rubber instead of felt

[SurreyRoofingEstimator]

We use rubber with PVC trims and have no issues with it. It can ripple if you're not careful, the product we use, Rubberall, comes in two thicknesses, the thicker one is a bit easier to lay in that respect. We always say that if it can be used as a pond liner and be watertight, a roof is not going to be an issue.

IF it does get penetrated it is very simple and cheap to repair.

One word of caution, 18 sqm of rubber won't be light so mind yer back!

 

[^woody^]

so yes rubber can leak,

No it cant leak

It can be punctured just like any roofing fabric. Don't confuse the two

The key point is that there are no joints to leak with a single piece of EPDM

 

[cotswoldbuilders]

Firestone epdm is the way forward, we have installed hundreds of square metres with no problems.
We have today saved a customer just over 2k by lining 2 valleys in epdm as apposed to lead with all the steps.
We use a supplier in High Wycombe who are really helpful guys, small delivery charge, next day.
They will also issue you a 20yr gaurantee on the rubber, but at the end of the day its all down to the installer.

 

[stuartturbo]

will leave that to the pros and its something that is important to get right, couldnt bare the ball and chain moaning if it leaked after i attempted it

It was going to pay someone but changed my dormer slightly so i have a standard set up ( 3 std edges rather than one that required lots of differing joints and profile)
I'm joining onto a pitched roof if a vertical I'd have no worries
just watch the vids out there
i never looked at felt only fibreglass and rubber

thought this rubber had a longer life.

Most roofers did give a longer life on ruuber

 

[noseall]

I personally have never covered (built loads) a flattie, rather we use specialist firms.

What i find interesting about this thread is the ease of which you guys are suggesting the rubber installation actually is. Apart from the obvious weight issues, the hardest part seems to be getting the material wrinkle free and fitting the trims.

Is the one-piece weight issue really a burden or are 'average' sized roofs manageable?

What about odd shapes, openings, flashings, vets etc?

Why do architects prefer to recommend three layer felt systems?

 

[HH1]

It's one big sheet, with no joints. It really would be very hard for it to leak

Sometimes you can be unlucky enough to get a piece with a factory joint though.
I got a piece in the past and it clearly had a joint. Looked like an overlap, with the pieces being vulcanised together, but it does double the thickness at that point.
Don't know why I got a piece like that, was only a 2m x 2m in size.
Was purchased new from reputable supplier
It would not stop me from using the product on other projects as was very impressed with the end result.

 

[^woody^]

Sometimes you can be unlucky enough to get a piece with a factory joint though.

That's factory welded and is as good as the material itself and will not open or leak.

Its not a joint in the context of a site made joint

 

[^woody^]

the hardest part seems to be getting the material wrinkle free and fitting the trims.

It really is easy.

Once the sheet is laid over the roof, left to relax a while and any necessary cuts/mitres made, its just folded back, and the adhesive applied to half the roof. Then when ready, that half is then rolled back over the adhesive any creases and bubble are pushed out with a broom or your hand. Just like wallpapering

I think the hardest thing is getting the heavy folded sheet up the ladder

Architects may stick with traditional systems because they don't know any better. But you will see that the forward thinking Architects, who are more aware of contemporary materials will make use of EPDM and others

 

[cotswoldbuilders]

I personally have never covered (built loads) a flattie, rather we use specialist firms.

What i find interesting about this thread is the ease of which you guys are suggesting the rubber installation actually is. Apart from the obvious weight issues, the hardest part seems to be getting the material wrinkle free and fitting the trims.

Is the one-piece weight issue really a burden or are 'average' sized roofs manageable?

What about odd shapes, openings, flashings, vets etc?

Why do architects prefer to recommend three layer felt systems?

If you have been on the training courses, Its easy.
40 square metres can be carried by one person up a ladder, if the areas to big then do an onsite join.
If you get wrinkles in it, either you havent left it long enough to relax, or you dont know what your doing.
Odd shapes, openings, vents and flashings are easy.
As said do the proper training, watching videos etc is a waste of time.
A lot of Architects are not up on the epdm yet, as I previously posted we just saved a client 2k doing his valleys in epdm instead of lead, the bco and architect actually came out to watch, result the architect is now going to specify it on future works.
We started of with pour and roll, torch on and glass fibre, epdm is by far the better product.

 

[Xenon]

Why do architects prefer to recommend three layer felt systems?

Because they're educated. The rubber will last for ever....the bonding agents carry no such guarantee.

Its made for people who don't know how to roof properly.

 

[upstairscharly]

EPDM everytime. Some people just can't move forward from their 1950's mind-set. Canada still sell asbestos slates if your nostalgic about those too. A nice asbestos roof with a felt flat roof. Beautiful

 

[noseall]

Why should EPDM be considered moving forward?

More like sideways.

As for beauty.... i can not imagine either roof being any more thrilling than the other, except that a felt roof done well looks relatively pleasing and has been laid using a dying art called skill.

 

[upstairscharly]

Why should EPDM be considered moving forward?

More like sideways.

As for beauty.... i can not imagine either roof being any more thrilling than the other, except that a felt roof done well looks relatively pleasing and has been laid using a dying art called skill.

Skill's still about. Just what people consider skill these days.....

 

[hardmetalking]

I love the passion!!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I'd be slightly worried about the adhesive used on a epdm roof, I know there is a maximum moisture content for the roof to be guaranteed. Most guarantees state the roof will require repair and maintenance over it's life.

Maybe hard metals are the way forward..................

 

[Xenon]

has been laid using a dying art called skill.

Nail, head.