A recent study of roofing systems conducted on behalf of the ERA provides proof of the long-term performance capabilities of EPDM. Each system examined with 30 years of in field service performed as intended.
Samples from EPDM roof systems were taken from five roofs in North Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin and tests were performed in key areas:
- Elongation
- Tensile
- Thickness XD (Cross direction)
- Thickness MD (Machine direction)
- Factory Seam Strength
The results were definitive: All of the samples had physical characteristics above or just below the minimum physical characteristics of 45-mil EPDM membrane being produced today.
The study is being continued with additional tests involving heat-aging the samples to investigate performance at prorated life spans of 40, 50, and 60 years.
“These test results of advanced-aged EPDM membranes confirm the results of earlier studies – that EPDM withstands the effects of climate extremely well,” says Mike DuCharme, director of product marketing for Carlisle SynTec and chairman of the board for the EPDM Roofing Association.
“The results also indicate that service lives of EPDM roof systems that are properly designed, installed and maintained can approach or exceed 40 years of service life.”
It’s important to note that the study was conducted on 45-mil membrane, and systems utilizing 60- or 90- mil EPDM could expect even more impressive longevity and performance. For more details on this EPDM study, visit http://epdmroofs.org/research_resources/index.shtml#longterm.
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