Liquid EPDM Rubber Coatings are aftermarket roof sealants

A number of aftermarket roof sealants are available, including urethanes, acrylics and liquid rubber. Liquid EPDM rubber is by far the most durable of the sealants available and has the widest range of applications.

It is more water resistant than other rubbers, including neoprene. It is more resistant to swelling and has a wider range of acceptable temperatures. It can be applied directly to practically any roofing material other than asphalt and can even be used on wood that has been primed.

Liquids have an obvious advantage over sheets. Sheets have seams. Seam sealers eventually deteriorate and water gets through the seams and under the sheeting.

Liquid EPDM can be used on top of neoprene, although some pre-treatment of the surface is required. Just knowing that the liquid rubber is recommended for use on top of the other type of rubber should be an indication that the material is more durable.

Liquid EPDM can also be used on top of polyurethane after a light sanding. It is somewhat surprising that urethanes are still used as aftermarket roof sealants. It is known that the structure is damaged by UV light and that discoloration occurs relatively quickly. Anyone who has made the mistake of using urethane as a roof sealant should consider applying liquid EPDM to truly protect the roof.

The liquids can also be used to seal existing leaks. They are self-adhering and fill up tiny fractures that let water through. It is a good idea to use a thick coat and cover the entire surface instead of attempting to only cover the leaky area.

When covering the entire roof, the liquid rubber reduces heat buildup. Not only does the roof stay cooler, but the interior of the building or the vehicle will also stay cooler. This benefit may reduce heating costs and keep the occupants more comfortable.

Liquid EPDM has become the most popular choice for RV roofs, because of all the above-mentioned advantages. It extends the lifespan of the roof and requires less maintenance. It lasts up to three times longer than any other aftermarket RV roof sealant and also reduces noise from rain.

As far as price goes, most sealants are similar in price. Depending on where you buy, EPDM may be a little more expensive, but because primers and additional coats are not usually necessary, and because it lasts so much longer, owners who choose this aftermarket roof sealant save money in the long run.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING LIQUID RUBBER

1)       Catalyst must be added prior to use.  Scrape sides of container with a Liquid Rubber spatula to ensure catalyst distribution.

2)       Xylene or Mineral Spirits Solvents may be added to adjust viscosity or for clean-up. 

3)       Easiest way to spread the rubber on a flat surface is to broadcast material with a rubber squeegee then roll using a short nap roller.  Product is self leveling.  A flat spatula can be used for small areas. 

4)       Product has a long pot life after catalyst has been added; 4-6 hrs. depending on temperature. 

5)       Only temperature affects the rate of cure.  Relative humidity has no influence. 

6)       Product is hydrophobic (sheds water) so substrate to be coated must be dry initially.  The uncured rubber can get wet or even have ponding water, with only a cosmetic effect after application, and will still cure.

7)       The rubber will penetrate into porous substrates such as wood and poured concrete.  A primer/sealer should precede application of rubber. 

8)       The chemical reaction of the catalyzed rubber can be arrested by freezing the material.  This can keep material usable for weeks or months.  To use again simply allow it to reach room temperature and apply.

EPDM Ambient Curing Systems

The industry has been trying to develop a cure mechanism that would make it possible to crosslink EPDM polymers at ambient temperature for some time.   One such polymer became commercially available in 1990 resulting in the development of EPDM Liquid Rubber as a commercial product. 
           
The chemistry in the liquid version is substantially similar to that of the EPDM single ply sheet.  A pendant group grafted to the polymer chain and the cure mechanism are the major differences.
          
The cure mechanism in the EPDM Liquid Rubber can be described as a free radical initiated polymerization.  Organic peroxide was chosen as the catalyst because it produced the best cured properties as well as a long pot life after mixing.

Cured films of EPDM Liquid Rubber have excellent weatherability, are not thermoplastic, can withstand high temperatures (up to 300° F), remain flexible at very low temperatures (brittle point is –62° F), have resistance to acids, alkali’s and polar solvents, and can withstand total water immersion indefinitely. Compatibility and performance should be the main criteria in choosing a liquid coating.  The following comparison lists the pros and cons of various types.

Application of Liquid EPDM Rubber

Liquid Rubber® may be applied at any temperature that permits it being spread onto the surface. It will waterproof immediately upon application. The solvent will evaporate at a rate governed by temperature but will not be affected by relative humidity. Exposure to freezing temperatures before cure has taken place will not damage the film. The time necessary to reach cure should not be a concern as this process will occur automatically. Exposure to sunlight will accelerate the curing process. The final film properties of the cured membrane will be the same regardless of the time required to achieve cure.  EPDM Liquid Rubber® will provide long term protection even under extreme exposure conditions.  It is resistant to temps of 300 degrees F and minus 62 F.  Liquid rubber is water resistant even in an uncured state.  An unexpected rain shower shortly after application will not wash it off.  The slow cure and non-polar nature of EPDM Liquid Rubber® gives it outstanding surface wetting properties.  The product does not fill cracks and crevices but will produce an even film penetrating even the smallest surface irregularities.  When EPDM Liquid Rubber® is applied over porous surfaces such as poured concrete, pinholes will appear on the surface as the material slowly displaces the air in the pores.  This surface wetting feature enables the product to be applied in a SINGLE COAT and the still results in complete film integrity.  EPDM Liquid Rubber® can be applied to hot surfaces encountered during the summer.  The solvent in the system will flash off rapidly but the polymer will remain soft long enough to permit overlapping even after 1-2 hours.  The cure rate is still controlled even at temps up to 120 degrees.  The product can, therefore, be applied on the hottest day.  The controlled cure rate also results in a longer pot life, giving the applicator more than adequate length of time (4-6 hours depending on temperatures) to use the mixed quantity of material.  Adhesion will increase over time.  Polar surfaces such as metal, concrete and wood result in stronger adhesion than non-polar surfaces such as asphalts.  Most weathered surfaces including single ply and thermoplastic membranes will have enough of a surface profile to anchor the EPDM Liquid Rubber®

By itself, the EPDM Liquid Rubber® membrane will exhibit the characteristics of its EPDM chemistry i.e. U.V. ozone stability, excellent ponding water resistance and long-term retention of flexibility.  EPDM Liquid Rubber® applied over generally sound singly ply EPDM can extend its life another 20 years.  The useful life of metal roofs will also benefit greatly when EPDM Liquid Rubber® is applied. It is recommended that a corrosion inhibitive primer first be applied to areas where severe rusting has occurred.  EPDM Liquid Rubber® does not contain any corrosion inhibiting pigments but it is such an effective moisture barrier that it can be applied directly over light rust without a primer.  For more information contact epdmcoatings.com at 866-311-3736 or visit their website at http://www.epdmcoatings.com.  They also have a blog filled with discussions from customers as well as valuable information on the product at http://liquidroof.blogspot.com/

EPDM Roof Coatings are the best option for flat roof repair

EPDM is a black synthetic rubber single-ply roofing system that is typically mechanically fastened to the roof deck with screws and plates. They are sometimes covered with a layer of gravel or ballasted rock. Some of the problems with EPDM roof include moisture gain under the membrane itself, poor self-attachment at the seams and around pipes and other fixtures, UV radiation causing sealants to dry out and crumble, tenting, and punctures. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber waterproofing commonly used on roofs.

Once thought to be incompatible with (electric field vector mapping system), due to too much black carbon interference, now has compatible grey and white versions! What does this mean? It means that if you want to use EPDM waterproofing under your green roof you can also have the peace of mind by having one of the most accurate leak detection systems installed as well! In many cases the leak detection system is cheaper than the waterproofing warranty as well.

 There are lots of types of roofs that a house can be designed with. The most usual type is the ridged roof, composed of a sheet made of different materials and laid on an inclined rafter. This is the most practical type of roof while it has sufficient slope to catch and release precipitation. These are common to most residential houses but are rare among skyscrapers and slab-ended buildings. However, there are buildings and houses that have flat roofing design. This type of roof has no proven benefits over the typical ridged type and is even vulnerable to collection of precipitation.

They only use this type of roof for architectural purposes. Because it is relatively flat, there is a small chance of water to freely slide through the slope and escape when there is ice formation blocking alongside eaves. Houses with flat roofs are prone to leaks during rain. This is a major problem unless immediately repaired. In cities like Shelton, there are roof repair companies that offer adequate roof repair methods that can be applied for various cases including leaks on a flat roof. However, roof repair method for flat roofs includes the following steps that can be done by the owner of the house without the help of a professional.

There are plenty of great things about EPDM commercial flat roofing that will protect you cash, especially in the long run. This kind of flat roof investment is flawless for individual buildings that have odd structures which typical roofing materials cannot fit well above. With EPDMs flexibility, it could fit on just about anything you deploy it on! This brings on in easier and cheaper installations, better waterproofing, along with a roof that lasts longer.

Repair costs are a huge issue with many businesses and might result in financial crises, but with EPDM Roof Coatings most repairs of punctures and tears are so cheap and easily done that you’ll hardly notice them. With very few repairs and maintenance jobs required for an in depth period after its installation, EPDM has demonstrated for being the single most inexpensive and protective roofing materials you should purchase.

Metal Roof Repair How to Maintain a Metal Roof: General Tips Learning how to maintain a metal roof is important to ensure that the roofing will last as long as possible. With proper care, this type of roofing material outlasts many others. It is not unusual to see the roofs last for 50 years or even longer. New roofs often come with manufacturer’s care instructions for the material. If you don’t have the care instructions, you may be able to evaluate the material on your own to determine the composition. It is important to use compatible materials when doing any repairs. Otherwise, corrosion can occur. If you have difficulty making this evaluation, a good roofing contractor can help. For most roofs, maintenance and repair is relatively simple. You will need a sturdy ladder. Ideally you should have someone on the ground to hold the ladder as you are climbing up and down. You should only attempt this if you are comfortable with the height and you feel that the maintenance or repair work can be done safely. Otherwise, you should contact an EPDM roofing contractor. Once you are at a point where you can evaluate the area, you should start by looking for loose nails, rusty patches, holes or other signs of damage. If you are aware of an existing leak, you will need to take steps to repair the leak. In general, how to maintain a metal roof involves removing debris, such as leaves and branches. Any loose nails should be pulled and replaced. Hammering the nail back down may not be a good idea. Nails are not always used for installation. Some roofs are installed using screws. Screws tend to stay in place as the years go by while nails work their way loose over time. Urethane roofing cement is usually used for caulking around seams, edges and flashing. Learning how to maintain a metal roof involves learning how to use the urethane cement because it provides better protection from UV damage than plastic or asphalt type cements. Occasionally, re-caulking will be necessary as a part of regular maintenance. Look for cracked or damaged caulk seams and peel the old caulking away as necessary. Cracks in caulking caused by hail or flying debris are sometimes the causes of leaks. Existing leaks may be due to a small hole which can be patched relatively easily using compatible materials. If you learn how to maintain a metal roof properly and you take the necessary steps on a regular basis, you may never have to worry about learning how to patch holes. Order Here © Copyright 2011 EPDM Coatings LLC. All Rights Reserved. Address For RMA Contractors Only P.O Box 3429 Wernersville PA 19609 EPDM Coatings N.E Sales Office 494 Bridgeport Ave Suite 101, PMB 342 Shelton CT 06484-4748

The Most Common Commercial Roofs Types

The Most Common Commercial Roofs Types and Materials

Here, you can learn about the most common commercial roofs types and materials. There are three main types: flat, low-slope and sloped or pitched.  The sloped or pitched roof is most commonly seen in homes. Some modern office parks have this type as well. For warehouses and businesses, the flat or low slope roof is most common for several reasons.

A business’ buildings are usually larger than those used for housing. Installing a pitched roof on a large building can be more costly, and the lifespan of a large pitched roof could be significantly lower than that of a flat design. The interior spaces are often more open. This interior design lends itself to the flat roof.

A pitched roof limits the use of interior space. In homes, the small areas are often used for storage, like the attic. Businesses would rarely use attic space for long-term storage. Getting in and out of the attic space would be more time consuming than simply retrieving the items from a shelf in the warehouse.

Ease of maintenance, access to ventilation systems and other advantages are associated with the use of flat-roof designs. The main disadvantage is poor drainage. Only in arid desert environments is drainage a non-issue. Since flat roofs are the most common commercial roofs types, selecting appropriate materials has always been important. Waterproofing is considered essential. Slate and other types of shingles are generally not used on the flat roof design, which turns out to be another advantage, in that decorative shingles cost more and need to be replaced more often. Repairing a roof leaks is easier in most ways than repairing one that is pitched.

The built-up roof, which is sometimes referred to as tar or tar and gravel, is a system that was popular in flat-roofed buildings. It is rarely recommended by roofing experts today because of the short lifespan, the heat gain within the building, the continuous maintenance necessary and the unpleasant appearance. Modified bitumen is one of the most common commercial roofs types. It is considered affordable and can last as long as 15 years if properly installed and maintained.

Metal roofing materials are not usually recommended for flat-roofed buildings because of water pooling and the corrosion it causes. Plastic polymers of many kinds are being used to repair, replace or install on new roofing materials. They provide the waterproofing and can last many years. EPDM, PVC and CPE are examples of this type of material. Those are the most common commercial roofs types today. You should consult a good roofing contractor to get a recommendation concerning the best choice for your building.