Welcome back to our popular video series. Rob the Roofer is here with our next instalment, number twelve! Our resident EPDM expert is a part of the professional training team, working with trade roofers from across the UK and providing high quality EPDM training and liquid waterproofing courses.
Bubbles and wrinkles in EPDM membrane can be due to the application of either not enough adhesive or too much in certain places. Blistering can also occur if temperatures exceed the mid-20s during installation. This causes condensation on the membrane underside, which can prevent a full bond.
Rob the Roofer
Why do bubbles and wrinkles form after membrane installation?
Find out what Rob the Roofer has to say about the causes of bubbles in EPDM…
Video transcript
Generally, we do find that some installers do have bubbles under membranes. There are one or two reasons for this:
They may not be applying the adhesive at the correct rate, so in other words, there is not enough adhesive, one to soak into the timber board and also secondly, to pull the membrane down onto the timber board.
Secondly, they may find that they’ve put too much adhesive in certain areas. That generally then shows up and you can almost get blisters on the rubber surface. That indicates that there’s too much adhesive in certain areas and that they’ve not rollered out the adhesive into a nice, even coat over the timber boards.
Occasionally, we do find some blistering if we get temperatures above the mid-20s. Where we have hot temperatures, what we do advise you then you put a smaller amount of water-based adhesive down and offer the membrane straight into it. Otherwise, if you leave the adhesive too long, because it is water-based, it will start to evaporate and that, unfortunately can sometimes form condensation on the underside of the rubber membrane. This, in turn doesn’t always allow for a full bond, which is required.
Previous post: Does EPDM have an up or down side?
Ready to buy EPDM membranes?
PermaRoof UK stocks long-lasting Firestone RubberCover EPDM and SealEco Fleece Backed EPDM membranes in our online store. Shop for all your flat roofing essentials in one place and get secure ordering, same day turnaround and fast delivery and industry-leading support.
Related products to buy online:
Other articles about flat roofs:
What is Liquid Waterproofing?
‘What is Liquid Waterproofing Membrane?” is a question we are routinely asked at PermaRoof UK. We
Ask the Experts: How to Fit a Rubber Roof
‘How to fit a Rubber Roof” is one of the top questions we get at PermaRoof
Leaking Flat Roof? What Are Your Options?
A leaking flat roof can go from 'minor drip' to serious damage very quickly. Whether it’s over a
Get in Touch
Please leave your details and someone from the PermaRoof UK team will be touch shortly to help you with your enquiry.
Permaroof UK® Ltd
Unit 1
Westway
Cotes Park Industrial Estate
Alfreton
Derbyshire DE55 4QJ
Tel: 01773 608 839
Fax: 01773 608 408
Email: Click here
Registration No. 4109502
VAT No. 764 2785 00
Permaroof (UK) LTD
Opening Hours
Mon – Fri (8am / 5pm)
We are closed on bank holidays and we re-open the following working day at 8am. Feel free to send us your enquiry during these periods and we can get back to you.
CONTACT PERMAROOF UK
PermaRoof UK are on hand to answer any questions regarding our products, services or your order. We welcome enquiries from the trade, stockists and homeowners alike. Contact PermaRoof UK today using the below form and one of our experienced team members will be on hand to help you right away.
Permaroof UK® Ltd
Unit 1
Westway
Cotes Park Industrial Estate
Alfreton
Derbyshire DE55 4QJ
Tel: 01773 608 839
Fax: 01773 608 408
Email: Click here
Registration No. 4109502
VAT No. 764 2785 00
Permaroof (UK) LTD
PermaGroup Brands, Partners and Clients
PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.
