How to Apply Adhesive During EPDM Rubber Roofing Installation

EPDM rubber roofing – also known under its longer name of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer roofing – is a popular roofing option that is both extremely durable and cost effective. This type of roofing material is commonly used on flat roofs, but also has uses on other surfaces as well.

In addition to lasting a long time and not being expensive to purchase, it is also relatively simple to install; for all of these reasons it has become one of the most widely used roofing products in the world, with an estimated 1.3 billion square metres of EPM rubber roof membrane installed worldwide.

To apply this type of roofing material, it is important to follow a few steps to adhere it to the roof surface. This requires a special adhesive which will provide a strong bond and allow for versatility when applying the roof membrane. Here are a few tips on how to apply this adhesive for best results.

Firstly, it is necessary to equip yourself with all the tools that you will need for the process. These include a 4 inch hand roller, pencils, safety glasses, a tape measure, and stirrers for the adhesive and solvent resistant gloves. Preparing all of these in advance will ensure that you do not find yourself without something essential mid-application of the adhesive.

In general, the type of adhesive that is commonly used with EPDM rubber roofing will adhere to all surfaces, including porous and non-porous ones. Some roof membranes and surfaces may require the use of a special adhesive, so make sure that you verify this with a professional before you start working on your roofing project.

Before applying the adhesive, you will need to make sure that the surface of the roof is absolutely clear of any dirt, rust or grease, as well as any moisture, as all of these can affect the efficacy of the adhesive and therefore the successful application of the rubber roofing membrane. Any moisture trapped under the membrane can also weaken the effect of the adhesive.

Once the roof protection has taken place and you have gathered all the necessary equipment, you can begin the process of applying the adhesive. You can apply the product to the side of the RUSS strip or the exposed decking. The product should also be applied to the relevant up stand termination or step down and to the backside of the roofing membrane.

Once the application of the adhesive on these surfaces has taken place, it is then time to press the two surfaces together. Before doing this, however, it is important for the adhesive to have become touch dry with no wet puddles. There should be no voids between the rubber roofing membrane and the receiving surface whatsoever.

After doing this, apply positive pressure to the membrane, working the membrane up the up stand to the required height. These particular areas should be rolled in order to achieve a strong bond between the rubber roofing membrane and the substrate.

This is all that is necessary to ensure the successful application of EPDM rubber roofing, although several precautions should be taken. One of these is to avoid stretching the membrane during application, as this can damage the integrity of the product.

In some cases, while you are waiting for the adhesive to become touch dry, condensation may form on the layer of adhesive. In this case, stop adhesive application and wait for the surface to dry completely. After this, you can reapply a coat of the product once again and proceed with the application as normal.

When reapplying adhesive in this case, apply a thin refresher coat that is approximately half of the normal coverage rate when applying to a surface that has previously been coated with adhesive. By following these steps, you are sure to achieve great results.