What is EPDM Sheeting? What is EPDM Sheeting used for?
16/07/2020
What is EPDM Sheeting?
EPDM sheeting is an economical, widely used synthetic rubber sheet. It exhibits excellent impermeability and weathering characteristics. It also offers exceptional heat resistance (low and high), anti-oxidisation and anti-ozone properties. It isn’t surprising that EPDM is a popular choice for many outdoor applications and service lives over 25 years are common.
EPDM is a very versatile material that is useful for both general and specialist purposes. It can be compounded (mixed) with a wide range of other ingredients. This allows formulations to be created to suit particular applications in many niche areas. For instance, supplementation with specialist additives can make it flame retardant. Peroxide cured EPDM can be effective in achieving a higher service temperature rating above 150 degrees Celsius. This temperature is already above the capabilities of other elastomers such as Natural Rubber and Neoprene.
What does EPDM Stand for?
EPDM, often mispronounced EDPM, stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. It is a copolymer of Ethylene and Propylene with added Diene to provide sites for cross linking. Cross linking is the process where rubber vulcanises and properties are imparted. It features a stable saturated polymer backbone which gives the material its characteristics.
What is EPDM Sheeting Used For?
EPDM sheeting products or membranes are commonly used in the construction and civil engineering trades for sealing, barrier and containment applications. In domestic and commercial building, fabricated EPDM sheets are used as a single ply roof covering. This roof covering has been successful in replacing older materials such as torch-on felt which can be dangerous to apply
Another use for EPDM sheeting is strips that are used to create a window seal in building facade systems. This market area has grown extensively over the last 10 years. It is also a popular choice for ground lining applications. These include artificial lakes, irrigation systems, below ground waterproofing and pond liners. The elastic nature makes EPDM membranes a superior choice to plastic alternatives. The EPDM is capable of stretching to accommodate any ground movement without rupturing. This keeps the barrier or containment system intact.
An alternative application is reinforced EPDM sheeting. The addition of a substrate such as textile strengthens the rubber sheeting. This provides an increased mechanical strength (tear and tensile). An example of this is scrim reinforced EPDM. This EPDM sheeting uses a thin, reinforced membrane which is lightweight and durable. It is fabricated into large bags to transport drinking water into disaster zones. Another example is steel mesh reinforced EPDM sheeting. This is a specialist electro-conductive gasket material used in industrial applications.
White Cross Rubber – Your EPDM Sheeting Experts
At White Cross Rubber, we are experts in EPDM sheeting of all types. We can develop formulations and product specifications to suit all applications. We have manufactured our range of EPDM waterproof membranes and textiles for over 30 years and remain the sole UK manufacturer of such products, maintaining a domestic capability.
Whether it’s a bulk requirement for the construction trade or a highly technical project to help advance an area of technology, we are confident that our industry expertise can give your company or project a competitive advantage. Please call us today on 01524 585200 or email [email protected] with your enquiry.
