Using an EPDM Roof for a Maintenance-Free Building

One of the older roofing choices came in rolls and had to be coated over or re-applied within about eight years, and sometimes even sooner. There were even roofing choices known as “torch-down” roofing, but you’d have to rent a torch and it’s a dirty, unsafe job to apply this type of roof.

EPDM Roofing is Cost-Effective

A popular option now is EPDM roof membrane. It’s easy to install and quite durable. Single-ply EPDM rubber roofing has solid advantages over many other types of roofing options. The membrane is flexible even in extreme temperatures, and it won’t deteriorate quickly from the sun’s radiation, as some older roofing choices did.

EPDM rubber membrane for roofs is not cheap, but it lasts a lot longer than many other roofing options. It is available in black and white, and the black membrane is normally less expensive. However, the white membrane reflects the sun’s rays back and helps make cooling your building cheaper.

Pro Home Adviser suggests that the cover strips for EPDM roof surfaces are usually black, and many business owners opt to paint them white, so that the building will retain its energy-efficiency. More than one coat may be necessary in order to make sure that the entire roof surface remains white.

Warranted Roofs

EPDM roofing has an excellent warranty, which includes products for residential buildings, as well as commercial properties. Most business managers who have used the single-ply membrane feel that it will last a lot longer than the typical warranty period. As more people use this product, it is becoming easier to find in many local areas.

Installation Tips

EPDM roof membrane works best if installed when temperatures range from 40F to 80F. The glue that is used to secure the product does become aggressive if used during a time of high temperatures. There are special installation techniques used for high temperatures, though.

Benefits of Light-Colored Roofing

It has long been the goal of environmentally friendly businesses to supply their buildings with energy efficient and sustainable roofing systems. In fact, United States Energy Secretary Stephen Chu mentioned that all available roofs should be white, to make all buildings more energy-efficient.

Epdmroofs.org considers whether the comment was focused on making buildings easier to maintain or on helping the environment. His statement may have been rooted in issues related to climate change, but it still makes good fiscal sense to make commercial buildings less expensive to cool.
Dark roofs absorb more heat, especially during the sunniest days of the summer, and light colored EPDM roofing materials absorb a good deal less. In urban and commercial areas, any dark-colored area, including roadways and parking lots, creates increased temperatures. It has been demonstrated how much more comfortable it is to stand on a lighter colored surface when the days are hot and the sun is strong. This carries over to buildings, where a lighter surface makes for easier maintenance and cheaper cooling.



For product information or ordering Visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/liquidepdm or call them at 855-281-0940. 

Before You Hire A Roofing Contractor

Are you looking for a roofing contractor who can properly maintain your roofs or get new EPDM roofing? This article will surely help you in finding any best roofing contractor in your area. No matter, if you are hiring for new roofing, roofing restoration or roof repair. The first thing to start with is the property insurance if you have any. This type of insurance helps you to protect your property if it is damaged by the wrong workers that you may hire. 

One cannot remain unsafe when it comes to such technical stuff that one may not understand in reality. In order to remain safe, it is mostly preferred to get such insurance beforehand. Like you have the insurance for your protection, there is a different insurance for the working company known as worker’s compensation insurance. Indirectly it is for your own good. Yes, just in case any worker is hurt on your property, you will not be liable to pay any of the dues. Just in case the working company does not have it, in case of any accident inside your property premises will lead you to pay the dues. 

So for your own safety, make sure that you have your own insurance for such maintenance and also hire a company that has insurance. Before hiring, ask the company to show you real documents for the insurance. All good companies in town will surely own it and won’t hesitate in showing.

Next, it is important to make sure that you are hiring licensed roofing contractors. It is like protecting yourself and your property from any damage. With the proper license in demand, no one will show to your doorstep claiming that he can do the work. You need an expert that will make sure that after the work is done, your roof does not face any issues again. A licensed contractor will surely provide you a quality work that you cannot expect from a normal contractor. Behind all these licensed contractors, contractors’ board makes sure that every licensed company has the qualifications required by your area.

While hiring a contractor, it is important to make sure that you have at least a warranty for a specific time period. Mostly roofing contractors have a warranty of their materials used and complete roof for almost a year or two.  Get the guarantee in written form and go through it properly so that you know if the quality is not met, what will be done to fix again.

For product information or ordering Visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/liquidepdm or call them at 855-281-0940. 

Roof Coating and its Benefits

Roof coatings are made up of a specialized material that is used as the additional protective layer on the finished roof. As roofs nowadays are made up of several materials including aluminum and other metals that may be subjected to corrosion because of repeated exposure to sunlight and rain and other adverse weather conditions. So the roof coatings acts as the layer of defense between the roof and the weather outside. It varies in thickness. It can be thinner than a paint coat and can be thicker than paint coat as well. So it depends upon the condition of the weather that they may have to deal with that determine its thickness and other factors, such as the quality of the material they are made. They vary in quality and prices. If the coating is applied effectively and correctly, it appears seamless, i-e it does not appear as a separate coating on the roof.

It is said that the most critical and difficult weather element to control is water. The last line of defense that is used for waterproofing of the roofs is roof flashing. Roof flashing is simply a metal sheet usually made up of aluminum that is placed between the walls and roofs in order to restrict the water to enter into the inside of house walls and roofs and cause damage. One of the major benefits of Liquid EPDM is that this layer helps the flashing material to bind with the asphalt to provide more concrete waterproofing.

So one of the most practical aspects roof coating is the waterproofing of the roof. So it not only makes a roof waterproof but it also reduces the exposure rate of the roof to the humidity and rain that may enhance the rate of metal or roofing material corrosion. Another such material that can be used for the waterproofing is liquid rubber coating. It can be easily applied to any roofing material including metals, fiberglass or concrete. It is also long lasting and very durable. The time after which you may have to change a rubber coatings, is far greater than the ordinary coating.

Alongside with the waterproofing, the coating also helps protect the roof from the intense exposure to sunlight that may cause damage to the roof. It absorbs most of the ultraviolet rays and slows down the damage rate of the roof. However coating also has a life period after which it gets damaged and may not remain as effective. Still it is a good option to coat your roof as to change a coating is much less costly and difficult as compared to roof changing.

Moreover coating possesses an elastic nature. As with the changing weather, there may be a change in the size and shape of the roof as it expands in summer and retracts in winter. The coating has the ability to expand and retract with the roof. In this way it remains intact and firmly attached to the roof without the danger of getting ruptured broken.

The procedure of applying roof coating is same as the procedure of applying paint. Apply the coating in successive layers. Allow the layer beneath to dry completely before applying the new layer. You can apply as many layers as you want until you achieve the desired thickness.

According to an estimate, the application of roof coating increases the life of your roof by 20 to 25 years.

For product information or ordering Visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/liquidepdm or call them at 855-281-0940.

Spring Roof Inspection

Here we are Feb 9th and for many of us north, spring can't get here quick enough.  Just like we did in the fall when spring does arrive we should conduct a roof inspection.  For those of us who get snow we all know too well the damage caused by pooling water and ice and how it can get up and under your shingles.  Also wind and gutter damage are the main culprit’s that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Walk the roof and look for ripples or loose seams or other signs of distress.  Look particularly at the corners and edges since most leaks will occur in these areas. 

Besides the roof itself we should also be inspecting the interior of the homes.  Attics in particular, look for any signs of water stains, then on walls and within corners of the walls all could be pointing to a roof leak be sure that you have a qualified roofer conducting the inspection. Something many of us overlook is our vents and chimneys.  These areas are prone to mold caused by water getting in between and trapped in your vents. 

Also check your warranty to see if repairs are possible that do not conflict with restrictions of the warranty.  When looking for a roofer be sure you choose one that has proven themselves as an established roofer in the area.  Your local BBB is good place to start.  Ask your neighbors or people in any clubs you belong to for a referral.  Having a roofer catch a problem now will prevent hundreds if not thousands of dollars later in expense. 

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.