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EPDM Roof Question, Re-stripping seams

6K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  buildpinnacle 
#1 ·
I am overseeing the restripping of a Carlisle Rubber Roof right now and was currious if anyone could point out any things I should look out for. I would like to ensure that the contractor is not slipping anything by me seeing that this is my first time dealing with restripping. Over all I am looking for a quality job in hopes of elliminating the current leaks. A preasure sensitive 6" stripping will be used. I know that the areas where this will be applied should be cleaned and prepped. Is the any other situations I should look out for? Thanks
 
#3 ·
Aggressive, if you are overseeing a roof job in progress to ensure quality control, shouldn't you know something about what you are overseeing? I intend no offense in that question, just seems odd someone with no roofing experience would be tasked to oversee a roofign crew. Do you not trust this crew? In a perfect world there would be no reason for you to worry if you did trust them. In my opinion I think it'd simply be better to pay the carlisle rep to come out and inspect the job in progress and after completion.

I'm confused what you mean when you say re-stripping. I can only assume you mean a seam restoration. This would cure your leak issues, IF the leaks are coming at the seams. Penetrations should also be inspected, as well as the entire field of the roof, especially in any ponding areas, for small holes.

Clean the area to be re-taped, a weather membrane cleaner, or even Xylene, should be used. Prime the area where the tape is to stick. Stick it, roll it, caulk it using an lap sealant.


You can go to the firestone website and buy their EPDM installation video for something like $40.
 
#4 ·
I would watch out what they wiping the seams down with. Ive seen alot of roofers use gas to wipe down. they will argue that is acceptable. manufactures sell the right primers for this. and they must use clean rags and they will go through a batch of them. then they can apply the strip and lap seal all edges. as said already check all penetrations, air conditioning units, vent pipes and drains. was this already leaking or is this preventive maintainance? if it leaked the leaky area iso board is probably ruined and broken bond with rubber. yep lots to look at here if your overseeing this project.
 
#6 ·
Depending how dirty the roof is, you may need to wash with soapy water & a brush, then use weathered membrane cleaner, prime th eexisting EPDM with the manufacturer's primer, install PS flashing & roll it in at a 45 degree angle across the tape. Lap sealant should only be used at cut edges, lap sealant should NOT be used along all edges of PS products.

If the leaks were severe enough, then yes any we insulation should be removed & replaced. All penetrations should be checked; especially vent pipes for lap sealant at the top of flashing membranes, you may also want to remove old pourable sealer & replace it, check all fasteners through counterflashings to see if the neoprene washers are dried out, if so caulk all fastener heads with lap sealant....

There are many things to look for...if you are inspecting/observing the installation you should have some background knowledge & also have the manufacturer's guidebook close at hand.
 
#10 ·
clean them,clean them, clean them, I believe that Carlisle primer does not have a self leveling agent and the quality of there primer isnt as good as firestone so make sure its put on to the right amount and not by brush ...other then the primer carlisle is way better product than firestone ...imo
 
#11 ·
Unfortunately the primers and glues are the most critical parts of the application. So if Firestones are better which they definitely are then Id say Firestones the better product.
Epdm is Epdm its been out a long time and Carlisles is no better than firestones unless you love talcum powder then go with the carlisle.
 
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