Sealing EPDM roofing

showcrop · Oct 5, 2016

Our church is putting a rubber roof on an elderly couple's cottage Sat. The correct way to seal seams is seal tape in between and a cover tape over the joint. We need to do the seams as economically as possible. The two layers of tape total around $2.50 a running foot. Is it really necessary to use the two tapes? or is there a caulk or glue that could be substituted in between or over?

Steve@Advance · Oct 5, 2016

You best do it right, especially if there is any product warranty.

We had an EPDM roof installed at a place I worked many years ago. It held up about 10 years. As the rubber is exposed to sun, the heat continues to bake out the solvents, causing the roofing to shrink, which puts extra strain on the seams. That is where it began to fail, the seams pulling apart.

Janicholson · Oct 5, 2016

Yes The adhesive is available. It is much like putting a patch on a tire. Overlap 4 to 6 inches, use a cleaner and scrub a little (I have used lacquer thinner, on a clean rag, use just enough to dampen, not slosh, but keep it off of skin with poly gloves) let the cleaner dry. Use a flooring roller (rental) or a weight lifting weight with a flat edge to make the seem finished and bonded. Follow the directions on the label. Jim

Janicholson · Oct 5, 2016

I have one that is 18 yrs old and is as good as new. If there are any square sides where roof meets vertical, use a "cant strip" of at least 3 inches at 45 degrees to break the corner. Do not stretch it, let it relax into place. Jim

WGM · Oct 5, 2016

A properly installed EPDM roof will last 20 years minimum. Sounds like the low bidder did the job with no factory warranty provided.

Steve@Advance · Oct 5, 2016

Yes, it was a low bid job, very sketchy crew... Also in the blazing Texas sun!

FBH44 · Oct 6, 2016

Do what the manufacturer wants you to do. Other sealers and caulks and roofing tar can deteriorate the EPDM, rot it away.

huntingreen2day2 · Oct 6, 2016

Would not have an EPDM roof. Seen too many problems with them.

showcrop · Oct 6, 2016

(quoted from post at 14:03:39 10/06/16) Would not have an EPDM roof. Seen too many problems with them.

You most definitely would in this situation.

Dave Allgire · Oct 6, 2016

You MUST have these two tapes. Having installed thousands of square feet of EPDM, it is imperative that you use these tapes. I like a better idea of "cutting" corners is to round the corners instead of a 45 degree. EPDM does not like "square" corners, even
45 degrees. Its all in the warranty so if any future problems arise you will be covered.

showcrop · Oct 6, 2016

(quoted from post at 15:07:54 10/06/16) You MUST have these two tapes. Having installed thousands of square feet of EPDM, it is imperative that you use these tapes. I like a better idea of "cutting" corners is to round the corners instead of a 45 degree. EPDM does not like "square" corners, even
45 degrees. Its all in the warranty so if any future problems arise you will be covered.

Why both types instead of mastic caulk in between? Does flat or pitched make a difference?

Ozlander · Oct 6, 2016

If you can't afford to do it right, when can you afford to do it over???

showcrop · Oct 6, 2016

(quoted from post at 15:56:10 10/06/16) If you can't afford to do it right, when can you afford to do it over???

One would think that you are in Australia, yet apparently you live near me in NH since you are so familiar with our situation.

Sealing EPDM roofing

showcrop

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Steve@Advance

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Janicholson

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Janicholson

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WGM

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Steve@Advance

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FBH44

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huntingreen2day2

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showcrop

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Dave Allgire

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showcrop

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Ozlander

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showcrop

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