Similar to sheet EPDM, EPDM Liquid Rubber waterproof sealant is essentially EPDM but in liquid form. The liquid rubber waterproof coating is a synthetic polymer made from combining ethylene, propylene, with a diene monomer attached. The only difference between two is that the liquid coating uses a lower molecular weight polymer.
The advantage of liquid EPDM is that unlike sheet EPDM liquid EPDM eliminates the problem of leaks happening at the seams, as well as versatile enough that it can be applied to virtually any surface shape, including flashings, and protrusions. There are a number of waterproof coatings available on the market like as acrylic, elastomeric and urethane and each of these coatings has its own application process, as well as pros & cons.
Benefits of installing liquid EPDM
· Extends the service life of an existing roofing system for up to 20 years.
· Can be used to repair leaks and punctures.
· So Versatile as it can be applied to any type of flashing, protrusion, or roof shape.
· Waterproofs directly upon application and not affected by water ponding.
· Exceptional chemical resistance to concentrated salt solutions, various acids, alcohols, ketones and strong alkali’s.
· Exceptional weather resistance.
· Can handle temperature fluctuations easily.
· Can be applied to wide range of roofs.
· Lasts 4 times longer than ordinary liquid rubber coatings.
· Costs up to 50% less than other systems that require primers and multiple coats.
· Can be applied on both commercial and residential properties as well.
· Requires ONLY one coat, and does not require primer on most surfaces.
Application
Here is what you will need:
· Electric drill
· A mixer for a can or pail.
· A rubber squeegee attached to a broom handle.
· One Short nap roller approx. 1/4” attached to a broom handle.
· Paint brush
· Rubber spatula
· Mineral spirits or Xylene for clean up
· Bag of Rags
Installation
You can apply liquid rubber using a squeegee to cover the roof area and a short nap roller to evenly spread the material. Once applied liquid rubber will be somewhat tacky for 12 hours. It waterproofs the roof directly upon application however, it will take some time to fully cure but you will be able to walk on the roof/surface within three days. Assuming temperatures are above 70° a full cure can be expected in 5 to 10 days. Higher temperatures will decrease the curing time and lower temperatures will increase the time. If the temperature falls below 55° take that into account.
Coverage
When determining your overall square footage be sure to measure the true area. Let’s for example, assume that you have a metal corrugated roof. You need to look at the square footage of the raised areas of the roof and add that to your total square footage. If this is your first time applying Liquid Rubber EPDM, we suggest you chalk your roof off into either 42 sq. ft. or 210 sq. ft. sections. When you are done filling in the area you should be done with either that gallon or five gallon pail. This is how you know you are applying it at the recommended spread rate.
What is the Spread Rate?
When assuming a 45 square foot gallon, the specs are:
8 pounds per mixed gallon
680 psi tensile
62° F brittle point
180-200% elongation
What is the Cure Rate?
The curing of EPDM Liquid Rubber depends wholly on temperature and oxygen availability. Oxygen is required in order to activate the catalyst. Temperatures vary considerably in some regions, and it may take several weeks for a full cure to take place if EPDM Liquid Rubber is applied during a cool season. However, don’t worry even in a non-cured state, it will withstand water and rainfall.
EPDM Liquid Rubber vs. The Competition
Need a professional guide to how to mix and apply liquid rubber visit https://www.epdmcoatings.com/application.php and for detailed usage of liquid rubber visit https://www.epdmcoatings.com/liquid-rubber.php.