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Seaming Membrane Panels With Seam Tape

After adhering the membrane sheets so that the width of the seam is the width of the seam tape used, remove excess chalk from a chalk line by snapping the line into the air and then chalk a line one-half inch (1/2") from the leading seam edge. (shown in Figure 14a).

Figure 14a

Fold the top sheet back to expose the seam area. (HINT: A small piece of seam tape that is tacky on both sides is useful to tack the membrane back.) If the EPDM membrane is contaminated with dirt, dust or debris, clean the seam area with Membrane Cleaner on a cotton cloth before applying Seam Tape Primer Plus. Using the Scrub Pad, apply the Seam Tape Primer Plus to the area using back and forth strokes with moderate pressure until the seam surface attains a smooth black appearance. Apply the Seam Tape Primer Plus past the seam edge to the chalk line. Allow the primer to dry. (shown in Figure 14b).

Figure 14b

If Solvent Based Bonding Adhesive is in area to be seamed, apply duct tape to adhesive covered membrane area and roll with hand roller. Peel off duct tape. If adhesive remains repeat process. If is in area to be seamed, remove with damp cloth.

Seam Tape comes in rolls of 3" x 25' and 3" x 100'.

Unroll the Seam Tape along the length of the seam, tape side down, aligning the Seam Tape paper with the chalk line. Using moderate pressure, draw the Scrub Pad or roller along the Seam Tape release paper. This will set the Seam Tape into place and keep air from being trapped under the tape. Fold the top membrane onto the Seam Tape release paper (shown in Figure 14c).

Figure 14c

Reaching under the top ply of membrane, pull the release paper away from the Seam Tape at a 45-degree angle to the seam (figure 14d). While removing the paper, draw your hand across the seam, from the back to the leading edge. This will prevent wrinkles and fish mouths from forming in the seam. After the paper is removed, roll the entire length of the seam with a steel hand roller -- first, across the seam, and then the length of the seam.

Figure 14d

IMPORTANT! If the Seam Tape does not visibly extend beyond the leading seam edge, the edge (figure 14d) should be cleaned with Membrane Cleaner and caulked with Lap Caulk.

NOTE: When splicing Seam Tape, overlap each piece a minimum of one inch (1") and firmly roll with a steel hand roller.