Can you install EPDM rubber roofing in hot weather?

Can you install EPDM rubber roofing in hot weather?

EPDM rubber roofing is a top choice for many flat roofs, sheds, garages, summerhouses, and garden offices due to its long-lasting, lightweight, flexible, and weatherproof qualities.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or a confident DIY-er, EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, is straightforward to install.

Once in place, EPDM roofing can last up to 50 years. However, a common question arises, especially in the heat of summer: can you install EPDM rubber roofing in hot weather?

Can EPDM Roofing Be Installed in Hot Weather?
EPDM membranes are incredibly adaptable, both in terms of flexibility and installation. You can install EPDM in any season—summer or winter, hot or cold—making it a convenient and versatile choice for your next roofing project. Plus, it’s quicker and less labor-intensive compared to traditional roofing methods.

Can EPDM Be Installed in the Rain?
Dry conditions are crucial for installing EPDM. You must avoid installing it in rain, snow, or very cold weather, especially if temperatures drop below freezing, as this can cause the adhesives to fail. Ideally, you should install EPDM when temperatures are above 5°C.

The substrate must be dry to ensure that EPDM adhesives (QuickBond) and primers bond securely. They don’t cure properly in wet or extremely cold conditions, and damp substrates can cause issues that affect the performance, durability, and appearance of your EPDM roof. Always check the weather forecast before starting your project.

What to do if you do experience problems with the hot weather?

Bubbles Under the Rubber – Water-Based adhesive
In extremely hot conditions, bubbles may form under the rubber due to the evaporating water content from the adhesive itself (or it could indeed be from the OSB if it was damp/wet), as the moisture is evaporating now the membrane is there it has nowhere to go thus resulting in the formation of blisters. In time these blisters will dissipate as the moisture finds its way out and the residual tack from the adhesive will remain so you can roller the membrane back down. To stop bubbles occurring you just need to increase the time you leave the adhesive open before rolling the membrane into the adhesive.

Bubbles Under the Rubber – Contact adhesive
Contact bonding adhesive is solvent-based and is crucial for adhering the rubber membrane along upstands and around the roof deck perimeter. Contact adhesives must dry / flash-off to a state where there is no transfer when touched before membrane application (tacky but not wet or stringy). This prevents solvent vapours from forming bubbles beneath the membrane. Although these bubbles may dissipate over time these may expand and contract depending on the ambient temperature. When the weather is hot the vapour will expand further creating larger bubbles.
In severe cases, re-bonding may be necessary if the adhesive wasn’t allowed to dry properly.

For more information about the best time of year to install EPDM Rubber Roofing check out our previous blog here.

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Why Plytech for EPDM Rubber Roofing?

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Exceptional Customer Service

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On site when you need us! Order your EPDM rubber roofing products by midday for guaranteed Next Day Delivery across the UK, keeping your projects on schedule.

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