EPDM membranes

The use of plastics specifically in building construction is discussed in five sections in Chapter 3, by considering their structural, secondary structural and non-structural applications and also their use in polymeric coatings and EPDM membranes. Systems for condensation control is the theme of Chapter 4. 

Details of EPDM membrane and its applications in roofing is presented in Section 3.5. 

EPDM Membrane Application in the Construction Industry for Roofing and Waterproofing... 

Table 3.5 Polychloroprene based contact adhesive for EPDM membrane installation (phr) ...

EPDM membrane of 1.2 mm thickness is 22 times more waterproof than asphalt and 59 times as waterproof as PVC sheet. 

Table 3.6 Comparative properties of EPDM membrane versus other materials ...

EPDM membranes can be factory assembled from smaller width sheets by a hot vulcanising process, using suitable rubber-based adhesive or room temperature vulcanisable adhesive system, to form a higher width waterproof joint surface. Alternately, the individual sheets can be welded at site with the help of a proper adhesive system. 

As the EPDM membrane is elastic and tear resistant at low temperatures, the sheets can be manipulated over pipes and curves in any weather and can also be fitted properly around projections. 

The following methods can be used for installation engineering of EPDM membrane ... 

Bonding EPDM membrane with a cold adhesive is appropriate when structures are too light or roofs are steep with curves or sharp corners. Before application of the adhesive, the surface should be made smooth, clean, free from dust, oil, grease or other contaminates which may affect the adherence. This method is economical to cover all types of complex structures even on vertical walls. The sheets can be adhered to smooth surfaces of cement concrete, wood and metallic surfaces made of steel, aluminium, etc. An adhesive bonding system is also suitable for use on rigid insulation and old concrete roofing. 

Table 1. TG, DMA, and tensile strength and elongation values of (a) SI EPDM Membrane, b) S2 EPDM Membrane, and (c) S3 EPDM Membrane...

For example, more and more manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and building owners are turning to these techniques to solve in-service roofing membrane problems as well as to evaluate new roofing membrane materials. A typical example is the paper on the problem of EPDM membrane shrinkage The study was conducted in 1995 to investigate the causes of... 

The resistance of this class of polymers was reported in detail because they have multiple applications in the various economical branches [7, 83-85]. The natural ageing was also intensively studied because of the outdoor usage as cables, gaskets, membranes in various equipments. Because the permeability of EPDM membranes depends on their oxidation states, the prediction of oxygen diffusion is not enturely possible during or after weathering treatments [86]. 

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