Recent Service Life Study Points to Outstanding Performance of EPDM
Alexandria, Va. (April 27, 2004)
Alexandria, Va. (March 30, 2003) - A recent research study published by ASTM1 suggests that single-ply roofing systems such as EPDM may provide equal or better service life as compared to traditional asphalt roofing systems. In addition, the ranking process used in the study places EPDM at the top of the class of modern roofing membranes.
The study measured selected physical parameters of twelve roofing membranes before and after oven heat and ultraviolet exposure. The products tested included multiple-ply roof assembles (2-ply SBS and 3-ply BUR), as well as single-ply roofing membranes (EPDM, PVC, and TPO). Each membrane was tested in the same manner under identical conditions to allow for comparison across all membranes tested. Properties tested included load-strain product, cyclic fatigue resistance, water absorption, glass transition, thermal expansion, static puncture resistance, and dynamic puncture resistance. At the completion of testing, test results for each membrane were rated by making the "best" average value in each test equivalent to 100, the "worst" equal to 0, and the remaining results linearly proportioned to these benchmarks.
The following table summarizes the test results from the study:
Note: Rankings calculated using the average ranking for all samples
tested in the study.
According to the authors, "the EPDM and PVC samples consistently posted the best ratings." The authors also noted that while this result may be attributed to the strength of reinforcement within each membrane, "the EPDM samples, without reinforcement, consistently rated among the highest in the group."
The researchers intend to evaluate these same membranes under field exposure conditions in the future, with data collections planned after two, four and six years of exposure. Based on their own experience with the field performance of traditional BUR roofing membranes, the researchers suggest that modern membranes such as EPDM could be expected as to perform as well or better, providing the testing procedures used in the study are predictive of field results.
1. Bailey, D. M., Cash, C. G., & Davies, A. G. (2003).
"Service Life Tests for Roofing Membranes." In W. Rossiter & T. Wallace
(Eds.), Roofing Research and Standards Development (5th Ed.). West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
The EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) rubber roofing membrane has been an appealing choice of the low-slope commercial roofing industry for over 40 years, with more than 500,000 warranted roof installations on 20 billion-plus square feet. Annually, EPDM accounts for over 1 billion square feet of new roof coverings in the United States, and is the most frequently used roofing material in the marketplace. Building Design and Construction magazine and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) confirmed in their 2002-2003 market surveys that EPDM continues to be the number one roofing membrane of architects, roof consultants and contractors for both new construction and replacement roofing projects.
The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) is the first trade association solely representing the manufacturers of EPDM single-ply roofing products and their leading suppliers. ERA provides technical and research support to the public and the construction industry, and communicates the longstanding attributes, consistency and the value proposition of EPDM rubber membrane roofing materials.
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