.: What is EPDM?

EPDM is a rubber membrane consisting of the compounds ethylene and propylene. A small amount of diene is added to the mix forming a flexible rubber matrix.

EPDM rubber is known for its use as a roofing products amongst many other aplications. It is used as a roof membrane because of the excellent seal it will provide when installed correctly. The characteristics of EPDM rubber include excellent stability against influences of weather, sunlight, ozone, acids and caustic solutions. EPDM also has long lasting flexibility and elasticity to eliminate cracking and posesses good tensile strength and a very broad temperature range. Overall EPDM has an outstanding resistance to ageing. EPDM roofs are single-ply membranes meaning that there is only one layer of roofing material and not multiple layers laminated together.

EPDM has been used for roofing projects since the 1960s and is the one of the most common types of low-slope roofing materials globally. This is due to its excellent weathering properties. EPDM is UV stable so it is not effected by sunlight and does not deteriorate at the same rate as some traditional methods such as felt. Epdm is equally at home in the middle east or Alaska so it shouls have no problems with the UK!

In central Europe, EPDM flat roofs are common and have been in use for about 35 years. Tests have been carried out on roofs of this age and they still exceed the results demanded by the material standard DIN 7864. It is established therefore, that EPDM waterproofing systems have a life span well in excess of 50 years.

For those wishing for more technical information:
EPDM rubber is a type of synthetic rubber. The E refers to Ethylene, P to Propylene, D to diene and M refers to its classification in ASTM standard D-1418. The “M” class includes rubbers having a saturated chain of the polymethylene type. The diene(s) currently used in the manufacture of EPDM rubbers are DCPD (dicyclopentadiene), ENB (ethylidene norbornene) and VNB (vinyl norbornene).

.: Step by Step

What to expect

We know that inviting Builders/Tradesmen into your home can be daunting, to help ease your concerns we have put together a step by step guide with pictures of how EPDM rubber roofing is installed. We hope this will reassure you that the process is safe, clean and above all casues minimum disruption to you and your property.
Click here to view our full EPDM installation process.

.: What we do and Where