Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a number of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the installation and repair of RoofKit EPDM rubber roofing membrane. We also encourage you to review both the Pocket Application Guide and Instructional Video for additional information.
General Questions
No, the RoofKit membrane is a roofing grade material. Use only certified fish-friendly membrane available by special order.
| SIZE 10’ x 20’ 15’ x 25’ 10’ x 50’ 10’ x 100′ 20’ x 50’ 20’ x 100’ 10′ x 25′ 10’ x 50’ 10’ x 100’ 20’ x 50’ 20’ x 100’ |
THICKNESS 45 mil 45 mil 45 mil 45 mil 45 mil 45 mil 60 mil 60 mil 60 mil 60 mil 60 mil |
WEIGHT 63 lbs. 158 lbs. 155 lbs. 310 lbs. 310 lbs. 620 lbs. 114 lbs 200 lbs. 400 lbs. 400 lbs. 800 lbs. |
The membrane is available only in black, because this color provides the most UV resistance and the best long-term performance.
Any slope is fine, but a slope exceeding a 2” in 12” pitch requires using our RoofKit Contact Adhesive or Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
No. It has excellent UV resistance and will provide many years of service with no ill effects.
Yes, you can adhere it using either the Multi-Purpose or Contact Adhesive. The only exception would be rubberbacked carpets which may lose adhesion over time.
Safety Data Sheets are available for all RoofKit products.
Yes. The membrane should not come in contact with roof cement, black jack, or other asphalt-based products.
StaFast Roofing Systems warrants to you, the purchaser of its cured RoofKit EPDM membrane (“Product”), and to subsequent owners of the premises on which the Product is installed, that the Product is free from manufacturing defects and will not prematurely deteriorate due to weathering.
Because this is the same quality material as our commercial grade membrane, under normal circumstances the RoofKit EPDM membrane has a limited ten-year warranty.
The membrane can get very hot in direct sunlight, but it is able to provide watertight integrity over a wide variety of temperatures.
Roof Substrates
Use a commercial grade roof insulation board, OSB board, or plywood.
A minimum of one-inch roof insulation board must be installed directly over the metal deck. Then secure the insulation to the deck with RoofKit screws and plates, using 10 screws and plates per 4’ x 8’ board.
No. A new commercial grade roof insulation board, OSB board, or plywood is recommended.
Yes, but a new commercial grade roof insulation board, OSB board, or plywood is required.
Use RoofKit plates and screws, installing a minimum of 10 plates per 4’ x 8’ board. (See Application Guide.)
Yes, making sure that the surface is clean, dry, even, with no sharp corners.
No, this is not recommended.
Adhesives
RoofKit Latex Bonding Adhesive, Contact Adhesive, or Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
Use only the RoofKit Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
Apply Latex Bonding Adhesive to the substrate using a large, thick-nap paint roller. Spread a sufficient layer of adhesive so the roof surface is completely covered. Roll the EPDM membrane into the wet adhesive. Then, using a stiff-bristled push broom, apply sweeping pressure to ensure a smooth application of the membrane. Do not use Latex Bonding Adhesive on metal surfaces.
The temperature must be above 40 degrees F and rising for 72 hours.
This could damage the adhesive and affect its performance.
The Multi-Purpose Bonding Adhesive can be used for any application on the roof: adhering the membrane to a substrate or membrane-to-membrane seaming. This adhesive must be applied to both the membrane and the substrate in a thin coat using a small-nap paint roller. Allow the adhesive to dry (tacky), then bring the membrane and substrate together in a contact fashion. All membrane-to-membrane applications require the cleaning of both surfaces with RoofKit Seam Primer, using a scrubbie pad.
Apply the adhesive to both surfaces with a 3” paintbrush. Allow the adhesive to dry tacky, then bring both membranes together.
RoofKit Contact Adhesive is used to adhere EPDM membrane to a substrate using a medium-nap paint roller. Apply the adhesive to both the membrane and the substrate, allow to dry tacky to the touch, then bring together the membrane and the substrate in a contact fashion.
For RoofKit Multi-Purpose and Contact Adhesives, drying time is usually 15 to 30 minutes depending on temperature and humidity. For RoofKit Latex Adhesive, the membrane must be installed while the adhesive is still wet unless using latex in contact method.
Apply RoofKit Multi-Purpose or Contact Adhesive on the wall and the membrane using a medium-nap paint roller. Allow the adhesive to dry to a tacky touch. Then place the membrane on the wall in a contact fashion. Do not use RoofKit Latex Bonding Adhesive on any vertical surface.
Latex Bonding Adhesive: Container sizes are 1 gallon and 3.5 gallons. Covers 100 sq. ft. finished roof surface per gallon in wet lay-in method and 60 sq. ft finished roof surface per gallon in contact method.
Multi-Purpose Bonding Adhesive: 1 gallon, 60 sq. ft. per gallon
Contact Adhesive: 5 gallons, 60 sq. ft. per gallon
No, use only RoofKit adhesives to ensure a quality installation.
Seaming
Detailed instructions are available on the carton of the RoofKit Seam Kit or in the Pocket Application Guide.
RoofKit Seam Tape (3” x 50’) is used as the adhesive for the overlap of two pieces of membrane that are to be seamed together. (See Application Guide.) RoofKit Tape Flashing (12” x 25’) is used to seal corners at skylights, chimneys, or at the junction of walls, and to protect any irregular surface. RoofKit Seam Primer and a scrubbie pad must be used to clean all membrane surfaces before using the Tape Flashing or any tape products.
RoofKit Cover Strip (5” x 50’) covers the RoofKit Fastening Termination Bar or the flange of the edge metal detail on a flat roof surface. RoofKit Seam Primer and a scrubbie pad must be used to clean the edge metal flange and 4” of the adjacent membrane before using the Cover Strip. (See Application Guide.)
Installation and Maintenance
Both a printed installation guide and an instructional video are available to assist you.
This would depend on the size of the project, but for many reasons it is recommended to have at least two people.
The Fastening Termination Bar is used for the attachment of the membrane at wall and edge details. It is attached with RoofKit screws (or masonry fasteners, if required).
Use either the RoofKit Termination Bar or a prefabricated edge metal. (Refer to the Application Guide.)
After the membrane has been rolled over the edge a minimum of 2”, install the edge metal using RoofKit screws, securing the flange to the roof deck every 4”to 6”. Use RoofKit Seam Primer and a scrubbie pad to clean the edge metal and 4” of the adjacent membrane, then cover with RoofKit Cover Strip. Assure good contact by rolling with a seam roller.
Caulk is used at the edges of flashing details and patches, and at the top edge of Termination Bar details.
Use the RoofKit Rubber Pipe Boot with Steel Clamp. Use Seam Primer and a scrub pad to clean the membrane surface around the pipe a minimum of 4” larger than the Pipe Boot. Place the Boot over the pipe and cut to the correct size (1” to 6”). Position the Boot onto the roof surface and remove the release paper. Secure the Boot with a seam roller, clamp the top of the Boot with the steel clamp, and seal all edges with RoofKit Rubber Caulk.
Cut a patch out of RoofKit Cover Strip to extend 3” past the tear, making sure to round all corners on the patch. Clean the torn area with RoofKit Seam Primer and a scrubbie pad about 2” wider than the size of the patch. Wait for the Primer to dry, then pull off the release paper on the Cover Strip and place the patch over the primed area. Assure good contact by rolling with a seam roller, then apply RoofKit Rubber Caulk around the edge of the patch.
Yes, but be careful not to rip or puncture the membrane with sharp objects.
Although a wrinkle is not very attractive, it will not affect the performance of the roof. There is one exception: if it is within 3” of a seam, it must be cut out and patched with Cover Strip or a piece of membrane.
Cut a patch out of an extra piece of EPDM membrane larger than the hole, and round the edges of the patch. With Seam Primer and a scrubbie pad, clean the mating surface of the patch and the installed membrane a minimum of 4” larger than the hole. Apply RoofKit Multi-Purpose Adhesive to the patch and the area surrounding the hole with a small-nap paint roller. After drying to a tacky touch, place the patch over the hole, roll the edge of the patch with a seam roller, and seal the edges with RoofKit Rubber Caulk.
Inspect your roof twice a year to keep all gutters, drains and the roof surface free of debris.