FAQs


	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q	Can the rubber be fitted over old felt ?
A	Yes, assuming the boards are serviceable, then remove all loose materials stones etc and ensure the surface is sharp free. If the roof surface is undulating or ruckled then covering with economic felt or thin plywood is suggested before fixing the rubber to the roof.
Q	*Can the rubber be walked on and ladders placed on it ?*
A	Yes, the rubber is suitable for light pedestrian traffic, but common sense applies - wear shoes free of metal inserts and use a board under ladder feet to spread the load. Any furniture or heavy plant trough etc should be made to have a large spreading footprint and if necessary ensure the roof contact area is covered with rubber.
Q	*Is there a need to paint or lay stones on the surface ?*
A	No, paint or stones or other covering is not required. If stones or pavers are laid there is a need to ensure the roof structure will withstand the load). Also see notes under Decking on page 6.

Q	*Can the rubber cover concrete directly.*
A	Yes, but ensure all sharps are ground off and the surface is stable and clean. The primer can be rolled onto the surface in the case of the Self-Adhesive Systems and in the case of the One Piece the Decking
Q	*Do arris fillets (triangular sectioned timber battens) need fitting between the upstanding wall and the flat roof?*
A	No, arris fillets are fitted to accommodate felt to reduce the bend severity from 90o to 45o. Rubber can bend 180o easily so fillets are not needed, but they can be fitted or left if already in place if required.
Q	*What speed is typical for a satisfactory weld with a hot air gun when sealing edges of the rubber?*
A	1 metre per minute on a straight run after some practice. Less than ½ this for a beginner.


	MATERIAL SPECIFICATION FOR THE SELF-ADHESIVE SYSTEM EPDM Sheeting supplied by DIY Roofing conforms to DIN 4102 Part 1 (Fire Resistance Class B2) and is resistant to sparks and radiant heat in accordance with DIN 4102 Part 7 (Spread of Flame). The sheeting has been tested in accordance with the European Union of Agrement (U.E.A.t.c.) Material Testing Bureau, Dortmund (MPA Dortmund). AGREMENT CERTIFICATE No.321/88 is available issued by National Research Materials Agency, Berlin.

	INDEPENDENT TESTING OF EPDM RUBBER SHEETING EPDM first in Best Buy tests supported by DOE due to long life compared with bitumen felts. PVCs have detrimental environmental impact. BRE tests put EPDM in the top category of durable membranes when cycled through temperature extremes ahead of bitumen, glass fibre, felts, PVC, CPE and CSM. Accelerated weathering tests on the Self-Adhesive EPDM (equal to 20 years) on 18 years in service samples showed negligible deterioration ~ extrapolation from these tests indicate a life of 90 years.

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