What Is Ballasted EPDM Roof?

What Is Ballasted EPDM Roof?

What Is Ballasted EPDM Roof?

The components of a ballasted EPDM roof system are kept in place by river-washed stones or pavers. Ballasted roofs are loose-laid, which means that the roofing elements, including insulation and the roof membrane, are not connected to one another or the roof deck.

It’s an excellent choice for steep roofs, where traditional roofing systems might fail because of the angle of the surface.

When Should I Replace My EPDM Roof?

A fully adherent 0.060-thickness EPDM roof has a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years if properly installed. Remember that while placing a lifespan of 25 or 30 years on an EPDM roof is fantastic, it does not guarantee you will get that many years out of it.

The best way to ensure you get the most life out of your EPDM roof is by keeping it in good repair.

The one thing that will shorten the lifespan of an EPDM membrane is UV light. If a roof has been exposed to UV light for more than ten years, it will require replacement.

If the EPDM roof has been exposed to extreme ultraviolet light, for example, if it is part of pool construction, it could be damaged beyond repair in five or six years.

Can You Patch A TPO Roof With EPDM?

Yes, recovering with TPO is a great option for a building with an aging EPDM roofing system. However, it is important to have the work done by experienced professionals.

The cost may be more than a traditional replacement, but a patch job can require EPDM “shims,” which are pieces of EPDM material that fit between the underlayment and the EPDM roofing membrane.

These shims should be reinforced with layers of asphalt or other materials to provide a concrete-like surface over the TPO.

EPDM is also used in industrial construction and manufacturing, including building wrap. Along with rubber roof coatings and roofing systems, it is widely employed by many contractors as an easy-to-install solution for protecting industrial buildings from the elements.

Can You Use Flex Seal On An EPDM Roof?

First and foremost, ensure that your RV roof is compatible with Flex Seal products! Because these sealants work with fiberglass, aluminum, EPDM rubber, and TPO, the majority of them will be.

Unless your roof is composed of a different material, you should be OK using Flex Seal on it. It’s important to note that EPDM roofs are not always compatible with Flex Seal.

Can You Walk On EPDM Roof?

To some extent, yes. EPDM is intended to withstand LIGHT foot activity during installation and periodic cleaning or maintenance.

If you need more than this, such as for a balcony, extra materials may be installed over your EPDM for a more lasting solution, or another type of roofing material may be a better choice.

Remember, EPDM is a “single-ply” roofing membrane that does NOT come in sheets for easy replacement or customization. It is a patch-and-repair product with hot air welds as the patching standard.

Each repair requires removing the hot air weld and replacing it with another hot air welded seam similar to the original one. EPDM repair work is about as difficult and time-consuming as applying the original roof.

How Do I Clean My RV EPDM Roof?

For the most part, cleaning an RV EPDM roof is much like cleaning any other type of EPDM roof. It is important to remember that your RV EPDM roof must be cleaned regularly to prevent it from attracting dirt and grime.

1. Mix your cleaning solution. Combine 6 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner in a bucket or big container with 8 cups (half-gallon) of cold water.
2. Sweep the roof. With a brush, sweep any trash, leaves, or loose soil off the RV roof, using a gentle back-to-front stroke to avoid damaging the membrane.
3. Rinse the roof. Once you’ve swept the roof, pour the solution onto the roof and keep it on for approximately 20 minutes. It is important to rinse thoroughly so that all the dirt and grit are removed. Repeat this process two more times to get all of the dirt off.
4. Apply cleaner. Wash the roof again with a solution made of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of warm water.
5. Scrub. Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the roof to remove any dirt and debris. Rinse the roof again with clean water.
6. Rinse. Using your hose, rinse the roof thoroughly until you are confident that the roof is clean and residue-free. If desired, repeat steps 3 through 5 to ensure a thorough cleaning.
7. Use a squeegee. On RV roofs with seams, carefully use a rubber or plastic squeegee to remove excess water from the EPDM seams and other areas that have not been cleaned.
8. Let it dry. Allow your RV EPDM roof to dry for 24 to 48 hours after cleaning before using it again.
9. Consider using an EPDM protectant. An EPDM protectant will help your EPDM roof to resist damage, mold, mildew, and other common stains.

With an EPDM protector, you won’t have to work so hard to keep your roof looking clean, making it easier to keep dirt and grime off your EPDM roof.

Most importantly, if you’re considering replacing your RV’s roof with a new one, make sure that the new roof is going to be compatible with either a commercial or residential EPDM membrane.

Is EPDM A Good Roof?

An EPDM roof is also very simple and inexpensive to fix. Because there are fewer seams than in other materials, a rubber roof is exceedingly unlikely to leak.

It also absorbs heat rather than retaining it and is resistant to UV radiation, making it ideal for hot areas near the equator. So yes, an EPDM roof is a great roof!

What Can You Coat An EPDM Roof With?

The roof’s life is substantially extended, and the life cycle expenses are reduced when EPDM is coated with acrylic. On top of the EPDM membrane, AcryShield coatings produce a waterproof, seamless, totally adherent membrane.

It’s fairly easy to make a roof zip-lock compatible. EPDM roofs exposed to high heat and/or direct radiation can be coated with a thermal barrier, like Poly-Shield, for added protection.