Roof Surface Prepartion

EPDM roof membrane will adhere to certain isocyanurate insulation boards compatible with our adhesives. However, solvent based adhesive will melt the polystyrene and water based adhesive will not adhere to polystyrene.

EPDM roof membrane adheres to plywood, OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and 13mm high-density wood fibreboard and concrete. 

Polystyrene insulation should not be adhered directly to EPDM rubber membrane. If polystyrene insulation is used, cover insulation with 13mm high-density wood fibreboard. Butt all insulation boards together, staggering all of the joints. Any spaces larger than 6.5mm of 25.4mm must be filled to provide a uniform, smooth surface.

Screws and deck plates should be applied at the minimum rate of 8per 4ft x 8ft sheet of insulation, and 5 per 4ft x 4ft sheet or as required by the insulation manufacturer. When installing insulation around the perimeter, the fastening pattern is 1 screw and 1 deck plate every 0.61mtrs (that is 16 per 1.22  x  2.44mtrs). Examples of fastening patterns are shown in Figure 1. NOTE: Extra fasteners should be installed around protrusions such as pipes, chimneys, skylights and irregularities in the roof deck.

Important:

  • Do not install more insulation than can be covered with EPDM membrane by the end of the day.
  • Reroofing over a wet substrate is not good roofing practice. All wet material should be removed and replaced.
  • The roof surface must be dry. Moisture will cause poor membrane adhesion and blistering.
  • The roof surface should be swept to remove dirt, dust and other loose particles.

Good roofing practice dictates that the roof surface must have positive drainage of at least 3mm in 30.48cms.

Allow the EPDM membrane to relax. Depending on weather conditions, this could take from 15 to 30 minutes.

Use strips of duct tape on the upper edge of the membrane to stop the membrane from moving.

 

Figure-1-1