I've used both the bitumen with liquid tar/adnesive and the torch down
style. Both have been in service for several years with no issues. Not
sure which was the better route, both were a lot of work. I think the
torch down gives a neater install. Neither is suitable for a roof that
does not drain completely. 1/4" per foot is enough.

Gary Brady wrote:

Al A. wrote:


A couple of questions. Any thoughts on doing rubber roofs in general?
Any of you guys done this before? I have done lots of roofing, I've
just never worked with rubber before. Any hints, or gotchas to look
out for? Anyone ever dealt with the place linked above? Am I nuts?

Appreciate any and all thoughts.

Thanks,
AL A.



I had a very small EPDM roof done several years ago by a friend of mine
who ran a roofing company. The roof only lasted a few years then
started to crack. EPDM seems to work well in a ballasted situation,
where gravel is placed on top to hold it down and shield it from the
sun. You didn't say whether yours was to be ballasted or not, but the
rubber that was used on my roof didn't last when exposed fully to the
elements.

Have you considered modified bitumen (torch down) roofing? It comes in
much smaller rolls, about $40 each last time I checked. It's a little
more tricky to put down since it has to be melted, but once you get the
hang of it, it goes pretty well. It has a mineral surface to protect
from UV exposure. If you have any quantity to do at all, I recommend
buying a roofing torch intended for this operation. Makeshift torches
(such as I have used) are more trouble than they're worth.

EPDM is really intended for large production jobs since it can be
readily made in such large rolls.

Gary Brady
Austin, TX