyclable, making it suitable for reuse.

EPDM Roofing Membrane and Waterproofing

EPDM film is a waterproofing material based on synthetic EPDM rubber. In waterproofing products such as bitumens or welded membranes, bubbles and delamination often occur. The EPDM roofing membrane is single-layered, so no delamination occurs after installation. The film ensures a waterproof roof with high resistance to temperature fluctuations and ozone. It offers three installation methods: glued (adhesive applied to the substrate), ballasted (membrane loosely placed on the roof layer and held in place with approved ballast), and mechanically fixed to the roof structure. This type of roof prevents the growth of fungi, mildew, and rot.

EPDM Membrane – Flat Roofs, Green Roofs, and Terraces

Where are EPDM membranes most commonly used as roofing materials?

• Skyscrapers and office buildings

• Residential construction

• Single-family homes

• Additions and annexes

• Garages

EPDM is not only used for roofs but also for verandas and terraces. It can also be used for sealing ponds or retention tanks. The production of EPDM foil is also applied as a root barrier in green roofs.

EPDM Roofing Membrane – Professional Roofing Materials Available at Power Rubber

At Power Rubber, we offer a flexible and durable EPDM roofing membrane with an expected lifespan of up to 50 years. Find out why you should purchase this product from our store!

Advantages of EPDM Rubber Offered by Power Rubber

EPDM material has many great properties, including:

• Elasticity

• Shape memory

• Stretch resistance

• Resistance to strong winds

• UV resistance

• Ozone and weather resistance

An additional advantage of EPDM rubber is that it does not contain plasticizers, substances that provide flexibility. For example, PVC films contain plasticizers. Over time, plasticizers become hard and rigid, making them more susceptible to damage. The properties of EPDM and its flexibility result from its molecular structure. This structure ensures that, even after many years, the membrane does not lose its elasticity.

The durability of EPDM roofing covers exceeds 50 years. It is called a "dead" material because, during the vulcanization process, no chemical reactions occur that could change its properties. Additionally, no components leach into the environment, which is further supported by neutrality certification.

Summary: Why is EPDM Membrane an Excellent Choice for Roofing?

• Low operating costs (requires no maintenance)

• Easy installation (three mounting methods: ballasting, gluing, mechanical fixing)

• Available in sheets of various sizes

• High fire resistance

• Only one layer of coverage is required

• Environmentally friendly product

EPDM Rubber vs Other Roofing Materials

Unlike many other types of roofing materials such as tar paper or asbestos, EPDM rubber shows much greater durability over the years. It does not release any harmful substances into the environment, as has been observed with asbestos. It provides lasting and safe thermal insulation, is resistant to UV radiation, does not allow harmful airborne substances to pass through, and is characterized by high water resistance and resistance to mechanical forces.

EPDM Rubber Manufacturer for Roofing

Some of the most popular manufacturers distributing EPDM in the roofing industry include:

• Firestone Roofing Membrane

• SA Flashing

• Phoenix Resitrix

EPDM rubber for roofs comes with up to 50 years of warranty when installed by certified companies.

For more information, please feel free to contact us.