• Over 35 Years of Trading
  • £3m+ Stock Value
  • Best Price Promise
  • 9 Branches in London

Classicbond EPDM Training – Part 1

Although I usually work in the offices with the rest of the Creative Team, I had the opportunity yesterday to go through some of the training for Classicbond, the original manufacturers of EPDM for roofing.

Regular training is something that we take very seriously at JJ Roofing Supplies because more knowledgeable staff are staff who can be so much more helpful to our customers and as a result, our large training room is one of the busiest rooms in any of our locations.  Our staff get trained directly from the manufacturers you trust, like Marley, Redland, Icopal and, yesterday, Classicbond to get the best practices, and tips and tricks straight from the source.  This means that the people that help our customers know what you need, why you need it, what the difference between things is and can talk you through installation of any of our products.

As someone who normally spends his days in front of computer screens, the chance to get stuck in and learn a new, practical, skill is one that I wasn't going to give up.

A Few Basics

  • Contact adhesive = Bonding adhesive.  The terms are used on different sides of the Atlantic to refer to the same thing.  It is to be used on brickwork and upstands.

Classicbond demonstration with contact adhesive bucket visible

As it is a water based adhesive it is very important that it not be allowed to freeze and ideally shouldn't be stored in temperatures below 4°C (39°F).  While the product will defrost, the adhesive quality will be ruined.  This means that in winter, don't keep it in your van or on the floor of your garage or storage, where the concrete will act to cool the adhesive further.

  • When using the Primer adhesive, decant it into another container before using, the adhesive is (and should be) very fluid and if it spills it will damage the already laid EPDM and if you accidentally spill an entire 1 litre tin, then you may as well start relaying the roof all over again.

It's also worth noting that the Primer does not adhere to Patination oil so if you need to apply it to a lead surface that has been recently treated, remove the oil with paper towels and use a mild abrasive to lightly scour the surface before using the Primer.

  • Remember to account for shrinkage of approximately 10% over the course of 10 years
  • 6€ tape is not for detail work - it is a very elastic and will return to it's original shape and size in a relatively short amount of time.Various Classicbond EPDM strips
  • When using the Primer Adhesive, make sure the it is dry to the touch before joining the 2 pieces of EPDM.  The Primer Adhesive needs to €œgas off€ to allow the gases produced by the reaction to vent and prevent the gas bubbles from negatively affecting the appearance of your finish.

Once the Primer is applied to the EPDM surface you have a 3 hour window to use it.

The Primer Adhesive is effectively uncured rubber and, while it has a lifespan in the tin of about 6 months, always check that it is thin and hasn't started thickening up or turning into a gel like substance.

The Primer Adhesive is highly flammable and great care should be taken to ensure that no naked flames are near it.  If the wood surface to be bonded to is wet, do not use a gas torch or other naked flame source to dry it if liquid Primer Adhesive is in the vicinity

  • Apply pressure to the joining surfaces in a side to side motion so that you push any remaining gas out from the edges of the strip rather than trapping it under the rubber and, again, making your finish less than perfect.

Classicbond EPDM Training - Part 2 - Click Here

Published at: 15-01-2015

Our Top Videos.

How to install a Velux Integra Electric Roof Window (5 Parts)

In this five-part guide, we take you through the full installation of a Velux GGU Centre Pivot Integra Roof Window onto an...

Read More

How to install a Duratech Centre-Pivot Pine Roof Window

Once you begin unpackaging the window, you’ll find in the box the brackets, the handle and the fixings. And there will also be some instructions...

Read More

How to install a Velux Centre-Pivot Roof Window (4 Parts)

In this four part guide, Mark Dymond – Velux Technician installs a Velux GGU Centre Pivot Roof Window onto an Interlocking Tile Roof...

Read More

Ideas & Advice

How-tos, tutorials and videos

How and why to use or snap a chalk line

Chalk lines are the fastest way to mark straight guidelines on flat surfaces. They are used extensively in the building and construction industry to speedily and accurately ‘draw’ straight lines between two points. Chalk lines are inexpensive tools...

Skylight Blinds: A Guide To The Different Types

Like many household product, blinds for skylight windows come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Some are designed with a tangible purpose in mind, while others are more for show. One thing’s for sure - buying any type of skylight blind...