Learn If EPDM Roof Bubbles Are Cause For Concern
East Bay Flat Roof Pros Provide Informed Insight
Flat roofing systems often offer long lasting performance if they are installed correctly and properly cared for. Many commercial buildings feature flat roofs with either a plastic (TPO) or rubber (EPDM) covering. If your building has one of these roofing systems, it’s good to have an experienced roofer on call if you ever have an issue.
Since we have been providing roofing services in the East Bay for over 30 years, we are proud to be the go-to roofer for businesses and individuals across our service area. We offer installation, repair, replacement, and service on all types of roofs, and we’re confident we can handle any roofing issue you might have.
While it might seem like a strange or one-off issue, we get calls regularly about flat EPDM roofing systems developing bubbles, particularly after heavy rains. Many building owners are surprised and confused at the presence of bubbles under their roof, and we’re happy to help. In this article, we will provide some insight into EPDM roofs and what might be causing it to bubble.
About EPDM Roofs
EPDM roofs have been used in commercial and flat roof settings for decades, and they have a proven track record of success when installed and cared for correctly. An EPDM roof is made of a strong rubber material (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) which forms a membrane over the roof to protect it and prevent leaks. These roofs are often glued to the roof deck with a special adhesive. In the next sections, we will discuss why they might bubble up after a heavy rainstorm.
Glue Vapor Gas Bubbles
The adhesive used to adhere the EPDM membrane to the roof deck is a special compound, and must be applied with care to ensure the success of the roof. When there is excess glue left over from the installation, it can react with moisture and changing temperatures to form vapor, which is trapped under the membrane. This entrapment leads to bubbles, which can cause concern for building owners. Ultimately, this issue is a result of the excess glue and lack of ventilation to allow the gas to escape.
Water Intrusion
Another reason for potential bubbles under an EPDM roof is water intrusion. If there is a failure at a seam in the membrane, water can seep under and accumulate in one section of the roof. This is especially common after a hard rain, and it’s typically easy to determine if you have water intrusion because you will likely have a leak inside the building.
What To Do With Bubbles
Regardless of the cause of the bubble, you might be tempted to pop them. Do not do this. Popping the bubble will definitely cause an issue which must be repaired. While bubbles from the glue vapor are unsightly, they will typically resolve on their own. Water intrusions are not ideal, but puncturing the bubble will just create another hole in the roof which must be repaired. In either case, it’s best to have the roof evaluated by a trained professional. If you have a bubble or any EPDM roof issue, give us a call and we’ll be happy to check it out.
