What is rubber roofing?

In almost all cases, rubber roofing is composed of a type of rubber called Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM for shot. EPDM is used because it's components do not leach out of it with rainwater contact and other elemental exposure. This makes the rain water safe to drink from artesian wells should the homeowner be using them. Some homeowners even use the excess EPDM rubber to create rain water reservoirs in dryer climates.

What Adhesives do I use to bind the rubber sheets?

Binding and sealing the rubber membrane is typically achieved with the use of an EPDM adhesive. The applicable adhesives come in solvent free, solvent based, and water based forms. The type of adhesive base that is recommended may differ depending on the type of installation that you want, the location, and materials your rubber roof is made of. Consult your roofing company for information on the adhesive they've chosen and why.

How does the roofing material come?

The roofing membranes typically arrive in long rolls of 50 to 100 foot lengths. Special shipping options may need to be applied when ordering this roofing material online. They standard widths for ordering the membranes are in rolls of 10 feet, 16.5 feet, and 20 feet wide. It is recommended to use the widest roll you can for your building project to reduce the number of necessary seems, which are the most vulnerable part of any roofing system.

Is it safe to shovel rubber roofs?

It is safe to shovel these roofs as long as you keep a few general safety tips in mind. Just as with asphalt roofing, you never want to shovel off the roof with a metal tipped shovel. Many commercial and residential shovels come with a front metal guard to protect the shovel from wear. This sharp metal front can damage the rubber roof and penitrate the membrane if hit with sufficient force, just as with traditional shingled roofs. Also, keep shovel strokes gentle near and along the seams between rubber membranes, as shovel tips can dig under the sealant.