Advanced Glass: EPDM Membranes Durable, Fire-Resistant Waterproofing for Modern Building Envelopes
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) membranes are a versatile and reliable solution widely used in façade construction to provide robust waterproofing and airtightness.
At Advanced Glass, we specify and install EPDM membranes as part of our complete envelope solutions, ensuring critical interfaces between glazing, cladding, and structural elements are fully sealed and compliant with the latest fire and safety regulations.
Why Use EPDM Membranes?
EPDM is valued for its excellent weather resistance, flexibility, and long lifespan. It remains effective under UV exposure, temperature variations, and mechanical stress, making it ideal for sealing around window frames, curtain wall junctions, coping details, and other challenging façade interfaces.
Fire Ratings & Compliance
EPDM membranes come in various fire performance grades, critical for compliance with the Building Safety Act and relevant standards such as BS EN 13501-1. Fire-rated EPDM membranes may be classified as Class B-s1, d0 or better, suitable for use on high-rise buildings where fire spread risks are tightly controlled.
Selecting the appropriate fire rating depends on the building’s height, occupancy type, and façade design, and is always integrated with the overall fire strategy coordinated by the design and fire engineering team.
Typical Applications
Window and door perimeters
Curtain wall and cladding interfaces
Roof to façade junctions
Soffits, parapets, and coping abutments
Flashings around penetrations such as vents and pipes
Ensuring Compliance through Building Safety Act Gateways
With the introduction of the Building Safety Act, achieving compliance during the key gateways is paramount:
Gateway 2 (Design & Planning Stage): Robust detailing of EPDM installation is essential to secure design approval, ensuring the selected membrane meets the fire and waterproofing performance required by regulators.
Gateway 3 (Construction Stage): Installation must be delivered with precision, fully aligned with approved designs and supported by thorough quality assurance documentation, including photographic evidence and test certification.
Robust details and installation procedures reduce the risk of defects or failures that could compromise the façade’s fire safety or weather resistance and help prevent costly remedial works.
Aluminium windows offer durability, low maintenance, excellent thermal efficiency, and modern aesthetics, making them ideal for commercial applications.
Yes, modern aluminium windows feature thermal break technology to improve insulation, achieving low U-values meeting Part L building regulations and often exceeding it.
Options include double or triple glazing, solar control glass, acoustic glass, laminated safety glass, and enhanced security glass, depending on performance needs.
Yes, commercial aluminium windows can be PAS 24 certified and meet Secured by Design standards with multi-point locking systems with reinforced frames.
When properly maintained, aluminium windows can last 30 – 40 years, due to their corrosion resistance and high-quality powder-coated finishes.
Yes, they are available in a wide range of RAL colours, anodised finishes, and different configurations, including casement, tilt-and-turn, and sliding options.
Aluminium windows are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, with high wind load resistance and water-tightness ratings to ensure long-term performance.
Minimal maintenance is needed – just the occasional cleaning and lubrication of moving parts is required to help ensure smooth operation and longevity.
Yes, aluminium is up to 100% recyclable, and many modern aluminium window systems use recycled materials, supporting sustainable building practices.
Lead times vary depending on customisation and project size, but standard windows typically take 12 – 16 weeks for design, manufacturing and delivery.
Would You Like To Discuss A Particular Project?
If you’re looking for a specialist curtain walling, facade, or cladding contractor to assist you with your upcoming project, ensuring on-time delivery and a smooth process from start to finish, our expert team are on hand and ready to assist you.
Talk to Advanced Glass
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Speak directly with the Advanced Glass team about glazing, curtain walling, cladding, SFS or a complete building envelope solution.