For more than 40 years, the EPDM membrane has occupied a prominent place in the building materials market. This is a waterproofing material that is widely used by buyers. We can say that it has stood the test of time.
EPDM membrane. What is this?
It is a waterproofing system that is made on the basis of rubber. It contains ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. To increase the strength, additional reinforcement with a polyester mesh is carried out. This makes it possible to use the material in any regions, even with a cold climate.
EPDM membranes made of composite materials are a separate group. In this case, they consist of three layers:
- dense rubber;
- reinforcing mesh;
- polymer bitumen.
EPDM membrane characteristics and advantages
EPDM Membrane is a high quality vulcanized film that is made from a specific type of EPDM rubber. Raw materials undergo strict control for compliance with European standards.
Quality raw materials,certain additives, modern production technologies - all this is an EPDM membrane. Its characteristics give it a number of advantages over other materials:
- low cost;
- strength;
- aging resistance, durability (service life is half a century);
- resistance to temperature changes;
- withstands weather, UV and ozone;
- preserves well when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
- fire resistance;
- retains elasticity over a wide temperature range (from minus 40 to plus 110 degrees);
- has a light weight;
- does not react with bituminous materials;
- stretch ratio reaches 400% with full recovery later;
- environmentally friendly material, does not emit toxic substances throughout the entire service life;
- can be used on various types of roofs;
- the size of the membrane is adjusted to the size of the roof, for this several rolls are connected by vulcanization (the seams have the properties of the base material, the size of one sheet can reach 1200 m2);
- roof becomes waterproof and stays clean;
- There is no need to lay geotextile between the EPDM membrane and the thermal insulation layer.
Flaws of the membrane
In addition to a number of advantages, the EPDM membrane also has its disadvantages. The most important of them is that the installation is carried out using glue. The resulting connecting seam reduces strengthmaterial.
There are no other serious flaws in the material.
Types and manufacturers of EPDM membrane
In the building materials market, there are various types of EPDM membranes from several manufacturers. All of them differ from each other in their characteristics (price, quality). The main ones are:
1. firestone. Includes one layer but reinforced and flame retardant. The composition includes EPDM, carbon black, technical oil and additives, vulcanizing agents. The rolls are 15m wide and can be up to 61m long.
The Firestone EPDM membrane has a number of advantages:
- ozone and UV resistant;
- has high wear resistance;
- remains flexible even in severe frost (down to minus 6 degrees);
- withstands any temperature extremes;
- environmentally friendly;
- It is possible to lengthen the material.
2. Giscolene. This is a single-layer vulcanized material, which includes propylene, diene and ethylene. It is produced with a width of 1.5-20 m, while the thickness of the material is only 0.5-4 mm. Used on all types of roofs due to its advantages:
- impervious to water and air;
- soundproof material;
- Resistant to heat, wear, temperature extremes and chemicals.
3. "Elastokrov". A relatively new material, similar in its characteristics to the Firestone membrane. Material thickness - 1, 4 mm. Width -3-4, 5 m. Length - 50 meters.
4. "Carlisle". Rolls of this material have a length of 30.5-61 m. The width is 6.1-18.3 meters, and the thickness is 1.5-2.3 mm. The membrane EPDM "Carlisle" is made from synthetic fiber and differs from other types in its characteristics. The difference lies in the fact that it is permissible to glue the membrane not only with glue, but also with the use of mastic, sealant or self-adhesive tape.
Use of EPDM membrane
EPDM membrane is used in places where you need to quickly, but at the same time qualitatively carry out waterproofing of large areas. The main application is roof waterproofing. In addition, EPDM membrane is used in underground structures, tunnels, canals, reservoirs.
Often used EPDM membrane for a pond. The EPDM film is completely safe for its inhabitants. And its elasticity, strength and a number of other advantages make this type of material indispensable. Therefore, the EPDM pond membrane is used much more often than other films, gaining leadership positions.
Mounting Methods
EPDM membrane is mounted quite simply. But still it is better to turn to specialists. There are three installation methods:
- The heat-welded method, which is the most common. With this method, the edges are welded with a special apparatus. In hard-to-reach places (corners, pipe exits, holes), manual welding is used.
- The ballast method is most often used for flat roofs (where the sloperoof does not exceed 15 degrees), as it is the most economical.
- The membrane is laid out on the roof and fastened around the perimeter, as well as at the junction of other objects. Attached with a ballast to keep it from being blown away by the wind. For this, crushed stone, pebbles, paving slabs, etc. are used.
- The mechanical method is recommended for geometrically complex roofs. The EPDM membrane is attached to a base made of wood, reinforced concrete or corrugated board using a special adhesive. An edge rail is laid out along the perimeter, which has a layer of sealant. With an interval of 20 cm, telescopic fasteners are installed. If the roof slope is more than 10 degrees, use an additional disk holder.
Membrane repair methods
In some cases, it may be necessary to repair the coating. In such situations, professionals recommend completely replacing the waterproofing in damaged areas. And here everything will depend on the type of roofing "pie" and the method of its installation. If the waterproofing is partially changed, then this must be done in all places where it is possible to remove the roofing material.
Due to its excellent performance and lack of disadvantages, EPDM membrane is an excellent option for roofing. Perhaps, over time, it will become the main roofing material. The use of this waterproofing material will ensure high quality of work performed for a long period of time. This has been tested in practice by a large number of buyers.
