Top 10 Reasons to Choose EPDM
RPA's EPDM membranes offer an optimal solution for nearly any low-slope roofing situation. EPDM is a durable material that has more than 50 years of proven, in-field performance. With significant physical property advantages, warming benefits in northern climates, and innovations in product technologies, EPDM is still defining the standard in the commercial roofing market. Below are the top 10 reasons to consider EPDM on your next roofing project.
Time Tested
Carlisle EPDM rubber membranes have been in service globally for the last 60 years. Our South African markets have only just adapted EPDM as the preferred climate approved waterproofing system for the last 20 years proving that the system is well adapted and here to stay.
Superior Weathering Resistance
Carlisle EPDM rubber membranes is a matt-charcoal coloured vulcanized synthetic rubber membrane ideal for South Africa’s 2nd highest UV index classification in the world without additional reflective coatings and maintenance for 20 years.
Thickness
Carlisle EPDM rubber membranes are manufactured uniformly thick (1.14mm) providing constant protection over large spanning areas. It’s thin thickness exhibits a surprisingly high puncture resistance and accommodates for fast installations ensuring more focus on the detailed complexities.
Superior Hail Resistance
Numerous studies and real-world experience confirm that EPDM’s 465% elongation (ASTM D412) and weathering resistance result in superior hail damage resistance and UL2218 Class 4 rating.
Energy Efficient
South Africa’s has an average temperature of 21°C and lower classifying its requirement for black-colour EPDM membranes helping with heating requirements throughout the winter months. Carlisle EPDM membranes can be coated with any acrylic colour of your choice enabling a desired blended finish for cooler summer months without compromising its UV stability.
Environmentally Efficient and Safe
Carlisle EPDM membranes are chemically inert and do not leash any harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment. This makes EPDM membranes the ideal choice for water harvesting projects or providing your aquatic life with a leak and toxic free environment.
Stable
Carlisle EPDM rubber membranes are synthetically modified with sulfur introducing crosslinks between the polymer chains enhancing EPDM’s strength, flexibility, and resistance to UV, heat and chemical attack. They require no additional coatings or maintenance to help resist harmful UV radiation attack for the next 20 years
Condensation
EPDM’s matt-charcoal colour allows for any residual or pooling water to easily evaporate. Conventional waterproofing systems do not handle pooling water conditions well and can negatively affect the performance of collaborating roofing insulation systems and reducing overall “R” values over time.
Large Panels = Fewer Seams
Carlisle EPDM Rubber Membranes are available in large widths up to 6m by 30m lengths accommodating few seams minimizing potential failure points .
Chemical Seams
Conventional waterproofing systems require external energy sources to ensure installation of seam overlaps. This greatly increases the risk of uniform seam installation due to various heat and primer thickness discrepancies. EPDM seams are chemically bonded with the use of primers (activators) of uncured EPDM seam strips ensuring a constant overlap thickness and installation without the need for heat.
