It’s that time of year again all across America where construction crews and roofing companies are bustling with activity. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing is a popular roofing solution for many commercial facilities. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is another popular and quickly growing roofing system providing solutions for commercial properties.
Both EPDM and TPO roofing systems are single ply membranes that consist of a synthetic compound and provide a protective layer to preserve commercial roofs from environmental elements. EPDM is also known as rubber roofing and is used in various commercial settings. This protective layer is also used in many other applications such as liners for ponds, decks, and even RVs.
While EPDM roofing has been a time-tested solution to protect commercial roofs since the 1960s, TPO roofing has been quickly gaining ground although both single ply roofing systems provide protective roofing solutions.
Adhesives for Single Ply Roofing Membrane Systems
Single ply roofing membrane systems are not self-adhesive and must be securely bonded to the metal roof. Proper preparation must be completed before applying EPDM or TPO roofing membranes such as removing all dirt, debris, or rust from the roof and thoroughly cleaning the roof decking. Innovative adhesive solutions are now available which securely attach single ply roofing membranes to metal roofs. By incorporating a B-stage adhesive on metal roofing plates and pucks, roofing installers can quickly bond the membrane to the roof through heat induction.
The roofing membrane itself should be installed when the temperature is at least 50°F and when the exterior temperature will remain above 50° for proper installation. Roofing membrane plates and pucks coated with a B-stage adhesive allow for quick sealing of membranes without puncturing the membrane with mechanical fasteners. This can prolong the use of the roofing system by maintaining the structural integrity.
Adhesives for roofing systems must also possess certain characteristics and properties to provide long-lasting bonding solutions such as resistance to heat, UV exposure, and lift.
Adhesive Solutions Improve Roofing Service Life
Universal Chemicals &Coatings, Inc., UNICHEM, offers adhesive solutions that improve service life of single ply membrane roofing systems. Read this Case Study on how UNCIHEM reduced future expenses and costly claims for one manufacturer of roofing components. UNICHEM provided a solution with uniBOND B-stage adhesive on roofing hardware that solved the problem this contractor was having with degradation due to UV radiation.
Adhesives can oxidize and jeopardize adhesion performance without adequate resistance to polymer degradation after installation is complete. When this failure occurs, remediation can be costly and time-consuming to remove the roofing membrane and reinstall it. UNICHEM is a leading industrial adhesive manufacturer providing uniBOND bonding solutions to a wide range of industries and market applications.
UNICHEM offers custom coatings and uniBOND industrial adhesive solutions to many markets and applications including building, construction, and roofing installations. We offer custom configurations of chemistries, research and development, and testing to ensure products meet performance criteria. Contact us to learn more about our uniBOND adhesive solutions for EPDM or TPO single ply membrane roofing systems.