There is no doubt that EPDM roofing membrane is amazing to work with. It’s affordable, can be installed in no time, and is long-lasting. This is a great opportunity for you to have some prevention and get results. However, there are mistakes that people should avoid to get the most out of it.
Do not wait
Everyone is busy, but you shouldn’t put off installing the EPDM roofing membrane. Don’t wait until you have a roof problem or notice a water leak. The damage has already been done and is often far beyond what you can see. This may mean that your structure is vulnerable and future problems due to that downward spiral.
Instead, use the EPDM roofing membrane as a source of prevention. This will offer you an extra layer of protection that you can trust. Severe weather, including high-speed winds, won’t make you nervous. Instead, you’ll be sure to know that your roof will be in good shape when all is said and done.
Prepare your roof
While you can get great overall value from EPDM roofing membrane, it doesn’t work like magic. You should take the time to properly inspect and prepare your roof to fix any problems that already exist. Don’t ignore them and hope for the best or you’ll end up having to get the job done anyway. However, you also wasted those materials.
Any loose debris items should be brushed off the ceiling. You cannot place the materials horizontally if there is any material that can make it lift anywhere. Even small pebbles that might have exploded there can be a problem.
Flashing edge
The protection offered by EPDM roofing membrane can be reduced if you don’t have a good edge flashing in place. If you don’t know how to handle this type of work on your own, it’s important that you hire someone to come take a look and give you a quote. It must be done well with quality results.
A common mistake made is that the edge flashing is placed on top of the new rubber and then fixed in place with nails or glue. The correct method is to place it under the EPDM cover membrane. This allows the rubber to extend about an inch from the ceiling, into the gutters.
Wrinkles
Never lock materials in place if you see signs of wrinkles. For best results, materials should be smooth and flat. Any wrinkles will reduce the life and protection that the materials can offer. This is especially true if those wrinkles are near the edges of the rubber.
Secure it in place
You have the option of using nails or glue to secure the materials in place. If you use nails, make sure they are designed for this type of material. You also want to make sure they are long enough to hold the materials in place. If they are too short, they will not offer much security. If you choose to use glue, make sure you get a quality product approved for such a project or it won’t stick around.
The joining process takes some time, so it is a good idea to use bricks or other elements to press the materials. Let them sit there for the rest of the day before taking them off. Check all the seams and repair anything that has been lost.
