No. No special coating or other surface treatment is required. General maintenance in the form of good housekeeping should periodically be performed to remove debris and leaves, and to investigate the performance of other components.
EPDM has a proven track record in various waterproofing and pond lining applications which somewhat resemble roof top applications. However, there are certain rules that should be followed when designing a roof top garden regardless of the type of membrane used:
In addition to the oils and the polymers used to make an EPDM membrane, another ingredient is added to the mix to enhance UV resistance. In the case of a black membrane, carbon black is added, which converts UV rays into heat. With white membrane, in lieu of carbon black, titanium dioxide is typically used to reflect UV rays and prevent it from attacking the polymer.
Sheets as large as 50 feet in width are produced mostly for use in ballasted and mechanically fastened applications. Narrower widths are also produced to offer applicators greater flexibility in positioning membrane.
Narrower sheets are also produced without factory seams (seamless) for use primarily in adhered and mechanically fastened applications. The major advantage of seamless material is the elimination of factory splice T-joints that occur when factory seams intersect with field splices. This reduction in T-joints significantly increases the potential for watertight performance by eliminating potential “water channels” into field splices.
Both narrow and wide sheets are manufactured in varying lengths from 50′ to 200′.
Expansion and contraction, ponding, moisture, thermal shock, and temperature extremes are all factors that promote premature degradation of a roofing membrane. The great elongation and low temperature flexibility of EPDM membrane accommodate building movement in various climatic conditions without stressing the material. Its moisture absorption resistance allows the material to be installed in assemblies with lesser slope than other single-plies and makes it tolerable to incidental ponding and deflection. Unlike built-up roofing, EPDM membrane does not contain organic material that can decay as the result of moisture caused by condensation or leaks. EPDM membrane, due to its ability to withstand extreme temperature, can be successfully used in assemblies with greater thermal resistance (thicker insulations with higher R-values). The ability of a roofing membrane to withstand temperature extremes is an important trait of a high performance material because temperature extremes could promote premature membrane aging and reduce the life expectancy of a roof.
With over 1 billion square feet of membrane installed worldwide, EPDM has established itself as the membrane for all climatic conditions. This is supported by various laboratory studies and actual field installations. This excellent track record is the result of unique and unmatched physical characteristics:
Black EPDM has a smooth surface similar to natural gray slate and does not contain surface granules that can eventually be lost on other materials. White EPDM also has a smooth surface, but is white. It combines the high-performance standards of traditional EPDM with a highly reflective, environmentally friendly surface designed to cut energy costs. When used appropriately, usually in warm climates, white EPDM can reduce air-conditioning costs without sacrificing durability of the roofing system.
EPDM is an elastomeric compound that is manufactured from ethylene, propylene, and a small amount of diene monomer. These ingredients are synthesized to produce a product that exhibits a high degree of ozone, ultraviolet, weathering and abrasion resistance, and outstanding low temperature flexibility. These ingredients also contribute to resistance to acids, alkalis, and oxygenated solvents (i. e. , ketones, esters, and alcohols).