How to Fit a Rubber Roof
Information provided by: Fairview Roofing
Installing an EPDM rubber membrane on a flat roof is much easier than installing a traditional roof. A roof membrane can last for more than 50 years if it is installed correctly. This is why consumers prefer it over any other roofing material. But do you go about fitting your rubber roof? Here is a step by step guide:
1. Clean your roof
If your roof deck is dirty, you may end up ruining the installation by leaving a bump or not having the rubber stick to the surface properly.
2. Let the rubber roof rest for some time before installation
During transportation, the EPDM membrane or rubber may have wrinkled or become distorted because of expansion and contraction. By giving it some time, you allow the rubber to restore to its original shape.
3. Apply the glue
Once your roof is cleaned and your rubber adequately relaxed and rested, it’s time to start the installation. Apply glue on the membrane. Use a 9″ roller to ensure the glue is evenly spread out. You have to apply two types of adhesives – water-based adhesive and contact adhesive. The latter needs to be applied on the edges. Since the contact adhesive solution dries up faster than the water-based adhesive, you have to apply it to the membrane as well as the roof deck.
4. Roll the membrane onto the deck
Once your glue is in place, roll out the membrane on the roof deck or the roof surface. Double-check that it is laid evenly and there aren’t any air bubbles underneath.
That’s all that is to it. Well, it may sound more difficult than it actually is. Once you get started, you will realise that installing a rubber roof is indeed a piece of cake.
Benefits of Rubber Roofing
Rubber roofs or EPDM rubber roofs are known for their durability, energy efficiency, fire resistance, low maintenance costs, easy installation and ideal for roof repairs. They also provide excellent protection against UV rays. If you want to know how they work, read this article!
How Does It Work?
The first thing to understand about an EPDM roof or rubber roofing is that it doesn’t use nails or screws. Instead, it uses a special kind of adhesive called “EPDM.” It works like a sealant but with added benefits.
The most important benefit of using EPDM is that it does not require any type of fasteners. Unlike metal roofing systems which need to be nailed down, rubber roofing is simply glued into place.
Another advantage of rubber roofing is that, unlike asphalt shingles, it won’t crack when exposed to extreme temperatures. In fact, it can even withstand snowfall without melting away.
Different Types of Rubber Roofing Materials
There are 3 Main Types of Rubber Roofing materials:
Single-Ply Membranes
These membranes consist of one layer of rubber. They are used for small buildings such as garages, sheds, and greenhouses.
Double-Ply Membrane
This type of membrane consists of two layers of rubber. It is usually used for larger structures such as commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and warehouses.
Triple-Ply Membranes
This type of membrane has three layers of rubber. It provides better insulation properties than single-ply membranes.
Built-Up Roofing Systems
A built-up roof system is made from multiple layers of materials. These include:
Membrane
It is the outermost layer of the roof. It protects the building from rainwater and other weather elements.
Sheathing
This is the inner layer of the roof. Sheathing keeps the membrane waterproof. It also helps prevent moisture from getting inside the walls.
Battens
They are wooden beams that support the sheathing and help keep the weight off the membrane.
Modified Bitumen Tiles
They are thin sheets of bituminous material that act as a protective barrier between the membrane and the underlying structure.
FAQs
Is rubber roof easy to install?
Yes, rubber roof installation is relatively easy.
Do you have to glue a rubber roof down?
Yes, rubber roofs need to be glued to the roof deck.
Can you lay a rubber roof in rain?
No, EPDM and rubber membranes won’t stick to damp and wet surfaces. If you are looking to install a rubber roof, you are better off doing it on a sunny day.
Do you nail rubber roofing?
Roofers usually roll the rubber out and nail it down. However, this method is not recommended since it doesn’t give the membrane enough strength. Instead, use the stapling method.
See our previous blog post here: How to Insulate a Conservatory Roof UK
