EPDM Rubber Roofs Fail Prematurely
Prior to 2014, all EPDM Rubber Roofs have failed prematurely due to the break down of liquid adhesives used to bond seams. This single-ply rubber roofing system is predominately used on commercial flat roofs, but have failed to reach the life expectancy promised in the manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturers are still trying to develop an adhesive with properties that can withstand the extreme heat that is generated on the black surfaces of EPDM rubber.
Since 2014, a new system has been introduced and is referred to as a cover tape. Because this system is still in the field, it does not have a proven track record of performing as intended.
Watch this video to see how badly the EPDM was damaged by Ultraviolet rays.
EPDM and UV Protection
EPDM has no protection from harmful ultraviolet light so it becomes subjected to excessive heat for prolonged periods of time causing degradation to the single ply membrane.
We have been in the roofing business for over 30 years, and when called to replace a roof, more often than not, we see that EPDM rubber roofs have multiple repair patches due to the break down of the adhesives used to bond seams. As a consumer, it is important to be knowledgeable about which types of rubber membranes have the best ultraviolet light protection.
EPDM Rubber Roof Failures
1. There is no protection against harmful UV rays.
EPDM rubber is a synthetic product that looks and feels much like the inner tube of a tire. It is thin, stretches, and is pliable. For the most part, this type of rubber is black in color. Even though the manufacturer claims that UV protection is built-in, we have yet to see an EPDM rubber membrane reach the life expectancy for which it was warranted. In the video below, you will see a relatively new EPDM rubber roof (around 8 years old) damaged by harmful ultraviolet rays.
2. EPDM can be pierced very easily.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or EPDM rubber is very thin and can easily be punctured by nails, screws and other metal objects lying around on any flat roof, when stepped on. These objects are unintentionally left behind by A/C workers and other maintenance crews servicing rooftop units.
3. Seam adhesives fail to last.
For the last 40 years, manufacturers of EPDM rubber have gone through, as many as, 4 trial and error stages, with seam adhesives. These adhesives have failed time and again, to withstand exposure to heat and harmful ultraviolet rays.
Since 2014, manufacturers of EPDM adhesives made a complete change in the technique used to bond seams together. They have introduced a self-adhering cover tape. This new technique of bonding seams will take at least 20 years in the field, before knowing whether tape is a worthy remedy to EPDM seam failures.
This video shows the results of EPDM rubber failing to keep seams bonded.
None of this is accurate, epdm is the most UV resistant membrane. Xenon arc testing proves this. And a T patch isn’t a repair like in the photos. Also no RUSA strip caused the rip under the shingles, and asphalt breaks down epdm. Asphalt products break down in the sun because it removes the asphalt and the material breaks down.