Already more than 40 years in the market of building materialsthe EPDM membrane occupies a prominent place. It is a waterproofing material that has found wide distribution among 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.
A separate group are EPDM membranes made of composite materials. In this case they consist of three layers:
- dense rubber;
- reinforcing mesh;
- polymer bitumen.
Characteristics of 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 EPDM membrane. Its characteristics give it a number of advantages over other materials:
- low cost;
- strength;
- resistance to aging, durability (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;
- retains elasticity over 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 EPDM membrane and the layer of thermal insulation, geotextiles need not be stacked.
Disadvantages of the membrane
In addition to a number of advantages, the EPDM membrane also hastheir minuses. 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 aredifferent 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 membrane 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 extend 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 chemical agents.
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 gluing the membrane is possible 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 necessaryquickly, but at the same time, 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.
A membrane of EPDM for a 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 of mounting:
- 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.
- 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.
- The membrane is laid out on the roof and fastened to theperimeter, as well as in areas adjacent to 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.
- The mechanical method is recommended forgeometrically 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, repairs may be requiredcoating. 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 of its installation. If the waterproofing is partially changed, then it is necessary to do this in all places where the roofing material can be removed.
Thanks to the remarkable characteristics andabsence of disadvantages, EPDM membrane is an excellent option for roofing. Perhaps, in 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.
