Roof seam tape is primarily used to create strong, waterproof seals, often referred to as "splices," on roofing membranes, particularly on flat or low-slope roofs like those using EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Proper application ensures a durable and watertight connection between membrane sections.
Key Steps for Using Roof Seam Tape
Applying roof seam tape involves careful preparation and precise execution to ensure a reliable, watertight seal. Based on instructions for applying peel and stick seam tape for splices:
- Preparation: Ensure the surfaces to be joined are clean, dry, and free of debris, dust, or any contaminants that could interfere with adhesion.
- Positioning: Carefully align the roof membrane sections that need to be spliced. Unroll the seam tape along the intended seam line, peeling back the protective backing as you go.
- Apply Hand Pressure: Once the tape is in place, you must apply significant and uniform hand pressure across the entire surface of the tape. The goal is to achieve 100% Contact between the tape's adhesive and the roofing membrane surface. This pressure activates the adhesive and forces out any trapped air, creating a solid bond.
- Overlap Multiple Pieces: If your splice requires connecting more than one length of peel and stick seam tape, the pieces must be overlapped. Ensure you overlap the two pieces a minimum of one inch. This overlap provides continuity and reinforces the seam where the tape sections meet.
Ensuring a Strong Seam
Achieving 100% contact through vigorous hand rolling or pressing is critical for maximizing the tape's bond strength and preventing water penetration. Similarly, the minimum one-inch overlap when using multiple tape sections prevents a weak point in the seam, maintaining the integrity of the waterproof barrier across the entire spliced area. Following these application steps helps create a long-lasting, weather-resistant splice essential for the roof's performance.
