From leaking roofs to worry-free times- you will get it all with an EPDM rubber sheet. Specialists vouch for EPDM rubber sheeting as one of the most reliable roofing materials. Moreover, EPDM sheet suppliers say that EPDM rubber is such a champion that can withstand the scorching sun, sharp rains, and strong storms with ease.
Another reason why rubber sheet EPDM is gaining popularity so fast is that- it is far less expensive than other rubber sheets. EPDM rubber sheeting also gives the consumer unrivaled longevity.
If you go to the market to purchase an EPDM rubber sheet or have plans to purchase one online, then you will find that there are plenty of EPDM rubber sheet suppliers. However, the billion-dollar question here is ….….
What is an EPDM rubber sheet?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) which can be used for multiple purposes, is a synthetic elastomer.
In many ways, these sheets are a result of advancements made in the field of science, which enables the mixing of multiple monomers or atoms together in a specific proportion in a scientific method known to all of us as Polymerization.
How EPDM rubber sheet are Made? Blending process
Mixing is an important step in the making of natural and synthetic rubber sheets. However, in this case, the mixing of monomers is primarily done to achieve the desired result and also to produce a material that will exhibit an extraordinary set of qualities and can resist harsh chemicals, abrasions, or any other kind of impact.
In the case of EPDM rubber sheeting, propylene, diene, and ethylene are mixed in a specific proportion to produce an EPDM rubber sheet.
The unique combination of these chemicals gives the EPDM sheets the ability to withstand the harmful effects of UV rays if and when they are used for outdoor purposes.
This combination also gives these sheets the ability to withstand the adverse effects of certain harsh chemicals.
And most importantly, it also enables these sheets to perform within a wide range of temperatures, which can sometimes go up to 100 degrees Celsius.
Common Uses of EPDM Rubber Sheets: Applications
EPDM sheets are mainly manufactured for use as flexible strips, in gaskets, and for lining purposes. It is also used for insulating, sealing, isolating, and also for protection of steel and other surfaces.
Plus, if you purchase these sheets from authentic EPDM rubber sheet suppliers, then their unique properties allow them to be used for many other applications as well, like:
1. AUTOMOTIVE
- Hydraulic brakes
- Window, trunk, and door seals
- Cable and wire harness
- Seals and weather stripping
- Window spacers
2. INDUSTRIAL
- Stinger covers and electrical insulations
- Belts, tubing, and grommets
- Hoses and water system O – rings
3. HVAC (HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONERS)
- Mandrel-formed drain tubes
- Seals and panel gaskets
- Compressor Grommets
- Pressure switch tubing
4. ROOFING
- RV roof
- Roof membrane
- Roof coating
(Caution: It is recommended by experts to not use EPDM rubber in sectors where prolonged contact with petroleum products is a necessity. Also, these sheets should never be used in food applications and any other kind of application where there is large-scale exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons.)
Some salient Features and Properties of EPDM rubber:
An EPDM rubber sheet that has been purchased from any one of the countless numbers of authentic EPDM rubber sheeting suppliers is bound to possess the following properties –
➢ Temperature Range
- Range of low temperature:- -10°C to -30°C
- Range of high temperature:- +90°C to +130°C
➢ Tensile Strength
- Tensile Range:- 3 MPa to 13 MPa
- Elongation:- maximum of 500%
➢ Hardness or Durometer
- The range of hardness:- 40 to 80 Shore A
- Resilience or Rebound:- Fair
- Resistance to abrasion:- Good
- Wear and Tear resistance:- Good
- Compression set:- Good
➢ Some Extra Properties
- Resistance to aging:- Excellent
- Resistance to oil:- Poor
- Resistance to solvents:- Poor
- Adhesion to metals:- Excellent
What are the Advantages and benefits of EPDM sheets!
As per the recommendations of experts, if you buy an EPDM sheet from genuine EPDM rubber sheet suppliers, then you are guaranteed to enjoy the following benefits and advantages:
- Easy for Installation:
- Prepare: Clean and repair the roof surface.
- Install: Unroll and seam the EPDM membrane.
- Finish: Seal the seams and flash penetrations.
- Fit for Outdoor Applications: As these sheets provide excellent resistance to the harmful effects of UV rays, ozone, harsh chemicals, weathering, and aging, they are a perfect match for outdoor applications.
- Perfect for Molded Rubber Products: EPDM is also preferred by industrialists for usage in the manufacturing of extruded rubber or molded rubber products.
- High Temperature Resilient: These sheets are known to exhibit excellent performance in a wide range of temperatures which can range from somewhere around -30°C to +130°C.
- Non-Conductive: Similarly, these sheets also exhibit some of the best non-conductive properties.
- Lesser Wear: An EPDM rubber sheet can help you in saving your money on replacements, as they hardly show any signs of malfunctioning and has unmatched longevity.
- Lightweight and Flexible: EPDM rubber sheeting provides anti-leakage roofing solutions. It prevents water from seeping into the roofs.
This rubber sheeting is lightweight and easy to carry, ensuring easy installation.
An EPDM rubber sheet shows outstanding resistance to water and steam. Moreover, if you submerge this sheet in water, its properties do not get hampered a bit, thus making it a hot commodity in marine applications. This is why, EPDM rubber sheet is used in food-grade applications, also!
Moreover, they are much cheaper than their silicone counterpart but almost has the same properties as that of a silicone rubber sheet.
Conclusion
Therefore, from what we have seen, EPDM sheeting is a durable and dependable synthetic product that is best suited for outdoor applications.
Not only does it possess outstanding physical properties which makes it ideal for usage in various fields some of which includes non-oil related and outdoor usage.
They generally consist of SBR (which stands for styrene butadiene rubber) compounds, that are responsible for giving these sheets characteristics like state-of-the-art longevity and durability.
The industrial sector at large prefers purchasing them from authentic EPDM rubber sheet suppliers, as only they can provide these sheets which can shield themselves from chemicals and can also perform under extreme temperature conditions.
