EPDM - the world's premier waterproofing solution for roofing and cladding

Southern and warmer regions of the world have a long tradition of using flat roofs spanning well over a century. In the United Kingdom however, flat roofs have in general only been well known since the end of the second world war and, whilst the economics of flat roofing are recogised, the failure rate of early materials has given the industry a poor reputation. Bitumen has long been the accepted standard material for flat roofing.

Tradditionally, we still favour pitched and tiled roofs in the UK whilst our continental neighbours have developed flat roofing systems that are very succesful and have long life. This development has lead to huge advances in waterproofing technology and EPDM is now a premier flat

roofing material.

The advantages of polymer materials have been recognised from the early days, and EPDM, with its long-lasting characteristics, has become an economic world leader in the waterproofing of flat roofs.

What is EPDM?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber made from the refinery by-products ethyl and propylene.

The characteristics of natural rubber (very good elasicity, expansion, good cold-flexibility, tensile strength, poor heat resistance) cannot be adapted or manipulated, however, with a synthetic product, scientists can select and adapt and modify the base products to determine the molecular structure, and this enables them to design the construction of the polymers. The result of such manipulation means that synthetic rubber can be made to measure and its characteristics precisely adapted to the specific use and its particular requirements.

These improved characteristics of EPDM synthetic rubber products include excellent stability against influences of weather, sunlight, ozone, acids and caustic solutions. EPDM also has long lasting flexibility and elasticity to eliminate cracking, good tensile strength and a very broad temperature range. EPDM has an outstanding resistance to ageing and is designed for use anywhere that these special characteristics are required - from windows and door seals in the automobile industry to the waterproofing of flat roofs, garden roofs, ponds, basins of purification plants and sealing of acid containers, in other words most waterproofing applications.

EPDM - long-lasting and maintenance-free

In Central Europe, EPDM flat roofs are popular and have been in use for over 40 years. Tests have been carried out on roofs of this age and they still exceed the results demanded by the material standard DIN 7864.

It is established therefore, that EPDM waterproofing systems have a life span well in excess of 30 years.

Hertalan membranes are particularly efficient to lay, the prefabricated membranes and ancillary products are factory manufactured to ensure quality, all Hertalan products are designed to compliment each other and ensure ease and speed of installation. Hertalan UK provide full technical and sales support to all clients which includes consultation, planning, on site support, and in addition we welcome visitors to our production facilities, in Nottinghamshire.