Installing Epdm Roofing In Cold Weather

Start with the edge facing the wall and work towards the roof s edge.

Installing epdm roofing in cold weather.

When should i install a rubber roof. Epdm epdm membrane is available in large sheet sizes that are folded. After about 5 7 years you will have to reseam your roof by installing a 6 12 inch wide epdm cover tape over the old seams to make sure they don t leak for the next few years. If shingles are applied below 40 without the specialized adhesive you risk a voided warranty.

Epdm will stretch without tearing and holds up well to the rigors of installation. The product i use will stay flexible down to 49 f and resist heat up to 300 f without cracking or deforming. It also performs well in extreme temperatures. Epdm membranes are available in several thicknesses with or without polyester scrim reinforcement and can be installed in ballasted mechanically fastened or adhered applications.

Fullforce epdm and tpo sa may be installed when ambient and substrate temperatures exceed 20 f 7 c. Allow extra time for the sheet to relax during colder weather. During periods of cold weather these folded sheets are more difficult to relax and install. By following proper procedures cold weather applications can progress more efficiently and effectively resulting in higher quality roof installations.

Store fullforce epdm and tpo sa in a clean dry location and keep dry prior to installation. This update will cost you about 10 15 linear foot so if you have a few hundred feet of seams the total cost will be several thousand dollars making it a very expensive maintenance program. Epdm rubber membrane roofing materials are even more temperature sensitive than asphalt composition shingles. This is how to install epdm roofing correctly.

To make sure you get the best results you should look to install your rubber roof on a dry day that isn t too cold. Make sure that the surface is clear from any debris and that it isn t wet or damp too. If using water based adhesive the technique involves spreading adhesive onto the roof using a paint roller in sections of three or four feet across the leading edge. Mule hide recommends the use of smaller non folded sheets for installation during cold weather.

If winter installation is unavoidable most asphalt shingle manufacturers require a specialized adhesive manually applied to each shingle for temperatures below 40 f 4 celsius. Always check the temperature first before going ahead with the application of the epdm rubber. However during winter installations both of these rules are frequently ignored by roofers causing premature roof failures. Always follow any cool weather application instructions for the product or system you are installing when the temperature is below 45 f 7 2 c as special care.

Asphalt shingles can be installed in the winter but extreme care must be taken by roofers installing it not to bend and crack the shingle as well as not to trap moisture under them.