E.P.D.M. as a Liquid Applied Membrane for Roofs and So Much More! By epdmcoatings.com

EPDM is the abbreviation for Ethylene – Propylene – Diene – Monomer.  Sounds fancy!  Yet you use it every day. This plastic combination was originally invented to replace and supplement Rubber during World War Two. The chemical formulation uses a peroxide degradation to create double molecular bonds. Meaning, it is a very durable and will not fall apart. With paint, the molecules just dry next to each other and do not create a chemical bond. Epoxies or catalyst coatings actually increase weight. So, if part A weighs one pound and part B weights one pound then the combination will weigh more than the individual components. The peroxide degradation process takes it a step further so that the finished product has double molecular bonds and not just strands of bonds.

 The unique capabilities of this combination of chemicals and science have been used to create many things that we use every day. The foam insulation throughout your car is EPDM. Like, in the door where the glass closes and silencing insulation. All of the belts and hoses. It is in the tires that you drive. It is even used in a low molecular form as a diesel fuel additive!

In the roofing business it has been the main stay for many roofs for years. There are over one billion square feet of EPDM sheet rubber roofs in the US and Canada. The reasons for using EPDM vs other membrane’s is because it is hydrophobic, meaning that no water penetrates trough the rubber. It is also rubberized, meaning it bends and can handle the expansion and contractions of temperature change.   From -50 degrees to 300+ degrees the EPDM will still not break down.

Around twenty seven years ago a liquid applied EPDM was developed as a coating.  It uses the low molecular weight EPDM and then combining pigments and reactants to create a liquid applied product that will vulcanize on the surface that it is applied. It has the same characteristics as the sheet rubber, yet it is very white. It is hydrophobic, very durable and long lasting.

This coating has been used in the Recreation Vehicle market for most of those years.  Recently, its use was discovered as a coating for flat and sloped roofs.

In 2007 when the economy was really struggling the large roofing manufactures were looking for something to extend the life of roofs to get them through until the economy got better. They created Acrylic Elastomeric and then Silicone Roof Coatings. But, these coatings have proved to be problematic in the fact that they fall apart in ponding water or even splashing from the gutters. Even though there had been many flat roofs coated with the EPDM, it was not a recognized solution.

EPDM as a coating that has membrane qualities has been recognized and is becoming a solution to aging roofs across the world. It is a maintainable (can be recoated multiple times) it is highly reflective (white) and is a much less costly method that replacing the entire roofing system.  It can be used in combination with primer on Asphalt Roof’s and directly to rusty roofs because it is hydrophobic and nonpolar! 

EPDM as a coating is very unique. Both in the many things it can protect and the science uses to create a durable, long lasting membrane. For additional information call EPDM coatings at 855-281-0940. Liquid EPDM Rubber is distributed by EPDM coatings throughout North and South America. http://www.epdmcoatings.com; Mention this ad to get 50% off shipping. Distributor for Proguard Coatings.

EPDM Coatings

494 Bridgeport ave

Suite 101-342

Shelton CT  06484