EPDM coating installation

Preparation and Storage

EPDM coating installation: it’s very important to assess your capabilities and resources. I always recommend consulting with professionals. Let’s start with the base. The substrate must be dry and clean (a garden blower helps a lot; if there is still dew in the morning, a wet vacuum cleaner will also be needed).

Installation Process:

The type of substrate for installation essentially makes no difference. The installation principle is the same, the goal is also to do everything as well as possible 🙂 The most common are Insulation layer on reinforced concrete or moisture-resistant board on wooden structure. Is a different EPDM coating installation possible? Yes, installation with ballast systems or mechanical fastening is also possible.

Membrane layout and preparation

Before starting to glue, the membrane should be laid out and allowed to relax for about 15-30 minutes so that the EPDM coating can adapt to environmental conditions. During that time, the reinforced perimeter strip can be fastened. The reinforced strip must be installed around the entire perimeter, mechanically fastened every 30 cm with fasteners (on a reinforced concrete slab) or using metal plates (on a wooden slab). (Although regulations do not require it, we also glue it with EPDM coating contact adhesive)

2. Gluing and joining

We glue the EPDM membrane using a special adhesive gun. CAV-GRIP III (available from us) must be sprayed evenly on both the membrane and the base. It’s important to ensure that the adhesive layer is sufficiently thin and even, avoiding excessive adhesive that can cause bubbles or swelling. It’s important to wait for proper adhesive drying, which can be checked visually: the adhesive changes to a matte color and doesn’t stick to your finger when touched.

After gluing, the membrane should be gently pressed and smoothly brushed onto the base using a soft brush or roller to ensure good adhesion.

3. Seam joining

When joining two EPDM sheets, they must be bonded with special tape – Seam TAPE, and a primer should be used to improve adhesion. Seams must slope downward, with a minimum overlap width of 12-15 cm to ensure a reliable seam. After gluing one sheet, mark a line for primer application, about 15 cm from the edge, using a chalk line. Apply primer (shake well first or mix with a mixer) with an abrasive sponge, wait for it to dry, and then apply SeamTape seam tape. The tape is applied about 5-8 mm from the primer edge so the primer extends beyond the seam tape, avoiding areas where the tape doesn’t adhere. Then roll with a silicone roller.

4. Additional elements:

All pipe, corner, and other penetration joints must be properly sealed using special EPDM flashings or flanges to prevent water infiltration.

Tips and Important Notes.

• Follow temperature recommendations – installing at temperatures below 4°C may reduce adhesive bonding quality.
• Regularly check adhesive drying and, if necessary, additionally press the membrane with a roller or soft broom.

Finishing work and protection

After installation, it’s important to ensure that membrane seams and joints are properly treated and sealed, and the roof is protected from mechanical damage (especially when there are multiple roof levels and facade work is ongoing).

EPDM edge sealant and vulcanization process

EPDM edge sealant is indeed used during the vulcanization process, which takes about 30 days after EPDM coating installation. Here’s what’s important to know:

1. The vulcanization process is a chemical process during which the EPDM coating and joints fully form and achieve maximum strength. This process occurs gradually and takes about 30 days after installation.
2. Edge sealant function – this sealant is used to protect membrane edges and joints precisely during this vulcanization process, when joints have not yet reached full strength.

According to available information, some sealants remain effective for up to 12 months (depending on the manufacturer).

EPDM coating installation completed 🙂