Bonding Adhesive for Roof Systems
Simplified, safer application for modern flat roofs
High performance bonding adhesive ensure the integrity of flat roofing, covering a range of substrates and offering seamless adhesion for EPDM.
PermaRoof and Elevate bonding and contact adhesives are available with improved coverage rates in a range of sizes and with spray and liquid options to suit your needs. We offer expert advice to help you find the right adhesives and products for your projects.
When to choose bonding adhesive for your project
Choosing between water-based adhesive and contact adhesive often comes down to two key factors – the type of surface you’re bonding to, and the weather conditions on the day.
Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Water-Based Deck Adhesive
This is generally the best option for timber decking. It works well in moderate temperatures, but can become tricky when the weather is either too hot or too cold. In higher temperatures (above 23°C), it may dry quicker than expected, which can prevent an even bond and result in trapped air bubbles. At the other end of the scale, if the temperature dips below 5°C, the adhesive struggles to perform properly. The safest approach is to use water-based adhesive on mild, dry days.
Bonding Adhesive (Contact Adhesive)
When working with concrete or non-porous surfaces, bonding (or contact) adhesive is usually the better choice. It can be applied with a roller in liquid form or sprayed on using a gun and pressurised canister. Used alongside a primer, it creates a strong and reliable bond. Unlike water-based products, contact adhesive is more forgiving in hot weather – the key is to make sure both the substrate and the membrane are allowed to tack off fully before fixing them together.
Why EPDM needs a good quality adhesive
Traditionally troublesome flat roofing has come a long way in the last two decades, today truly able to offer a long term solution to reliability. EPDM membranes like RubberCover have a service life expectancy of over 50 years and as such, require adhesives and accessories that can keep up.
This is why we developed and selected only high performance adhesives to work alongside RubberCover EPDM in our online store.
Calculating the quantity of adhesive you need
To calculate the quantity of adhesive needed, you will need the same measurements you used to order the membrane (length and width in metres). Multiplying these two figures will give the square meterage:
E.G. 4 metres (length) x 3 metres (width) = 12 square metres (m2)
If you were looking for a contact adhesive, from the guide below, you can see that you’d need the 5 litre PermaRoof option.
Use the following coverage rates as a guide:
Elevate Bonding adhesives
Options for both wet applied and spray contact adhesive with coverage rates of up to 3m2 per litre:
- Liquid available in 2.5l, 5l and 10l tubs
- Spray contact adhesive in 750ml aerosol and 17l trade cannister
PermaRoof Bonding adhesives
Wet applied with a roller (sold separately):
- 5L tub – approx. 7.5m2
- 5L tub – approx. 15m2
- 10L tub – approx. 30m2
PermaRoof liquid waterbased adhesives
- 5 Litre – coverage approx. 10 -12m2 onto dry timber
- 5 Litre – coverage approx. 20-22m2 onto dry timber
- 10 Litre – coverage approx. 40-44m2 onto dry timber
Elevate water based adhesives
- Coverage rates up to 4.5m2 per litre
Related Products to Buy Online
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterbased Roofing Adhesive
The latest formula Elevate contact spray adhesives have an improved coverage rate of up to 3m2 per litre. The aerosol spray is 0.75l and the large spray cannister could cover up to 75m2.
It is always best to allow concrete to dry out properly before applying adhesive or roofing materials. This is typically around three weeks but can be longer, depending on weather conditions and local temperatures.
It is important to use only contact/bonding adhesive when adhering EPDM or any other membrane to a concrete roof deck.
Water based adhesives are used on timber decks only and will not adhere membrane properly to concrete and other types of roof deck. This is because the surface of the concrete is porous. Often, primer is also used in conjunction with bonding adhesive to further prepare the concrete for a high performance membrane.
Yes, contact adhesive is also widely known as bonding adhesive across the industry. The products in both categories are the same in our online store.
What is the best way to apply water based adhesive?
Water based adhesives can be applied quickly and easily with a good quality roller, such as a paint roller. For smaller areas, a pad can also be useful to help apply an even coat.
When installing EPDM, the adhesive coverage should be complete and even across the entire surface area to ensure full adhesion of the membrane. Alternatively, water based adhesive can be used in conjunction with a suitable spray cannister and gun.
We supply a range of suitable rollers in our online store here.
To calculate the quantity of adhesive needed, you will need the same measurements you used to order the membrane. Use the following coverage rates as a guide:
PermaRoof liquid waterbased adhesives
- 5 Litre – coverage approx. 10-12m2 onto dry timber
- 5 Litre – coverage approx. 20-22m2 onto dry timber
- 10 Litre – coverage approx. 40-44m2 onto dry timber
Elevate water based adhesives
- Coverage rates up to 4.5m2 per litre
Bonding adhesives
Wet applied
- 5L tub – approx. 7.5m2
- 5L tub – approx. 15m2
- 10L tub – approx. 30m2
Spray adhesives
- We stock Elevate spray adhesives, which have a coverage rate of up to 3m2 per litre.
Alternatively, you can let PermaRoof do the calculations for you. We can custom-build a complete EPDM roof kit to suit your needs – give us a call and we’ll talk through the project with you or you can buy a kit online. Simply enter the project measurements in our online store and we’ll do the rest. Roof kits include sufficient membrane, water based adhesive (for timber decks), sealant and trim where applicable.
- 5 Litre – coverage approx. 10-12m2 onto dry timber
- 5 Litre – coverage approx. 20-22m2 onto dry timber
- 10 Litre – coverage approx. 40-44m2 onto dry timber
Waterbased adhesive is used with EPDM onto timber roof decks only. For adhering EPDM to concrete, bonding or contact adhesive will be needed.
When you’re installing a long-lasting roofing system, such as EPDM, it is important to use a high quality adhesive to ensure you get the best from the system. Poor quality adhesive is likely to create patchy adhesion and shorten the service life of the membrane.
We stock a range of PermaRoof and Elevate roofing adhesives, especially formulated for EPDM.
About PermaRoof
With an award-winning reputation for sales and customer service, you can be confident we’re a company that puts our customers first, whether you’re a trade counter searching for a reliable supplier, a professional flat roofer with a business to expand or a DIY enthusiast.
Our facility located in Derbyshire allows us to stock a significant amount of EPDM and we have the capacity for cutting hundreds of sheets per day. Centrally located in the Midlands, PermaRoof UK offers our reliable, fast delivery service via the company fleet across the country for most of our extensive range of flat roofing products.
Over the last few years, we have extended our range of products to not only flat roofing products, but products that solve further problems such as artificial grass, maintenance free metal fence system and other long term solutions.
Why choose PermaRoof?
We offer genuine EPDM membranes at the same price as the people that are selling ‘similar’ membranes, that’s right. With PermaRoof price promise, we are guaranteed to be the best priced, for the same product, with a CE certificate, membrane warranty, and the peace of mind that the products are genuine. Why would you need any other supplier?
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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
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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
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