Technical Aspects of EPDM

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

Elastomeric coatings are roofing applied in a viscous state. It has elastic properties, and can stretch in the summer time heat and then return to their original shape without damage.

Elastomeric coatings usually contain polymeric materials, such as acrylic, and a white pigment, such as titanium dioxide, to make them opaque and reflective. An elastomeric coating is applied thicker than paint. An elastomeric coating can be used on virtually any substrate including asphalt built-up roofing, concrete roofing, metal roofing, modified bitumen roofing, polyurethane foam roofing and single ply roofing.

Liquid Roof and Liquid Rubber need temperatures above 55 degrees to cure. The temps can go below 55 but the product will not begin curing again until the temp’s go above 55 degrees.

Chemical Resistance-Cured EPDM rubber is resistant to acids, alkalis and polar solvents Cure system-Two-component Peroxide initiated Heat Resistance 302 degrees F (150 degrees C)

 

Physical Properties:

 

The physical properties of Liquid EPDM Liquid Rubber(R) are typical of its EPDM chemistry. The outstanding characteristics include:

  1. Extreme high resistance to penetration of water, Ultra Violet and Ozone stable, excellent long term aging properties.
  2. Very broad temperature tolerance range (from 300 degrees F to minus 62 degrees F). Acid and alkali resistant Withstands ponding water even when not cured

 

Spreading Rate:

A 20 mil dry film will result when liquid is applied at the rate of 42 sq. ft per gallon on a smooth surface.

A rate of 45 sq. ft allows for average roughness.
Weight/gallon 8 pounds (mixed)
Tensile 680 psi
Elongation 180-200%
Brittle Point -62 degrees F

 

Cure Mechanism: This rate is determined by temperature and the availability of oxygen. Oxygen is necessary to activate the catalyst, which promotes peroxide decomposition at lower temperatures. The cure mechanism in EPDM Liquid Rubber will vary from active to inactive determined by temperature. Broad day-night temperature swings in spring and fall will not compromise the final physical properties of the EPDM Liquid Rubber membrane.

 

Technical Properties of EPDM

 

Polymer Properties

  1. Specific Gravity 0.87
  2. ColorAvailable white or black

 

Vulcanizate Properties

  1. Hardness, Durometer   30A to 90A
  2. Tensile Strength, Mpa (psi)6.9 to 20.7 (1000-3000)
  3. Elongation, %100-600
  4. Compression Set B, %20-60 *
  5. Useful Temperature Range-50 to 150ºC (-60 to 300ºF)
  6. Brittle Point-50ºC (-60ºF) **
  7. Volume Resistivity, ohm-cm1016 to 1017
  8. Dielectric Strength,v/mil500-1000
  9. Dielectric Constant2.2 to 3.0
  10. Tear Resistance   Fair to Good
  11. Abrasion Resistance Good to Excellent
  12. Resilience    Fair to Good
  13. Adhesion to MetalFair

 

Environmental Resistances

Ozone – Excellent

Oxygen – Excellent

Oils and Gasoline – Poor

Water – Excellent

Steam – Excellent

Oxygenated Solvents – Good to Excellent

Halogenated Solvents – Fair to Poor

Phosphate Fluids – Good to Excellent

Alkali’s – Good to Excellent

Acids, Dilute – Excellent

Acids, Concentrated – Good to Excellent

Electrical Properties – Excellent

 

Features

Advantages Electrical Properties
Low Temperature Flexibility
Resistance to Weathering, Water, Steam, Heat
Cost

Limitations

Hydrocarbon resistance
Temperature above 177ºC (350ºF)
Flame Resistance

 

Since EPDM Liquid Rubber Coatings cures by chemical reaction, a single heavy application will be preferable to multiple thin coats. A second coat will bond to a previous film but that bond will not be as strong as the internal bond within each layer. If a second coat is applied before the first has thoroughly cured, some wrinkling may result as the first coat absorbs solvent and swells. This will, however, recover as the solvent evaporates. It is generally recommended that only a single coat be applied over non-porous surfaces, the thickness of which can be varied as desired. Thicker films will take longer to cure through. Asphalt coatings and asphalt built-up roofs are considered unstable substrates and therefore, not recommended for coating directly with Liquid Rubber EPDM. EPDM COATINGS do carry a specific elastomeric which with a two coat application gives you a 10 year warranty.

Liquid Rubber is designed to recoat structurally sound existing roof and protective materials. They are also best for RV Roof Repair. They should not be used in place of roofing membranes”.

The following are recommended substrates to coat:

  • Metal – Coated or Galvanized Steel
    • Weathered Aluminum
    • Weathered Copper
  • EPDM Rubber membrane
  • Concrete (except foot traffic surfaces)
  • Urethane Foam
  • Primed Wood
  • Fiberglass
  • PVC Sheet and Pipe
  • Acrylic Sheet
  • Sponge Rubber insulation

Do Not use Liquid Roof or Liquid Rubber on the following substrates:

  • Built up asphalt roofs
  • Asphalt shingles
  • Modified asphalt roll roofing
  • Stainless steel
  • Glass
  • Silicone caulk
  • Foot traffic surfaces
  • Hypalon Membrane
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Roofs Types, its repairs and coating materials

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

When we get tired of the whole day’s activities our most imperative want becomes to go home and get relax. As the thought of going home comes to our mind a smile comes to our faces unconsciously because of a peaceful place for tranquil. Home is the place which gives soothing and comfortable thought to everyone. It serves as a shelter from all the outside and environmental harms. Roof is the most important element of the home construction and its most intricate thing to repair and re-roof. Before deciding on roof repair or repair decision, all of us must be aware of the expected roof lives.

All roofs are made from different materials and each type of roof has a different lifespan. The best way to determine how long you can expect your roof to last is to check with the manufacturer’s warranty. However, you should also realize that with a preventive roof maintenance plan that utilizes seasonal inspections, you could greatly enhance the lifespan of your roof. When considering roofing materials, always talk with your roofer about the steps that you should take to maintain its condition as well as anything that you should do to ensure that you don’t void the warranty. By taking the time to choose the best roofing materials for your house’s design, structure and geographical location, you will have a better chance of enjoying new roof for many years.

Most commonly, roofs fail because some aspect of the installation was done poorly. Many roofers don’t pay much attention to the details. Problems caused by poor installation often don’t show up for five or ten years. By the time there’s a leak, the home has changed hands or the homeowner has no recollection of who did the roof — let alone any idea where to find them. There are plenty of sloppy roofers out there that never even know about the problems their poor workmanship causes.

Then there are the lucky few homeowners whose roofs fail simply because the materials have surpassed their useful life. Typically these roofs go 20 years or more without a leak and replacement becomes obvious because many of the shingles are starting to curl or tear. Many roofs are covered with asphalt shingles. These shingles should last 20 years or more but often fail after about 15. If your roof is starting to leak and is 15 years old or older, there is a good chance that you’ll need a new roof soon.

All conventional flat roofs are exposed to surface deterioration under the action of sun, wind, driving rain, hail, ice and snow, traffic, building movement, temperature cycling and water ponding. It is because of this process of degradation that a roof must be inspected yearly. When a leak occurs in a flat roof, a more serious type of deterioration occurs. Even if water does not enter the building, it attacks the insulation. Destruction of the roof system can progress rapidly and cause damage for which repair is costly or impossible. This phase of deterioration is neither inevitable nor normal for a properly designed and constructed roof, and usually is merely the result of neglect and lack of maintenance.

It is difficult to comprehend how a roof, which is an expensive element of the building, can in many cases go on unattended for years. It is similar to buying an expensive car and being content to only add gas when necessary. Both car and roof will fare miserably before they reach half of their designed life.

 

Another aspect of roofing to consider is the material that is used for the underlayment, sheathing and trusses. If you are building a new roof, you should realize that all of these parts to your roof system would come with warranties as well as methods of maintenance and care. You should also have plenty of adequate ventilation included in your roof system to help preserve the life of your roof. Taking the time to discuss all of the options available with your roofer will help you to maximize the most from your roof.

 

 

The primary advantages of liquid roof coatings are their economical, proven performance life, and ease of use. Roof coatings are generally very good weather and water sealant. Today’s liquid roof coatings are versatile and applicator friendly. Non-flammable products are also available.

 

It’s important for you find a good coating for your roof: you want a coating that will protect your roof from the elements and make it last even longer than it traditionally would. You have several main choices for roof coatings. There are pros and cons to each. Roof coatings can be put on your roof at any time during the life of your roof. However, it’s usually best to put the coating on the roof when your roof is replaced or if your notice any leaks in your roof.

 

The most widely-used roof coatings product is the acrylic elastomeric coatings. This type of elastomeric coatings can extend the lifespan of the roofing system through a dependable protective finish. Elastomeric coatings are also preferred by green building enthusiasts because of its environment-friendly coating formulation.

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Roofing Types & Problems

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

When we start talking about roofing problems, the first thing we need to know about is types of roofs prevailing in the market and the pros and cons of each roof type. Whilst Roofing is constantly exposed to the elements, structural shifting, and stresses as well as chemicals in the atmosphere all take their toll on your roof. Aging occur on all roofs, wear and tear stemming from neglect, abuse, contamination, and accident can result in expensive repairs or premature failure of the roofing system, if not detected. A Regular inspection program will help detect minor problems before they become big ones, avoiding interruptions of work going on inside the building, and most importantly, protecting the owner’s investment and adding many years to the life of a roof.

Roof Types:

Wood: There are two types. Shingles are cut to a specific size and smooth finished. Shakes are irregular and rough-textured. Wood gives a natural look to a home. It also requires more maintenance to protect it from the elements.

Metal: Metal roofs have returned from the olden days to become a popular roofing option. Once limited to low-slope structures, standing seam steel roofs can now be used on steeper roofs as well. Metal is durable, practically maintenance-free, heat reflective and non-flammable. Installed in sheets, a metal roof will actually dissipate a lightning strike rather than conduct it.

Built-up Roofing: Built-up roofs are installed on flat or very low-sloping structures. They consist of alternating layers of felt or fiberglass treated with asphalt. These layers are topped with asphalt (tar) or aggregate. Built-up roofs are more common in commercial buildings.

Tile and Slate: These are two of the oldest roofing materials around. They are long-lasting and durable. Their weight requires a reinforced roof structure that can support them. Both can be quite expensive and neither is easy to install.

Slate Roofing: is a very expensive choice, but it’s very beautiful and distinct.  Many Colonial and French homes look very appealing with this style of roof materials.  Slate roof materials are heavy, as you can imagine, and will need additional structural support.

Factors that affect roofs

  • Sun delivers a combination of ultraviolet rays and heat can prematurely age a roof.
  • Snow or ice that melts and refreezes (called ice damming) pushes up the roofing material and causes leaks. Ice damming can be a temporary problem that ends when the thaw is complete. Excessive amounts can damage the roof and roof structure.
  • Rain is normally kept at bay by a roof. But when rain or moisture gets underneath roofing, damage can occur.
  • Wind can remove any roof in the most extreme occurrence. However even minimal amounts can weaken a poorly installed roof by letting dirt and moisture get underneath.
  • Moisture from condensation underneath a roof not only harms the roof and sheathing, but also can cause problems inside of the house.
  • Trees provide shade to help cool a house. They also provide leaves and limbs that can fall or scrub against the roof.
  • Algae and moss get a foothold on moist surfaces. Excessive growth can retain moisture and cause eventual weakening of the roofing material.

Other Causes of Roof Problems:

  • Improper Installation
  • Improper Design
  • Lack of Maintenance
  • Flashing Failures

Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.

Having a roof that leaks is a very common problem of many homeowners, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain. When your roof leaks there are a lot of problems that can happen such as mold and mildew stains, damaged foundations, and water stains on the ceiling, just to name a few. Because of this it is important for you to have the knowledge of how to find the leaks in your roof.

When you do discover a leak in the roof you should not panic but simply know that it is time to fix the leaky roof. A leak can actually be a good sign as it will force you to check the leak and it is a good idea at this time to look over the entire roof to see if there are any other leaks or problems. Fixing a leak in your roof is not very expensive and it does not take a lot of time.

The Common Roof leaks problem can best be solved by using EPDM. It is compatible with all types of roof problems caused by sunlight, snow, moisture, rain wind and other causes etc. EPDM is the broader term among roofing material used for repairing, it includes liquid rubber. EPDM is compatible with almost all types of roof including flat roof, sloped roofs and other times of roofs mentioned in this article.

 

For deal with other types of roofing problems visit EPDM Coatings LLC.

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Roofing and Factors for its Repair

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

You would have heard and read many articles on roof repair and its preventions but this article will discuss factors to be considered while going for roof repair and reproofing decisions. Roof repair is one issue just about every homeowner frets about. Water leaking into a home can cause serious damage in a short amount of time. Just one leak from one storm can cause an entire drywall ceiling to fall dropping mushy gypsum board and messy fiber glass insulation onto you and your possessions.

Roof leak repair doesn’t have to be scary. There are tough roofs to work on no doubt. Attempting roof repairing on a steep slate roof repair should be left to the professionals. The same is true for metal roof repair or even tile roof repair. These are tricky materials to work with. But you should be able to successfully do home roof repair if you have a low-slope roof, a cool day and the right attitude.

Roof leaks

The most important factor in any roof repair job is which contractor you choose. A good roofing contractor will check the area surrounding the leak in your roof for any sort of water damage. They should be able to let you know whether or not there is rot or water damage present, and whether or not it’s bad enough to need repair immediately. In today’s economy, cost is another important factor for roof repairs. There are many types of roofs here in Miami, and each type is going to have a different price range for repairs depending upon supply cost and availability of experienced contractors.

Roofs may need replacing for several reasons.  It may be leaking and be more economical to replace rather than repair it.  The roof may not be working correctly or does not look good.  Another reason for replacing the roof may be because you are extending your home and want the roof to look fully uniform.

Over the past 45 years, EPDM single-ply roof systems have grown consid­erably in market share compared with their modified bitumen and built-up competition. As a result, there are many aging EPDM roofs, and consultants will be faced with the task of providing cost-effective, durable solutions to keep the roofs in proper work­ing order without tearing them off entirely.

Several factors come into play and impact consultants’ decisions regarding the end of a roof system’s useful life. Thermal bridging, proper drainage, R-value, surface color, wind uplift, and hail resistance are all important factors to consider. When every­ thing is taken into account, consultants are faced with two primary choices when addressing an aged EPDM roof besides a complete tear off and replacement: restora­tion and re-cover.

  1. EPDM roof restoration usually encompasses reworking the flash­ings, seams, and terminations, while leaving the field membrane in place. EPDM is well known for its long-term wea­therability, so in most cases the field mem­brane has life remain­ing. This option is used primarily when the owner wants to extend the life of the existing roof or warranty cover­ age for an additional five to ten years.
  2. EPDM roof re-covers provide the ability to address more issues than typical restora­tions. Proper drainage, thermal bridging, en­hanced R-value, al­tered surface color, as well as enhanced wind uplift and hail resis­tance, are all issues that are better ad­dressed with a roof re­cover.

 

The cost of roof coatings is typically about 50% of that of re-roofing and the benefits are very tangible;

  • substantial reduced cost over re-roof
  • reduction in cooling costs with 80% reflectivity
  • years of longevity given to the existing roof
  • minimal disruption to the work environment during its application
  • minimal waste going to landfill
  • annual reduction in cooling costs as high as 22%
  • no toxic odours or vapours
  • ease of future repairs
  • no increase in roof weight load

reduced long term maintenance and roof repair costs

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Roof Sealants for Leaky Roofs

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

Sealers really are nothing more than a clear finish that has been altered to make it perform differently. What is added, or removed, from the finish determines what the sealer is and what it does. Primer, which is the sealer used with paints and pigmented lacquer, is basically paint or lacquer, that has an increased amount of pigment.

Roof Sealing

The sealant can be used for installation and maintenance of a roof made of shaped boarding or roof tile:

  • in places of isolation joints between open-ended exit points and roof sheets;
  • under ridgy planks and joints of a tent shape roof;
  • under a snow shield on a roof;
  • when installing the furring;
  • at lap seams;
  • at trough joints;
  • at a joint of a trough and a drainpipe;
  • at a trough end;

 

Sealers are capable of doing a lot more than simply stopping up the pores of cracks in any surface. They can be used as a barrier coats to seal in surface impurities like dirt, wax, silicon and natural oils and preventing them from leaking out of wood and through the finish. Sealers can act as bonding agents between two materials that may not normally adhere to one another.

 

Roof Sealers are bright white, reflective, elastomeric roofing solutions for roofs that are not yet ready to be torn off and are capable of being restored back to their original quality. EPDM, Modified Bitumen, Metal Roofs, Single-Ply, Polyurethane Foam, Smooth Built Up, or even Gravel Built-Up, we have a roof coating that can repair and restore your roof. Our roof coatings can even repair metal roofs to good as new condition.

Once water finds it’s way in through the gap and under the roof sealing material it works it’s way downwards and can be the cause of water leaks inside a building.  The water causes further condensation which is unseen and causes the steel sheeting to corrode.

Elastomeric Roof Sealants

 

Elastomeric roof coating is a 100% acrylic, highly elastomeric, titanium fortified roof coating formulated to provide a high solids rubber-like membrane. Designed specifically for use on metal, polyurethane foam, EPDM, APP, masonry, asphalt and wood surfaces, this elastomeric roof coating product forms a highly reflective barrier resulting in significant energy savings! Dries bright white.

 

 

Boots, gloves, diving suits etc, have proven that rubber is the first impervious product that is totally waterproof. EPDM flexes and resists temperature changes, is totally resistant to atmospheric pollution, unaffected by UV light or ozone and extremely robust to puncture. Unlike bituminous substances it does not crack, peel or become brittle with age, which has been proven with its use in sub zero temperatures in the These facts make EPDM rubber flat roof membranes the best installing flat roof sealant to fix a flat roof structure. Ideal for flat roof contractors or do it yourself flat roof home restoration.

 

High-strength elastic roofing and sealing material consisting of at least one bonded fabric layer of organic material, optionally at least one further bonded fabric or bonded-fabric material layer of inorganic material, and a coating of bitumen on both sides, where the bonded fabric layer(s) is (are) impregnated with the bitumen, and where the bonded fabric of organic material has a certain area weight and a certain residual deformation after previous elongation. The bitumen coating optionally can be made elastic by the addition of modifiers with sufficiently low glass conversion points.

 

Other Roof Sealants

 

A number of other materials are used to provide an air barrier at different locations in the house. These include specialty gaskets and tapes, as well as sheet materials such as polyethylene, spun-bonded olefin, rigid insulation, drywall, plywood and sheet metal. Installation techniques are critical when using sheet materials as an air barrier. All edges, seams and penetrations in the sheets must be sealed.

Tips on Sealing Some of the Leakiest Areas

If you notice a draft through an outside wall electrical outlet, it must be sealed. (Some inside wall outlets can also provide leakage paths, so check them as well.) Turn off the power to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Check to make sure the power is disconnected by turning on a lamp.

You will obtain a better seal if you caulk the gasket before installation. Place child safety plugs in seldom-used outlets. Some foam pads come with a gasket that fits on the safety plug.

If you are installing an electrical outlet during a renovation, get a good seal by placing it in a special plastic box that is available from many hardware or electrical supply stores. Caulk the penetration for the wire, and seal the new air and vapour barrier to the edge of the box.

Planners and roofing companies still face a big challenge in finding an inexpensive, timesaving and durable sealing system for flat roofs on industrial buildings. Particular problems are presented by roofs with complex shapes and a large number of breakthroughs, such as airshafts and pipe supports. It is hard to get around these problems using conventional roof sheeting, especially as it is usually around the breakthroughs that the roof begins to leak.

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Roof repairing Problems with Solutions

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

Roof is the greatest source of protection from any type of whether condition for the world. But they have to spend more for its repairing and remodeling almost every year especially after rainy and summer season. Roof Leaks are mainly the cause of improper installation and ineffective flashing of roofs at the time of its construction. Roof Leak may occur about any place of the roof buy they found more near the chimney, step, apron, pipes, and points at which two roofs meets. Roof leaks may also occur when your roof shingles installed improperly. If you ignore it for a long time, then they may become a cause of major damage for of the roof.

The next Cause of roof leaks is the weather condition also, some time summer sun become a cause of generating this problem with roofs and some times summer season result for this problem. In USA, thousand of people have to spend at least $12 billion every year only for repairing their roofs. For this purpose they have to contact with roof repairing and constructing experts who can fix all these type of problems of their roof. The season exposures can play a huge harmful role on the health of this part of home. Many natural elements like wind, circles, rain, snow and more lead to damaging effect on the roofs of homes.

It is important to ensure that your roof is equipped with building materials that are appropriate to the weather conditions of the area that you live in. Choosing cheap, low-quality materials that do not handle well in certain weather conditions can prove to be a very expensive mistake. This type of mistake especially at the time of construction leads to bear heavy cost of repairing near about each year or in every season. You can minimize the problem by selecting the material that is more suitable and having great resistance for all type of weather condition like EPDM and liquid rubber designed specially for it. Elastomeric roof coatings and liquid rubber are also designed for roof leaks due to draining water in rain; provide great resistance for water in rainy season. Similarly epdm is the best product for summer sun that can easily control the temperature by providing complete protection to the roof from sunlight.

For the durability of a roof, at the time repairing is very important, because roof leaks convert into the major roof damaging problem those have no solution instead of reinstallation of the roof.  Many homeowners do not realize it until it is too late, but there are many situations in which roof repairs must be done because the roof was improperly constructed and designed. These complications may include weak structures that buckle easily under pressure, a slope that is considered to be inadequate, selecting materials that are not durable enough to withstand the overall shape and design of the home, and even selecting materials that are not considered to be quality enhanced and hold up to certain weather conditions.

If you want to avoid the complication of roof repair, it is necessary to avoid these situations and select those quality products for roof repairing and remodeling purpose like epdm, epdm coatings, liquid roof repair, roof repair coating etc. that are best for repairing a roof. If these products like Liquid EPDM, Liquid roof, roof coatings etc. at the time of home construction, you will get the best results for your home and can easily minimize the roof repair cost as they provide a long time protection from repairing and roof leaks. The chances of roof leaking problem can also be minimized by setting the roof inspection on the regular basis. As you find any roof leak in your roof during this inspection, you can easily repair it by your self. For this purpose, there are many products for this solution, you can apply liquid roof and Liquid Rubber on your roof for getting release from this problem and can maintain roof leak for a long time period. Roof repairing and remodeling is as easy as you can do it by applying newly designed roof repairing products that are specially designed for the solution of this problem.

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Roof Repairing Guide

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

There are all kinds of roofs. If your own happens to be quite flat, and your house is a one-story building, so that you can reach the roof by using an ordinary ladder, there is little danger in venturing out on it, but if you have to crawl through a window and claw your way around on a steep roof, you will do much better to stay away from it. However, there are a few basic rules for safe roof work which every homeowner should be familiar with.

roof repair

Many people do not realize they have a problem with their roof until the inevitable happens…..roof leaks. More often than not, that is when a roofer receives a call to perform a roof repair – only to find that the whole roof needs replaced. Some are frustrated when they are being apprised of this situation and believe the roofer may be trying to “sell” them something they may not need. Be aware that roof repairs cost more on a hourly basis then replacing a roof. It would take “only” approximately two days of doing roofing repairs to equal the same amount paid in labor for an entire week when replacing your roof.

If a leak is recognized, clear the area of any home belongings, for instance electronic equipment furniture, etc. Place a bucket to collect the water for the time being. Once you can clearly see where the water is dripping from the ceiling, take a ladder and look at the roof in that area. You might easily see a part of the roof that has a broken shingle; you might also see debris, loose flashings, etc.

The Roofing Process

A moderately sized roofing job might take only 3 or 4 days.

  • Remove all existing shingles, deposit them in a roll-off, and remove.
  • Begin to make minor repairs on roof if in good condition. If not, replace bad wood with plywood or 1″x6″ boards, whichever is applicable to your roof.
  • Install the “ice dam,” which is an ice and water barrier made of plastic to prevent backed up ice in the gutters from working itself under the shingles.
  • Lay down asphalt paper.
  • Apply the shingles – starting at the eaves and working upward.
  • Apply flashing around all areas where leaks might come into the house – against the chimney, stack vents, etc.
  • Install the ridge vent.

We need to cover a few things before starting any roofing project. These include:

  • Get Proper Information: Be aware this is a construction project and there will be noise and debris. Children love to watch what’s going on with their house but they must be kept away from the perimeter of the worksite, ladders and equipment.
  • Share Properly Your roofing Condition with Roofers: Roofers generally do their best not to drop debris into shrubbery or flower beds but it is sometimes unavoidable. Inform roofing company if you have delicate flower beds or shrubbery that needs special protection.
  • Point out sprinklers: that heads along driveways and sidewalks to help us prevent damaging them.
  • Roofing is a noisy job, including hammering and power equipment. In most instances we will finish the job, including a thorough cleanup, in less than two days.
  • Hanging Items on walls should be removed: Loosely hung items on walls should be removed. Also, bring in flower pots or other yard objects close to the perimeter of the roof.
  • Inspect your building condition completely: If you have wood shingles, be aware that dust and debris particles will fall into the attic during the tear off process. You may want to cover some items in your attic with protective cloth or plastic.

Many roofing problems, including shorter than expected life spans, are the result of improper material selection in the first place most roofing decisions are made on the basis of first cost or appearance and local climatic conditions are often given too little consideration. Hail, wind and freeze/thaw cycling are particularly hard on most roofing materials. Start by understanding the local climate your roof must deal with.

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Roof Failures

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

The life of any roofing system is finite. Most low-slope roofing materials begin to exhibit water infiltration within 20 years after installation. Distress conditions and leaks on low-slope roofs are more likely to emerge at certain predictable areas, such as at punctures or seams in single-ply membranes. Roofing materials are subject to damage from strong winds and flying debris. Generally, roofs are not designed to withstand winds of hurricane and tornado intensity.

Leaks also often occur where pipes or vents penetrate the roof membrane, as well as at roof perimeters where roofing systems transition to other materials. By identifying areas that are prone to developing problems, maintenance and engineering managers can take steps that will prevent roof problems cost effectively. Less preventable source of roof leaks is roofing failure—that is, the structural failure of roofing materials. To make repairs in the most common roofing material—asphalt shingles—use the following approach:

  1. Go into the attic space during a rainstorm and inspect all the rafters or trusses with a flashlight. Look for damp or wet areas and mark them with a black felt marker.
  2. When the rain stops, look for any holes in the roof next to the leaking areas you marked. If you see sunlight coming through, you’ve found a hole. Push a small nail through each hole to mark these spots.
  3. Go onto the top of the roof and find your projecting nails. Push the nails back through the sheathing and fill the holes with plastic roof cement. Use cement that’s packaged in a caulk tube for easy application.
  4. If you see leaks around flashing for chimneys, plumbing pipes, or roof vents, fill these holes with plastic roof cement. Chip out the old sealant first with a hammer and cold chisel, and brush away any dust.

Every roof system can tolerate an optimum level of ponding water, after that it causes cracks on the roof surface. All roofs face any of the two conditions;

1. Every additional quantity of rainwater will cause a deflection that is bigger than the thickness of the rainwater layer causing this deflection. This means that the rainwater falling on the roof will flow towards the deflection, the additional weight of the water increasing the deflection further and so on and so on. Rainwater flowing over the edges of the roof will not take place. This will continue until either the rain stops, or the ultimate bearing capacity of the roof will be reached and the roof will collapse.

2. Every additional quantity of rainwater will cause a deflection that is smaller than the thickness of the rainwater layer causing this deflection. This means, that at a certain moment, provided that the ultimate load bearing capacity of the roof is not reached, equilibrium takes place, the deflection does not increase anymore and the additional rainwater falling on the roof flows over the roof edges.

Generally speaking, roof failures have common causes for all roofing systems.

  • Open laps: in the field membrane, but especially in the flashings, is another problem. Open laps are just carelessness on the part of the installer. Usually it means that the installer has failed to apply adhesive to the entire lap. Sometimes it is caused in built-up and modified bitumen systems when the bitumen is applied too cold. The laps appear to be closed, but open up as the roof ages.
  • Splitting: Splits occur frequently in expansion joints. The most common splits occur when a metal accessory is flashed with a membrane material. As the temperature changes, metals and membranes expand and contract at very different rates. Because the membrane generally cannot move as much as the metal, it will eventually fatigue and crack when it is adhered to metal. This problem is not as common with single-ply membranes with better expansion and contraction capabilities, but it is common in asphalt and coal tar systems.

Penetrations: Another common failure location is penetrations. Of particular concern are pitch pans. There are three failures common to pitch pans: the sealer itself, the container in which it sits and the penetration to which the sealant is supposed to adhere. Almost all sealers used in pitch pans will crack eventually due to loss of plasticizer or aging. If the penetration is not stabilized, vibration or movement of the penetration can cause the sealant to crack around the penetration. If a penetration is not thoroughly cleaned of asphalt before installing pourable sealers, the sealer will not adhere to the penetration.

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Roofing Industry Market Review

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

Residential roofing demand is primarily driven by replacement market which has covered a large part of the market whereas new construction drives the market to a lesser extent. Within the replacement demand, approximately more than three-fourths is non-discretionary replacements due to deterioration with age or weather damage.

 

Roofing Materials in the U.S., SBI analyses the various products available along with the manufacturer and retailer strategies that are being used to maximize growth and profitability. The coverage also includes end-user analysis, industry and product trends that will fuel future growth, and marketing dynamics.

 

As a repairing of Roof leaks Liquid Roof is used for RV Roof Repair. For this purpose, there are many products like liquid rubber and roof leaks repair, very frequently used by the builders for construction. But it increases the expenditures and applying cost for building or repairing a house. Every fiscal year marks inflation and the prices of having long term usage products changed in up direction. That’s why the prices of roofing material gradually increased with the passage of time. During 1997 the review of construction shows that near about $40 million spent for roof repair but cost included extensive amount of work and in 2002 great increments in prices is recorded. With proper maintenance and coating, a low slope roof can last significantly longer than its expected or predicted life.

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Liquid Roof Application

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

Liquid Roof Application is best with a squeegee and a fine nap roller. Before applying, mix the pre-measured catalyst by following label directions. A single application is preferable to multiple coats. Touchups may be applied as desired after initial film has cured and surface is first wiped with solvent. To insure its effectiveness it must be applied at a 20 mil layer . Apply with brush around flashings and edges using long, slow strokes. On flat surfaces, material can be poured, spread with a squeegee and then evened out with a short nap roller. The Product will level itself when sufficient material has been applied. Liquid EPDM Rubber Roof should not be applied on cream color ALPHA rubber.

Adhesion

Adhesion will increase over time. Polar surfaces such as metal, concrete and wood result in stronger adhesion than non-polar surfaces such as asphalt and single ply EPDM sheet. Most weathered surfaces including single ply and thermoplastic membranes will have enough of a surface profile to anchor the Liquid EPDM Rubber. Liquid EPDM Rubber Roof has proven itself superior to acrylics, urethanes, and other elastomers as a moisture barrier. Due to ultraviolet rays and weather conditions, sealants become brittle and lose adhesion, resulting in leaks. One application of Liquid EPDM Rubber Roof will provide an air and watertight seal that will outlast the original sealant.

Durability:

By itself, the Liquid EPDM Rubber Roof membrane will exhibit the characteristics of its EPDM chemistry, i.e. U.V. and ozone stability, excellent pounding water resistance and long-term retention of flexibility. However, since it is always applied to an existing surface, the condition of that surface will determine overall life expectancy.
Liquid EPDM Rubber applied over generally sound single ply EPDM can extend its life another 20 years, The useful life of metal roofs also benefit greatly when Liquid EPDM Rubber Roof is applied. BUR systems often have existing problems such as delaminating between layers, buckling and stress cracking. These are further aggravated by wet insulation which often results in severe corrosion and weakening of the metal supporting deck. Projecting a life expectancy for the EPDM Liquid Rubber membrane ultimately comes down to a case by case determination. When the EPDM Rubber membrane is compared to urethanes, acrylics and other elastomers in accelerated weathering and heat aging tests, the EPDM Rubber shows itself to be superior.
Liquid EPDM Roof Coatings are aftermarket products designed to extend life, seal leaks, provide a heat reflective or aesthetic function over existing roof surfaces. Now you too can enjoy the many benefits of a weather-tight EPDM Rubber Roof. Liquid EPDM Roof is a unique form of EPDM rubber. As a liquid, it can conform to any shape of roof, flashing, or protrusion, vertical or horizontal, and can be applied easily with a paintbrush or roller on your roof. Roof repair with Liquid Epdm Roof is now very easy.

Surface Preparation:

Liquid EPDM Roof/Liquid Rubber/Liquid Rubber may be applied on roof decks, gutters, structural steel, air conditioner enclosures, cooling towers, galvanized steel, unit heater flues, smoke stacks and chimneys, fiberglass and non porous masonry surfaces. Surface to be coated should be clean, dry and structurally sound. Fasten loose areas with adhesive (contact cement) or pop rivets. Oil or wax must be completely removed.

All surfaces to be coated should be clean and dry. Remove peeling paint and brittle caulking. Heavy build ups of asphalt roof cement should also be removed. Tighten any loose fasteners and replace those which are severely corroded. Repair or replace roof panels damaged by storms. Remove heavy rust with abrasive discs or wire brushes. Power washes all surfaces to be coated and allow drying thoroughly. Caulk all gaps wider than 1/16 inch which are not expansion and contraction slip surfaces.

Remove loose portions of existing coatings and brittle caulk with scraper and wire brush before using Liquid EPDM. Whatever still has good adhesion may remain to be re-coated.

Rusty or pitted metal should be wire brushed to remove loose oxide. Tightly adhering corrosion may be recoated. Asphalt based aluminum coatings should be removed as much as possible by wire brush or abrasive disc. Roof cement should be removed and replaced with butyl caulk where necessary.

Repair torn rubber by re-gluing loose areas with contact cement. Coat exposed edges with contact cement to prevent solvent absorption from Liquid EPDM Roof/Liquid EPDM Rubber. A rubber patch may be applied over torn area if desired. Remove chalk from white rubber membrane by brushing with a detergent solution followed by a water rinse or working surface with a stiff brush. Smooth metal or plastic surfaces should be roughed up to improve adhesion of Liquid Roof/Liquid Rubber A de-glossing solvent may work on some plastics.

For Large Commercial Projects: Airless or Air Atomized spraying, Airless equipment needs only one hose from pump to gun but must generate 3500-4000 psi pressure and is limited in the length of hose which can be used because of high pressure drops. Air atomized equipment requires two hoses to the gun making it more cumbersome to maneuver plus the addition of a compressor.

Liquid Roof is the only liquid EPDM Rubber product currently on the market.

Equipment specifications:

PUMP -capable of delivering 3-4 gal/min. at 3500-4000 psi
HOSE if 3/8 inch ID max. permissible length is 150 feet
when using .019 tip

if 1/2 inch ID max. permissible length is 200 feet
when using .21 tip

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