What Is E.P.D.M.?

(Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

E.P.D.M: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (or Terpolymer which is simply a product consisting of three distinct monomers). E.P.D.M. is classified as a Thermoset material which means it is either fully-cured prior to being installed or that it cures during natural weathering after installation. E.P.D.M. roofs are single-ply membranes meaning there is only one ply of roofing material, not multiple plies laminated together. 

E.P.D.M. has been in use on roofs in the USA since the 1960's and is one of the most common types of low-slope roofing materials. This is because it is relatively inexpensive, simple to install, and fairly clean to work with when compared to conventional built-up roofs. There aren't the odors and fumes that accompany built-up roofs which appeals to many property owners and managers

E.P.D.M. is a rubber material whose principal components consist of the compounds ethylene and propylene. A flexible rubber matrix forms when a small amount of diene is added to the mix. E.P.D.M. is available reinforced or un-reinforced with both commonly used; it's also available in either a cured (vulcanized) or uncured (non-vulcanized) state. Vulcanized E.P.D.M. is the most common with non-vulcanized often used for flashing purposes.  

E.P.D.M. membrane thickness ranges from thirty mils (0.030") to one-hundred mils (0.100") with the most common thicknesses being forty-five mils (0.045") and sixty mils (0.060"). There are three standard application procedures: (1) fully-adhered; (2) mechanically-fastened; (3) loose-laid.   Fully-adhered E.P.D.M. uses water or solvent-based adhesives to adhere the rubber to the substrate. Mechanically-fastened E.P.D.M. is attached by manufacturer-approved mechanical means to the substrate, and loose-laid membranes are secured only at the perimeters and any penetrations. A ballast of round river rock or concrete pavers is used to hold the materials in place. River rock is usually installed at a rate of 1000 - 1200 pounds per roof square (100 square feet) and the pavers generally weigh approximately 20 pounds per square foot. Structural integrity is important with loose-laid roof systems. The seams of all systems are then sealed using either an adhesive or a splice tape. Splice tapes have tested with a higher tear-strength

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