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Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Why do bubbles or wrinkles form after the membrane is adhered?

A - Solvents in the adhesives, which are not allowed to "flash off" or evaporate, cause distortions or bubbles. The wet adhesive distresses the membrane causing wrinkles. Depending on the substrate and the amount of wet adhesive, bubbles or distortions in the membrane will eventually be absorbed by the membrane and disappear.

Q - Can the adhesive dry too long?

A - Yes. After the adhesive is applied and has flashed off, the surfaces should be mated together. Allowing the prepared surfaces to remain open longer than necessary risks contamination from dust and debris. Also, high temperatures as well as falling cool temperatures and moisture can affect the performance of the adhesives if the prepared surfaces are left open too long.

Q - Can I put a deck over an EPDM roof?

A - Yes. See Figure 32 and 33 in this manual.

Q - Can I install outdoor carpet over a RUBBERALL® EPDM roof?

A - Yes. The best method is to fully adhere the carpet using an exterior grade carpet adhesive.

Q - Can I adhere EPDM to concrete or wood?

A - Yes. Both substrates should be free of splinters, burrs, loose fasteners, sharp edges, dust and debris.

Q - Are there warranties for residential applications?

A - Yes. Water Tight Technologies will furnish free Membrane Warranties for all registered installations using .060" and .045"

RUBBERALL® membrane provided all accessories (adhesives, seam tape, etc.) are RUBBERALL® . Warranty duration is 30 and 20 years for .060" and .045" respectively.

Q - What temperature is too cold for a successful installation?

A - Adhesives perform best at temperatures over + 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Below +40 degrees it is best to install only on full sun days with low air moisture content. Application may only be possible during the middle part of the day when the temperature is stable and humidity is lowest. Rule of thumb. . . . If it is comfortable to work, you can adhere RUBBERALL®. It just takes longer for the adhesive to flash off.

Q - Can I use RUBBERALL® EPDM below grade?

A - Yes. RUBBERALL® can be used below grade as a waterproofing membrane on basement walls, water retention ponds and earth homes. It is important that the substrate be free of burrs and sharp edges that could puncture the membrane. Earth homes and sidewalls should have a barrier board between the membrane and the backfill.

Q - Is RUBBERALL® Membrane safe to use in ponds with aquatic life?

A - Yes. RUBBERALL® membrane has been tested and has proven to be "Suitable for Aquatic Life".

Q - Can I install EPDM over smooth surface asphalt or shingle roofs?

A - Installing EPDM over old smooth surface asphalt or shingles is not recommended. The adhesives used to adhere the membrane will activate "dead" asphalt and not bond properly. A retrofit or insulation board should be installed over the old substrate.

Q - When I adhered the membrane, several wrinkles occurred. Will the wrinkles affect the roof?

A -Although wrinkles are unsightly, unless they traverse a seam, they will not leak. Large wrinkles can be cut out and patched. Small wrinkles might be absorbed into the membrane as it goes through several expansion/contraction cycles. Any wrinkles that migrate through a seam must be removed and repaired.

Q - When should I use .045" and when should I use .060" RUBBERALL® membrane?

A - .060" membrane is recommended for roofing applications primarily for ease of installation. .045" membrane as a roofing membrane should only be used by the experienced installer. Inexperienced installers will find that they encounter wrinkles when adhering the membrane. Cutting these wrinkles out take time and leaves a less pleasing roof appearance.

The .045" EPDM membrane is the product of choice for water retention ponds, below grade waterproofing and also for many other uses around the home.