EPDM

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer and is a single ply membrane. It can also be referred to as synthetic rubber. This membrane is a very durable, flexible, ultra-violet resistant, high performance sheet. This material is available in standard size rolls of one hundred feet long by a width of ten to forty feet wide and can be special-ordered in larger size rolls. Seaming is accomplished by adhering the sheets together with contact adhesives or butyl tapes. EPDM is colored black or white, but can be coated with colored coatings.

EPDM is installed by three different methods; adhered, mechanically fastened and loose laid and ballasted.

With the Adhered system, the 10 foot to 20 foot wide rolls are solidly bonded to the substrate. The thickness of the non-reinforced EPDM sheet will vary between 50 mil and 90 mil.

The Mechanically fastened system uses a reinforced EPDM sheet between 45 and 75 mils thick and 10 feet wide rolls. The sheet is rolled out over the roof and one side is fastened with screws and washers and the other side is adhered to the fastened side of the previous sheet.

The loose laid and ballasted system uses a 45 mil thick non-reinforced EPDM sheet with standard widths of up to 40 feet and larger sheets available by special order. As the name states, the sheet is rolled out and laid loosely over the substrate, but is fastened at the perimeter of the roof and then large (3/4” – 1 ½ “) diameter gravel is installed over the entire roof at a coverage of approximately ten pounds per square foot.

These systems all require careful attention to details and flashing to operate at their most efficient level. Your Garlock-French representative will be pleased to assist you in selecting the proper system for your needs.