Are FullForce EPDM Seams

Really That Strong?

You Asked, We Answered

Elevate FullForce EPDM™ isn't your average EPDM roof system. It's the only fully-adhered EPDM membrane to feature a factory-applied adhesive across its entire surface, so there is no need for seam tape or messy on-the-job adhesives. It relies on SecureBond™ Technology, a Elevate adhesive that's now close to seven years old.

But you might still have some questions about this industry leader, like: What is FullForce EPDM? How do you know it can stand up to the destructive power of weather and water? What tests were performed, and how do you know a FullForce EPDM seam is just as strong, if not stronger, than seam tape? You asked, and we answered.

What Is FullForce EPDM

Elevate FullForce EPDM is engineered with a factory-applied adhesive across the entire surface. The adhesive is backed by Elevate's SecureBond™ technology, which ensures robust, uniform adhesion from edge to edge. The result is a strong roofing system and great application flexibility.

And when we say strong, we mean it. SecureBond™ technology has been put to the test on real roofs for more than six years and is trusted across the market. It can create a bond twice as strong* as the nearest self-adhered membrane competitor and significantly outperform liquid LVOC adhesives.

The membrane is versatile in many ways. It can be applied to both vertical wall substrates and horizontal roof surfaces. Plus, any piece of the membrane can be cut and used for field or detail applications.

We Put FullForce EPDM Technology to the Test

Install Time

Membranes with seams require more time and energy to install. If the membrane isn't installed correctly, every seam could also become a vulnerability point. Because FullForce doesn't require seam tape, adhesives, or waiting for flash-off time, it installs 4.6x faster than a standard EPDM membrane** that includes seams. This installation time was tested and validated by a third party.

Wind Uplift Resistance

The FullForce EPDM membrane is engineered to withstand the tensile forces caused by wind that occur on adhered roof systems.

Testing shows that the FullForce EPDM seam strength is 32.5x stronger than the strength needed on an FM 1-90 roof. FullForce achieves up to 780psf, which is well beyond the pressure forces typically exerted on a building.

FullForce EPDM has undergone extensive lab testing, code and certification approvals, and multi-year field testing, all of which have proven the material's exceptional seam strength. You can access more test results and information about FM approvals on the FM Approved website.

Water Resistance

Ponding water on flat and low slope roofs is a common concern, and it's a roofing problem that often leads to replacement or repair. When it comes to FullForce EPDM, ASTM tests and multi-year field tests show that when appropriately applied, FullForce seams resist ponding water and water intrusion exceptionally well.

The results prove it. FullForce aced both the FM 4470 and 4.5 Leakage Resistance Test where FM tests in accordance with ASTM D7281 "Standard Test Method for Determining Water Migration Through Roof Membranes."

FM's Standard Test Method "evaluates roof membranes when first applied and also after simulated deterioration caused by the ultraviolet energy of the sun… to determine the potential for leakage of water through the roof membranes resulting from a standing head of water and when pressurized with air from the underside."

FullForce EPDM passed all FM requirements for water resistance.

More Elevate FullForce EPDM Details

Ready to unroll more roofs this season with a product that's been tested and proven to perform? Download more information about FullForce EPDM to share with your team. Or, find a Elevate SA (formerly Firestone SA)les rep near you to chat today.

Work with Elevate, and you'll realize that we hold more than just our products to a high standard of excellence. Each of our production locations is registered to the ISO 9001 Quality Standard, which helps ensure that we have the right processes and procedures to provide you with best-in-class low slope roofing materials, systems, and accessories. All of our manufacturing sites also maintain an Environmental Management System that follows the ISO14001 requirements. View our ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 certifications.

*Under specific laboratory conditions.

**Testing shows that FullForce installs 4.6x faster than standard EPDM, as validated by a third party.

Are FullForce EPDM Seams Really That Strong? You Asked, We Answered