Membrane EPDM: characteristics

For more than 40 years, the EPDM membrane has occupied a prominent place in the building materials market. This waterproofing material, which is widely used by buyers. We can say that it is time-tested.

Membrane EPDM. What is it?

It is a waterproofing system, which is produced on the basis of rubber. It contains ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. To increase the strength, additional reinforcement is made with a polyester net. This makes it possible to use the material in any regions, even with a cold climate.

Separate group are membranes EPDM from composite materials. In this case, they consist of three layers:

• Dense rubber;
• Reinforcing mesh;
• Polymer bitumen.

Characteristics of the EPDM membrane and its dignity

The EPDM membrane is a high-quality vulcanized film that is made from a certain 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 the EPDM membrane. Its characteristics give it a number of advantages over other materials:

• low cost;
• strength;
• Resistance to aging, durability (the service life is half a century);
• Resistance to temperature changes;
• Resistant to weather, ultraviolet and ozone;
• Perfectly preserved, being for a long time under direct sunlight.
• Fire resistance;
• Keeps elasticity in a wide range of temperatures (from minus 40 to plus 110 degrees);
• Has a small weight;
• Does not react with bituminous materials;
• The stretching ratio reaches 400% with a full recovery in the future;
• Environmentally friendly material, does not release toxic substances throughout the life of the product;
• Can be used on roofs of various types;
• The size of the membrane is adjusted to the size of the roof, for this several coils are connected by vulcanization (the seams have the properties of the base material, the size of one sheet can reach 1200 m2 ⁾ ;
• The roof becomes waterproof and remains clean;
• Between the membrane EPDM and the layer of thermal insulation do not need to lay geotextiles.

Disadvantages of the membrane

In addition to a number of advantages, the EPDM membrane also has its drawbacks. The most important of them is that the installation is done using glue. The resulting joint reduces the strength of the material.

There are no other serious drawbacks to the material.

Types and manufacturers of membranes EPDM

On the market of building materials there are different 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 fireproof. The composition includes EPDM, soot, technical oil and additives, vulcanizing substances. The rolls are 15 m wide, and in length can reach 61 m.

Firestone EPDM diaphragm has several advantages:

• Resistant to ozone and ultraviolet;
• Has high wear resistance;
• Remains flexible even in severe frost (up to minus 6 degrees);
• Withstands any temperature changes;
• Environmentally friendly;
• It is possible to lengthen the material.

2.Giscolene. This is a single-layered vulcanized material, which includes propylene, diene and ethylene. The width is 1.5-20 m, the thickness of the material is only 0.5-4 mm. It is used on all types of roofs due to its advantages:

• Does not pass water and air;
• Soundproof material ;
• Resistant to heat, wear, temperature extremes and chemicals.

3. "Elastock". A relatively new material, similar in its characteristics to the Firestone membrane. The thickness of the material is 1.4 mm. The width is 3-4.5 m. The length is 50 meters.

4. "Carlisle." The 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. Membrane EPDM "Carlisle" is made of synthetic fiber and differs from other species by its characteristics. The difference lies in the fact that it is possible to glue the membrane not only with glue, but also with the use of mastic, sealant or self-adhesive tape.

Application of EPDM membrane

Membrane EPDM is used in places where it is necessary to quickly, but at the same time, to conduct high-quality waterproofing of large areas. The main application is roof waterproofing. In addition, the EPDM membrane is used in underground structures, tunnels, canals, reservoirs.

The EPDM membrane for the reservoir is often used. The EPDM film is completely safe for its inhabitants. And its elasticity, strength and a number of other advantages make this kind of material indispensable. Therefore, the EPDM membrane for the pond is used much more often than other films, gaining leadership positions.

Ways of installation

The membrane of the EPDM is mounted quite simply. But it is better to contact specialists. There are three ways to install:

1. 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 outlets, holes) use manual welding.
2. The ballast method is most often used for flat roofing (where the roof slope does not exceed 15 degrees), since it is the most economical.
3. The membrane is laid out on the roof and fastened around the perimeter, as well as in the junction of other objects. Mounted with ballast, so as not to be blown away by the wind. To do this, use crushed stone, pebbles, paving slabs and so on.
4. The mechanical method is recommended for geometrically complex roofs. The EPDM membrane is mounted on a base of wood, reinforced concrete or corrugated board with a special glue. On the perimeter is laid out the edge strip, which has a layer of sealant. With an interval of 20 cm telescopic fasteners are installed. If the angle of inclination of the roof is more than 10 degrees, an additional disk holder is used.

Methods for repairing the membrane

In some cases, you may need 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 way it is mounted. If the waterproofing is partially changed, then it is necessary to do this in all places where the roofing material can be removed.

Due to its remarkable characteristics and lack of drawbacks, the 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 the executed works for a long period of time. This is tested in practice by a large number of buyers.