Flat Roof Systems

EPDM is one of the most sustainable and environmental materials used today in the construction industry. Its excellent performance transfers to low life cycle costs and less impact on the environment.

The initial production of the membrane has a low embodied energy number (the amount of energy required to produce and implement a product from material extraction, manufacture, and installation). In addition several other components (such as cleaners, primers and adhesives) were developed for use with the EPDM membrane to reduce VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions during installation.

Post-industrial products can be reincorporated (recycled) into the manufacturing of other roofing products and accessories (i.e., walkways and roofing tiles) thus minimizing the impact on landfills.

There are a range of warranties available for the RubberBond membrane dependant on the property size from standard guarantee below to the 20 year commercial warranty.
RubberBond flat roofing is installed, solely by authorised roofing contractors, who are responsible for the integrity and performance of the finished roof. Where stated a RubberBond contractor will issue a 20 year guarantee for your flat roof.
The RubberBond EPDM flat roofing system is guaranteed for a period of 20 years to prevent the ingress of rain or snow subject to the following exclusions:

• Storm damage such as falling roof tiles, trees, etc.
• Roofing damage caused by lightning, fire, hurricanes or earthquake.
• Deliberate or accidental damage.
• Defects in adjoining areas such as defective tiles and coping stones, pointing, porous brickwork or render.
• Deficiencies or movement in the building structure.
• Damage caused by the leakage of fuels or oils.
• Any claims under the guarantee that are found not to be the RubberBond EPDM membrane or the labour relating to it are chargeable as an inspection fee.
• The RubberBond EPDM flat roofing guarantee is valid when signed by the contractor and full payment has been received.

The fire ratings range in accordance with the build up of the roof please se below for the relevant construction and rating.

As stated in the BBA certificate No.02/3967 RubberBond® FleeceBack EPDM has rating of Ext FAA as per BBA certificate. This relates to the following roof construction of steel deck, vapour barrier, PIR/PUR insulation & RubberBond® FleeceBack.
Tested in accordance with BS476 -3
The above build up is mainly for commercial type properties so the ratings would be misguiding for domestic type buildings. In 2005 we ran further tests on typical residential style roofs and the following ratings were achieved.

Ext FAC Typical warm roof construction; OSB deck, vapour barrier, insulation & RubberBond® FleeceBack
Ext FBC Typical cold roof construction; OSB deck & RubberBond® FleeceBack
Test to BS476 – 3: 2004 External Fire Exposure test
Tester – Warrington Fire Research.

A boundary is defined in the Building * Regulations as the boundary of land belonging to the building up to and including the centre line of any abutting street, canal or river.

1. Not acceptable on any of the following buildings
   Industrial, storage of other non-residential purposes group buildings of any size
   Houses in terraces of three or more houses:
   Any other buildings with a cubic capacity of more than 1500m³.
2. Acceptable on buildings not listed in Note 1, if part of the roof is no more than 3m² in area and is at least 1500mm from any similar part, with the roof between the parts covered with a material of limited combustibility.

To achieve EXT. FAA regardless of the substrate the membrane should be covered with smooth, shard free pebbles.

Insulating a flat roof can deliver real benefits; a warm comfortable room, lower energy bills and improved HIPs ratings. Building regulations can mean insulation is compulsory.

In April 2006 the revised Part L of the building regulations came into force, this has the aim to reduce energy used in buildings. The key requirements are:

Reduce energy used in buildings by at least 20%
In most refurbishment instances additional thermal insulation is required to meet the required “U” value. If such an upgrade is not technically or functionally feasible or would not achieve its pay back within 15 years.
There are essentially two designs used in the construction of a flat roof with insulation.

Cold deck
This is the most common construction but is also the least thermally efficient. From the room ceiling up the build is as follows: The roof joists support the roof construction the internal ceiling is attached to these, between the joists in the roof void insulation is laid in buildings constructed in the 60s, 70s, & 80s, there will most likely be some type of insulation between the rafters in the roof void. On top of the joists the roof deck is fixed and the waterproof roof cover is laid.

Warm deck
This is the most modern method of construction and should be used were possible (although not all situations are able to accommodate this design).
From the room ceiling up the build is as follows: The roof joists support the roof construction the internal ceiling is attached to these. On top of the joists the roof deck is fixed. A vapour barrier is laid on to the deck. And the appropriate thickness of insulation is fixed to the roof deck. The waterproof roof cover is then installed.
This method of insulating the roof alleviates the formation of condensation in the roof void, and complies with the current building regulations.

No matter how good a product is, quality installation is essential. RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM for your peace of mind is only available from Independent Approved Contractors who have passed a full installation training course.

• Still protecting roofs laid some 50 years ago
• Suitable for any roof, small or large
• No heat involved in application, no risk of fire
• No maintenance to achieve it’s life expectancy
• Does not become brittle or degrade with age
• Tough enough to walk on for maintenance access, for example cleaning windows or gutters
• Moss and fungus resistant
• No layer of chippings
• Can be overlaid with a variety of finishes, paving slabs, timber or plastic decking, green roofs etc.
• Approved contractors are trained and regularly checked to ensure all roofs are installed to the high standards necessary