New Overlay Roof Features Flex-R RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM

Overview

Built around 15 years ago, the Royal Swan Quarter is a block of 78 privately owned flats in the heart of Leatherhead in Surrey. Situated just ten minutes’ walk to the station and a short drive from the M25 motorway.

The existing roof covering was a PVC membrane which had deteriorated over time, with areas becoming brittle and localised leaks developing. The client, Mandeville Estates, initially approached APG Roofing to carry out remedial works to the damaged areas on the roof, but it soon became clear that this was not sufficient, and it was decided that a full replacement was required to provide a new waterproofing system.

This had the added benefit of minimising the disruption to the residents, who remained in their properties while the roofing work was carried out.

APG Roofing, a trained Specialist Registered Installer (SRI) of the RubberBond product, contacted Flex-R for assistance in the specification of the required product and to ensure the correct build-up was installed. Flex-R then supplied all the materials for the job.

Installation

APG Roofing installed an overlay on the existing PVC membrane:

• The existing membrane was cut to release tension.
• A recovery board was installed over the existing PVC membrane.
• Flex-R’s RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM waterproofing was then installed.

A key challenge with the project was access due to the height of the building. Flex-R supplied the membrane in 1.52m wide rolls to allow easier loading to the roof.

On successful completion, the project qualified for a 20-year product warranty, in accordance with Flex-R’s current warranty terms and conditions.

The overall project took ten weeks to complete.

Product and System Benefits

RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM is a fleece-reinforced single-ply membrane designed for use on flat and low-slope roofs. It can be installed onto a variety of deck surfaces, therefore suitable for overlay on many aged roof systems. Key features include:

• Enhanced durability: The polyester fleece backing is designed to improve resistance to puncture during installation and in service.
• Proven weathering performance: EPDM membranes provide inherent resistance to UV radiation and ozone while maintaining flexibility across a wide temperature range.
• Fully adhered system: The bonding method provides continuous adhesion across the roof surface, contributing to reliable waterproofing performance.
• Thermal compatibility: Compatible with glass tissue-faced PIR insulation, subject to manufacturer guidance and relevant building regulations.
• Controlled supply and training: RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM can only be installed by Flex-R Specialist Registered Installers (SRIs) who have received product-specific training.

All claims regarding performance are based on manufacturer testing, published product data, and the installer’s practical experience.

Project Outcome

The completed roof delivered a durable new waterproofing system, with the installation carried out while residents remained in their homes, minimising disruption during the works.

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