Case study: EPDM systems
How Quin Global helped an international EPDM system manufacturer unlock external-fire performance with spray-applied adhesive technology.
Five unsuccessful programmes. One new technical partnership. One independently verified BROOF(t1)-classified EPDM system build-up.
At a glance
The challenge
Five previous development and test programmes involving alternative adhesive technologies had not achieved the target result.
Quin's response
A systems-led combination of specialist formulation, EPDM knowledge and application engineering.
The outcome
An EPDM system build-up incorporating spray-applied adhesive technology achieved the target classification following independent Kiwa testing.
The challenge
An established international EPDM system manufacturer was working towards the required external-fire classification for a European EPDM system. The objective was demanding: secure the target performance while retaining the practical advantages of a spray-applied canister contact adhesive.
Before Quin Global became involved, the manufacturer had completed five unsuccessful development and testing programmes with alternative technologies. Each programme absorbed laboratory capacity, materials, engineering time and commercial momentum. A conventional roller-applied route remained available, but it did not reflect the installation efficiency or product proposition the manufacturer wanted to take to market.
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A partnership built on technical confidence
Quin Global's relationship with the manufacturer began in another international market. The confidence built through that work opened the door to the European classification challenge - a project where adhesive chemistry alone would not be enough.
The brief called for an adhesive partner that understood how formulation, membrane behaviour, roof-system interfaces and real-world application requirements interact. Quin Global brought those disciplines together in one confidential development programme.
Solving the system - not just supplying an adhesive
Quin Global approached the project as a complete EPDM system challenge. Its technical team combined specialist EPDM-market knowledge with formulation capability and application engineering to develop a high-performance spray-applied contact adhesive solution aligned with the target build-up.
The decisive work sat in the detail: understanding which variables mattered and translating that insight into a practical solution. The formulation choices, application parameters and development learnings remain proprietary to Quin Global and confidential to the customer.
Independent validation
The resulting EPDM system build-up was independently tested by Kiwa GmbH in Germany in accordance with DIN CEN/TS 1187:2012-03, Test Method 1. It was subsequently classified BROOF(t1) under DIN EN 13501-5:2016-12.
The first development programme undertaken with Quin Global therefore delivered the classification outcome the manufacturer had been working towards - and established a credible new platform for spray-applied adhesive technology in EPDM systems.
The result: a BROOF(t1)-classified EPDM system build-up incorporating a spray-applied canister contact adhesive - independently validated by Kiwa.
Why this matters to EPDM OEMs
For OEMs, the significance extends beyond one programme. Spray-applied canister systems can offer an attractive alternative to slower, higher-application roller-applied technologies. This project demonstrates that the pursuit of installation efficiency need not begin with a compromise on external-fire ambitions.
Every membrane and roof build-up presents its own variables, so this is not a universal claim for all EPDM systems. It is evidence that the right adhesive partner can help an OEM create a credible route towards independent classification.
Dream. Develop. Deliver.
This project is a clear example of the Dream Develop Deliver approach Quin Global uses with every customer.
Dream: the customer wanted a BROOF(t1)-classified EPDM system using a spray-applied adhesive rather than a roller-applied one.
Develop: Quin Global developed the right formulation, combined with the right application methodology.
Deliver: the system build-up passed independent Kiwa testing and achieved the target classification.
Got a challenge others haven't been able to solve?
This project was about EPDM fire performance, but the same approach works for any adhesive challenge. Whatever your product, process or performance goal, tell us what you are trying to achieve and we will work through it with you, confidentially, from Dream to Deliver.
Technical note
BROOF(t1) applies to the tested roofing assembly within the field defined in the Kiwa classification report; it is not a standalone certification of the adhesive or a universal classification for every roof build-up. Supporting reports are held by Quin Global. Formulation, application and construction data are confidential.