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FAQ
Here we have a selection of Frequently Asked Questions which we try and update regularly based on our advise given against questions asked during our working day.
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Which EPDM system is best for me?
One PieceOur easiest system to install - The One Piece system is ideal for large uninterrupted flat or shallow pitch roofs such as garages, commercial flat roofs and residential properties. The One Piece is cheaper than the Self adhesive system and is fully BBA certified to comply with building regulations.
Self AdhesiveOur most Versatile system to install - The Self Adhesive Reinforced membrane is ideal for complicated roofs incorporating, parapet walls, roof lights, awkward angles. Because the membrane is reinforced with glass fibres it is a very stable material that does not suffer from shrinkage or expand which can often be a problem with plastic TPO materials
Shed CoverTop of PageOur most cost effective system - Shed Cover is perfect for flat roofing and shallow pitch areas that do not need to comply with building regulations. i.e. detached from the main residence. Essentially the same as the One Piece, our Shed Cover has been successfully used on detached garages, Summerhouses, garden sheds, hobby rooms, outbuildings and can be used on any building that does not require BBA certification and approval by building control
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Can EPDM sheets be joined?
One PieceThe “One Piece” sheet comes in four widths 9.0, 6.0, 4.5 & 3.0 metres. If your project requires a size in one direction larger than this then the material can be easily joined. We will cut to length to suit your roof.
There are times such as with an ’L’ shaped roof where it is more cost effective to buy two pieces and join rather than cut a corner out of one sheet and discard.
It is important to consider the weight of any one piece of EPDM as it will need to be safely lifted into position on the roof. The One piece system weighs 1.27Kg/m2
Fortunately the joining system is a very simple but effective solution. Typically a splice tape is used to provide a strong watertight seal. The correctly joined seam will be as strong as the material itself.
The roof membranes to be joined must be primed where they overlap and touch dry prior to applying the splice tape. Please see our detailed One Piece training manual
Self AdhesiveThe Self adhesive reinforced EPDM comes in roll sizes of 333mm, 500mm and 1 metre width by 10 metre in length. The membrane is joined and sealed by using a Hot air gun with a flat nozzle and seam roller.
This operation also forms the watertight seal for each strip. A good seal can be identified by the “bleed out” making it much easier to join than other TPO systems. You can purchase a heat gun from our online shop.
Shed CoverTop of PageThe joining system is a very simple but effective solution. Typically a splice tape is used to provide a strong watertight seal. The correctly joined seam will be as strong as the material itself.
The roof membranes to be joined must be primed where they overlap and touch dry prior to applying the splice tape. Please see our detailed One Piece training manual -
Can I walk on the EPDM Rubber Roof?
One PieceThe EPDM sheet supplied can be walked on both during and after installation EPDM is designed to take LIGHT foot traffic for occasional cleaning or maintenance. However common sense needs to be applied. Avoid studded boots and shoes. If you intend to use a ladder on the roof use a plank or board to spread the load.
Self AdhesiveThis material is thicker (2.5mm) than the “One Piece” EPDM and is designed for medium foot traffic. The material has a textured non slip surface.
Shed CoverTop of PageThe EPDM sheet supplied can be walked on both during and after installation EPDM is designed to take LIGHT foot traffic for occasional cleaning or maintenance. However common sense needs to be applied. Avoid studded boots and shoes. If you intend to use ladder on the roof use a plank or board to spread the load.
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Do I Need Any Special Tools?
One PieceNo! - Basic hand tools like scissors, paint rollers and disposable paintbrushes are all that is required. A soft bristle broom or squeegee is ideal for smoothing out the membrane to remove air pockets. In most cases you will require no special tools, we do however recommend purchasing a penny roller and flat seam roller for ensuring a watertight seal when joining membranes with splice tape of fitting pipe boot covers.
Self AdhesiveThe Self Adhesive system requires a heat gun with flat nozzle and silicon or metal roller for the seams. Should you wish to purchase a heat gun you can purchase through our online shop.
Shed CoverTop of PageNo! - In most cases you will require no special tools, we do however recommend purchasing a penny roller and flat seam roller for ensuring a watertight seal when joining membranes with splice tape or fitting pipe boot covers.
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How Do I Bond The EPDM Sheet To My Roof?
One PieceIn most cases the Water based bonding adhesive is used. Unlike the solvent based contact adhesive which must be used on vertical surfaces, the water based adhesive can be used in damp conditions and allows easy repositioning of the membrane whilst installing.
The Contact adhesive may be used in place of the water based adhesive where the substrate requires.
Please contact us directly for further information.
Self AdhesiveAll you need for most applications to bond the Reinforced Self Adhesive membrane is FG35 primer applied with a sheep skin roller to the deck and allowed to touch dry prior to applying the membrane.
Shed CoverTop of PageShedcover can either be bonded using water-soluble decking adhesive or timber battens. It may be necessary at upstands to retain the rubber with a 300mm wide strip of impact adhesive.
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Can EPDM Be Laid Over Existing Roof Coverings?
One PieceEPDM membrane can be laid over existing felt, bitumen, Fibreglass, cement boards and steel roof cladding. In some cases these substrates may require specialist adhesives or mechanical bonding.
Remember when installing any roof membrane it is equally important that the roof structure/decking is sound and rot free. This can normally only be assessed by removing the old waterproof material.
Make sure all sharps are removed. If necessary fix a thin plywood board over the old roof cover to achieve a superior bond and finish to the EPDM rubber Sheet.Self AdhesiveEPDM membrane can be laid over existing felt, bitumen, Fibreglass, cement boards and steel roof cladding. In some cases these substrates may require specialist adhesives or mechanical bonding.
Remember when installing any roof membrane it is equally important that the roof structure/decking is sound and rot free. This can normally only be assessed by removing the old waterproof material.
Make sure all sharps are removed. If necessary fix a thin plywood board over the old roof cover to achieve a superior bond and finish to the EPDM rubber Sheet.The Self Adhesive membrane is Bitumen compatible and due to its additional thickness (2.5mm) is less likely to show up any imperfections in the sub-base below.
Shed CoverTop of PageEPDM membrane can be laid over existing felt, bitumen, Fibreglass, cement boards and steel roof cladding. In some cases these substrates may require specialist adhesives or mechanical bonding.
Remember when installing any roof membrane it is equally important that the roof structure/decking is sound and rot free. This can normally only be assessed by removing the old waterproof material.
Make sure all sharps are removed. If necessary fix a thin plywood board over the old roof cover to achieve a superior bond and finish to the EPDM rubber Sheet. -
What Is The Maximum Sheet Size?
One PieceThe “One Piece” sheet comes in four widths 9.0, 6.0, 4.5 & 3.0 metres by 30 metres long. If your project requires a size in one direction larger than this then the material can be easily joined using splice tape and primer.
All orders are supplied by the fixed width and cut to length.
Self AdhesiveThe Reinforced Self Adhesive membrane comes in handy sized 1 metre x 10 metre rolls so there is very little waste. The material is easier to handle due to the roll size and is seam weld-able using a hot air gun so any size roof can be covered.
This particular system was designed for the commercial market so is ideal for large or small roofs with protrusions such as flues / waste pipes / soil pipes / roof lights / sun pipes etc.
Shed CoverTop of PageThe “Shed cover” sheet comes in four widths 9.0, 6.0, 4.5 & 3.0 metres by 30 metres long. If your project requires a size in one direction larger than this then the material can be easily joined using splice tape and primer.
All orders are supplied by the fixed width and cut to length.
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Is the EPDM membrane guaranteed?
One PieceYes. The expected lifespan of EPDM membrane is in excess of 50 years. Rubber4Roofs Ltd offers a membrane guarantee for 20 years on its ClassicBond One-Piece system.
Self AdhesiveYes. The expected lifespan of EPDM membrane is in excess of 50 years. We offer a 10 year manufacturers warrantee on our Self Adhesive Reinforced Membrane
Shed CoverTop of PageBecause the condition of garden buildings can vary so much and we have little control over the prepared surface that the rubber membrane is bonded to we can not offer a guarantee. However a properly installed rubber membrane will last in excess of 50 years.
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What is a Geo-textile underlay or underlay used for in relation to flat roofing?
One PieceThe Geotextile underlay fleece can be used in a number of ways:
1. The Geotextile fleece can be used under the rubber membrane when installing directly over the old roof to protect it from sharps that may puncture the rubber membrane. In this scenario the rubber membrane can not be glued in place so is either secured using Russ strips (A Grid of mechanically fixed bonding strips) or ballasted in position with pebbles or a green roof.
2. The Geo-textile underlay can be used on top of the rubber membrane to protect it from sharp objects when it is planned to either ballast (cover) the membrane with pebbles for fire protection.
3. The Geo-textile underlay fleece can be used on top of the rubber membrane to protect it from sharp objects when a cement screed is being installed on top of the rubber membrane to provide a hard wearing surface for slabs or tiles.
Self AdhesiveThe Geotextile underlay fleece can be used in a number of ways:
1. The Geo-textile underlay can be used on top of the rubber membrane to protect it from sharp objects when it is planned to either ballast (cover) the membrane with pebbles for fire protection.
2. The Geo-textile underlay fleece can be used on top of the rubber membrane to protect it from sharp objects when a cement screed is being installed on top of the rubber membrane to provide a hard wearing surface for slabs or tiles.
Shed CoverTop of PageThe Geotextile underlay fleece can be used in a number of ways:
1. The Geotextile fleece can be used under the rubber membrane when installing directly over the old roof to protect it from sharps that may puncture the rubber membrane. In this scenario the rubber membrane can not be glued in place so is either secured using Russ strips (A Grid of mechanically fixed bonding strips) or ballasted in position with pebbles or a green roof.
2. The Geo-textile underlay can be used on top of the rubber membrane to protect it from sharp objects when it is planned to either ballast (cover) the membrane with pebbles for fire protection.
3. The Geo-textile underlay fleece can be used on top of the rubber membrane to protect it from sharp objects when a cement screed is being installed on top of the rubber membrane to provide a hard wearing surface for slabs or tiles.
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How do I install slabs or tiles on a flat roof?
One PieceCan I install tiles or slabs directly on to a flat roof?
There are a couple of options here depending on the type of slab or tile.
1) A slab space can be used to support the concrete slabs above the EPDM flat roof rubber membrane. These are a 15mm high circular plastic disc that supports the corner of 4 slabs in a standard check board pattern. Water will pass through the gaps in the slabs and safely away to the gutter.
2) If you are installing a tile on the flat roof that requires fully bonding then subject to roof loads it is perfectly acceptable to install a minimum 50mm screed on top of the rubber membrane (using an underlay fleece to protect the rubber from sharps) Tiles or slabs can then be bonded and grouted on to the cement screed.
Self AdhesiveCan I install tiles or slabs directly on to a flat roof?
There are a couple of options here depending on the type of slab or tile.
1) A slab space can be used to support the concrete slabs above the EPDM flat roof rubber membrane. These are a 15mm high circular plastic disc that supports the corner of 4 slabs in a standard check board pattern. Water will pass through the gaps in the slabs and safely away to the gutter.
2) If you are installing a tile on the flat roof that requires fully bonding then subject to roof loads it is perfectly acceptable to install a minimum 50mm screed on top of the rubber membrane (using an underlay fleece to protect the rubber from sharps) Tiles or slabs can then be bonded and grouted on to the cement screed.
Shed CoverTop of PageCan I install tiles or slabs directly on to a flat roof?
There are a couple of options here depending on the type of slab or tile.
1) A slab space can be used to support the concrete slabs above the EPDM flat roof rubber membrane. These are a 15mm high circular plastic disc that supports the corner of 4 slabs in a standard check board pattern. Water will pass through the gaps in the slabs and safely away to the gutter.
2) If you are installing a tile on the flat roof that requires fully bonding then subject to roof loads it is perfectly acceptable to install a minimum 50mm screed on top of the rubber membrane (using an underlay fleece to protect the rubber from sharps) Tiles or slabs can then be bonded and grouted on to the cement screed.
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Can I install a cement screed on top of the EPDM rubber membrane.
One PieceYes! EPDM rubber membranes are not effected by cement or the lime additive unlike TPO and plastic single ply membranes so the EPDM rubber membrane can be screeded over or bonded directly to a smooth concrete surface if required
Self AdhesiveYes! EPDM rubber membranes are not effected by cement or the lime additive unlike TPO and plastic single ply membranes so the EPDM rubber membrane can be screeded over or bonded directly to a smooth concrete surface if required
Shed CoverTop of PageYes! EPDM rubber membranes are not effected by cement or the lime additive unlike TPO and plastic single ply membranes so the EPDM rubber membrane can be screeded over or bonded directly to a smooth concrete surface if required
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What was the first use of rubber?
One PieceJoseph Priestley of England, best known for his discovery of oxygen, noted that pencil marks could be “rubbed out” by the substance. From this early use, rubber derived its name.
Self AdhesiveJoseph Priestley of England, best known for his discovery of oxygen, noted that pencil marks could be “rubbed out” by the substance. From this early use, rubber derived its name.
Shed CoverTop of PageJoseph Priestley of England, best known for his discovery of oxygen, noted that pencil marks could be “rubbed out” by the substance. From this early use, rubber derived its name.
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How is natural and synthetic rubber produced?
One PieceNatural Rubber
Today more than 90% of the natural rubber supply comes from Southeast Asia. As rubber trees require a hot, damp climate, they grow only in the “Rubber Belt,” an equatorial zone that stretches around the world. In 1876, the English, in recognition of the difficulties of securing quality rubber from the jungle, hit upon the idea of growing rubber on plantations. From their efforts, the cultivated rubber tree plantations of Southeast Asia and Africa have developed.Synthetic Rubber
General purpose synthetic rubber has its origin in two gases: butadiene, a by-product of petroleum refining, and styrene, captured either in the coking process or as a petroleum refining by-product. When the two are mixed in the presence of soapsuds in a reactor, liquid latex results. The dry rubber in this milky liquid is then coagulated into crumbs, washed, dried, and baled ready for shipment.Self AdhesiveNatural Rubber
Today more than 90% of the natural rubber supply comes from Southeast Asia. As rubber trees require a hot, damp climate, they grow only in the “Rubber Belt,” an equatorial zone that stretches around the world. In 1876, the English, in recognition of the difficulties of securing quality rubber from the jungle, hit upon the idea of growing rubber on plantations. From their efforts, the cultivated rubber tree plantations of Southeast Asia and Africa have developed.Synthetic Rubber
General purpose synthetic rubber has its origin in two gases: butadiene, a by-product of petroleum refining, and styrene, captured either in the coking process or as a petroleum refining by-product. When the two are mixed in the presence of soapsuds in a reactor, liquid latex results. The dry rubber in this milky liquid is then coagulated into crumbs, washed, dried, and baled ready for shipment.Shed CoverTop of PageNatural Rubber
Today more than 90% of the natural rubber supply comes from Southeast Asia. As rubber trees require a hot, damp climate, they grow only in the “Rubber Belt,” an equatorial zone that stretches around the world. In 1876, the English, in recognition of the difficulties of securing quality rubber from the jungle, hit upon the idea of growing rubber on plantations. From their efforts, the cultivated rubber tree plantations of Southeast Asia and Africa have developed.Synthetic Rubber
General purpose synthetic rubber has its origin in two gases: butadiene, a by-product of petroleum refining, and styrene, captured either in the coking process or as a petroleum refining by-product. When the two are mixed in the presence of soapsuds in a reactor, liquid latex results. The dry rubber in this milky liquid is then coagulated into crumbs, washed, dried, and baled ready for shipment.
