SpecTips: A New Membrane Option for Mechanically Fastened Single-Ply Roof Systems

Carlisle’s New Sure-White Reinforced EPDM Membrane

EPDM membrane has always been known for its superior long-term weathering performance and resiliency over alternative single-ply membranes. That is because EPDM is a thermoset material, meaning it gets strengthened during the manufacturing process through cross-linked chemical bonds, giving it superior heat and UV resistance.  

However, with reflective roofing on the rise due to cool roof mandates, EPDM is often overlooked for thermoplastic alternatives such as TPO and PVC, even though white EPDM membrane has been in the market for many years. A big reason for this is because mechanically fastened roof systems still represent a large portion of the single-ply roofing market. Mechanically fastened single-ply roof systems require reinforcement within the sheet to prevent fastener tear out – a standard feature on thermoplastic membranes.  

Historically, white EPDM membranes were only manufactured as a non-reinforced sheet, rendering them incapable of being used in mechanically fastened applications. This limited the white single-ply membrane options to exclusively thermoplastic materials on mechanically fastened projects.

Carlisle has recently announced the introduction of a 60-mil Sure-White^® Reinforced EPDM membrane, opening the door for white EPDM mechanically fastened roofing systems. The new Sure-White Reinforced EPDM sheet offers excellent UV resistance, boasting 25,200 kJ/m2 in the Xenon Arc Accelerated Weathering test, surpassing that of the alternative thermoplastic membrane options. This makes the new Sure-White Reinforced EPDM membrane great for use in areas with higher temperatures and greater UV exposure. The new membrane features a 3-year solar reflectance of 0.66 (uncleaned), meeting the energy code requirement for projects in ASHRAE Zones 1-3.  Some other key attributes include:

• Flat white appearance with a low glare factor
• Good wind uplift resistance, achieving an FM 1-90 rating for a 10’ sheet fastened 6” o.c.
• Reliability of 6”-wide factory-applied tape seams
• Greater puncture, tear, and scuff resistance
• EPDM eliminates the need for heat welding equipment and no need to probe for cold welds
• Increased service life and elimination of adhesives means a more sustainable system.

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SPECTIP
- Add product and installation procedures to the Division 7 Section for EPDM in Section 07523.

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For more information regarding this assembly, refer to our EPDM Mechanically Fastened Guide Specification and the Sure-White EPDM Reinforced Membrane Product Data Sheet.