odors

[netbunnyga]

i live in a row house and have an odor in my home. i have had the gas company, fire department, and the police but no one can smell it. yet my daughter and son-in-law after spending twenty minutes or more get headaches. i have been to er three times because i feel that i am having a heart attack, burning eyes, coughing, upset stomach, muscle pain, memory problems, and a slight headache. i have also been checked out by a pulmory specialist without no problems. Sometime i smell a chemical like odor.
i spoke to a home inspector but they suggest that i call a air special to check the air. The question that they ask what should they be looking for. If i knew that what would i need them for. The only thing that i have done in the last year was have my rubber roof treated.
i have not lived in this home in over a month on a regular basis. i am a senior and can not afford to move but where do i go for help.

[S.PhillyNative]

What did you treat your rubber roof with? I am under the assumption that rubber roofs don't need treatments.
Some other possibilities: how about mold? had there been any roof leaks or leaks of any kind that may have left behind water damage or dampness that may have allowed mold to grow underneath drywall or rugs in the padding? a mold specialist can test for this.
Also: environmental hazards: new rugs, paints, cleaners, pesticides, certain plastics...maybe any one of these things that you or a family member may be using that is new or different....even a new plant....
You can also try cleaning/replacing your heater's filter if you haven't for a while. Also check your drains for odors from the sewer lines.
Good luck...I know this must be a hardship...

[NJbound]

You are correct about rubber roofs. I agree with the mold issue too. It could be in the walls or hvac system and can not be easily seen. You will need to call in a specialist.. Here are some leads.. good luck

Indoor Air Quality Testing Philadelphia PA | Air Testing Companies

Lead, Lead Testing, Lead Laboratory, Lab, Air, Sampling, Emergency, Philadelphia, PA, Emergency Response Disposal, Transportation, Hazardous Waste, Air Monitoring, Industrial Hygenics, Certified, PM-10, TSP Metals, Bride Paint, Lead Abatement, Remova <== this company has done work for me.

Philadelphia PA Indoor Air Quality Testing Companies, Services

What did you treat your rubber roof with? I am under the assumption that rubber roofs don't need treatments.
Some other possibilities: how about mold? had there been any roof leaks or leaks of any kind that may have left behind water damage or dampness that may have allowed mold to grow underneath drywall or rugs in the padding? a mold specialist can test for this.
Also: environmental hazards: new rugs, paints, cleaners, pesticides, certain plastics...maybe any one of these things that you or a family member may be using that is new or different....even a new plant....
You can also try cleaning/replacing your heater's filter if you haven't for a while. Also check your drains for odors from the sewer lines.
Good luck...I know this must be a hardship...

[stock]

What did you treat your rubber roof with? I am under the assumption that rubber roofs don't need treatments.

That's not exactly true. A standard rubber roof will last about 15 years, the warranty is usually for 10 to 12. The warranty is only valid if the seams of the roof and serviced (muck and tape) every 3 years. You can also coat your roof with either a silver coat or white coat that will prolong it's life. Some people still dump hot tar on the roof!

As your roof get's to the end of it's life cycle, any of these coatings combined with a service will give you a few more years.

That being said, it's on the roof and outside, any off gassing is very unlikely.

How about a neighbor? Maybe they just had the floors done and they used an oil poly? That can make people sick. Other than that, the other advise is spot on.

Good luck!

[Braveheart]

What did you treat your rubber roof with? I am under the assumption that rubber roofs
don't need treatments

And you are correct. The seams are heat or chemically fused and should not be mucked, and judging by this article
the roof treatment is a good candidate for the problem. Consult with a reputable roofer:

"There are different types of rubber roofs and each has different properties and requirements. But there is one thing that no rubber roof can withstand – Petroleum Distillates. In fact, Petroleum Distillates are not compatible with any type of rubber or vinyl, as well as many other types of plastics.
The percentage of petroleum distillates doesn’t matter. THERE IS NO LEVEL OF PETROLEUM DISTILLATES THAT IS RECOMMENDED. Laboratory tests conducted in July of 1996 evaluated the effect of a leading RV ‘roof treatment’ product on EPDM roofing membrane using standard sunlamp and immersion testing procedures. The ‘roof treatment’, which contained petroleum distillates, caused a 63% mass change (swelling). Petroleum distillates soak in and cause the adhesive to loosen and the membrane to balloon. Then, when the ballooning goes down, the rubber roof may never again adhere properly or completely. Don’t be fooled by names such as “organic solvent”, “hydrocarbon carrier”, etc. Petroleum distillates by any name should NEVER be applied to EPDM. If you aren’t sure about a product, contact the manufacturer and request a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Look under the section entitled “Hazardous Ingredients”. If it lists any petroleum distillates, do not use it on EPDM.
Protecting rubber roofs is s topic of great debate. Per Dicor’s web site, “the guarantee does not require the use of any protective ‘roof treatment’ or ‘roof protector’ product and recommends only cleaning”. This is consistent with both Dicor and Alpha Systems. However, Dicor states that when the roof no longer looks good to “clean the area and treat it with a product that will repel soiling and is safe for EPDM”. Both Dicor and Alpha Systems stated that they have never had issue with any protectant provided that it contained NO PETROLEUM DISTILLATES.

edit~ The Truth About Rubber Roofs - http://www.mydrv.net/dicor_roof_info.htm

[NJbound]

correct... Roofers who coat rubber roofs are hacks.. I am a construction engineer and do this every day. None of my roofers would do this

And you are correct. The seams are heat or chemically fused and should not be mucked, and judging by this article
the roof treatment is a good candidate for the problem. Consult with a reputable roofer:

"There are different types of rubber roofs and each has different properties and requirements. But there is one thing that no rubber roof can withstand – Petroleum Distillates. In fact, Petroleum Distillates are not compatible with any type of rubber or vinyl, as well as many other types of plastics.
The percentage of petroleum distillates doesn’t matter. THERE IS NO LEVEL OF PETROLEUM DISTILLATES THAT IS RECOMMENDED. Laboratory tests conducted in July of 1996 evaluated the effect of a leading RV ‘roof treatment’ product on EPDM roofing membrane using standard sunlamp and immersion testing procedures. The ‘roof treatment’, which contained petroleum distillates, caused a 63% mass change (swelling). Petroleum distillates soak in and cause the adhesive to loosen and the membrane to balloon. Then, when the ballooning goes down, the rubber roof may never again adhere properly or completely. Don’t be fooled by names such as “organic solvent”, “hydrocarbon carrier”, etc. Petroleum distillates by any name should NEVER be applied to EPDM. If you aren’t sure about a product, contact the manufacturer and request a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Look under the section entitled “Hazardous Ingredients”. If it lists any petroleum distillates, do not use it on EPDM.
Protecting rubber roofs is s topic of great debate. Per Dicor’s web site, “the guarantee does not require the use of any protective ‘roof treatment’ or ‘roof protector’ product and recommends only cleaning”. This is consistent with both Dicor and Alpha Systems. However, Dicor states that when the roof no longer looks good to “clean the area and treat it with a product that will repel soiling and is safe for EPDM”. Both Dicor and Alpha Systems stated that they have never had issue with any protectant provided that it contained NO PETROLEUM DISTILLATES.

edit~ The Truth About Rubber Roofs - DICOR Roof Info

[stock]

White coat to reflect sun? As a bi product, it sometimes fills in small holes and gives you more time...

[stock]

Braveheart, on the seams, I'm talking about on disimaler material for expansion etc... not the bonded roof to roof pieces.

[Braveheart]

You are correct about rubber roofs. I agree with the mold issue too. It could be in the walls or hvac system and can not be easily seen. You will need to call in a specialist.. Here are some leads.. good luck

Indoor Air Quality Testing Philadelphia PA | Air Testing Companies

Lead, Lead Testing, Lead Laboratory, Lab, Air, Sampling, Emergency, Philadelphia, PA, Emergency Response Disposal, Transportation, Hazardous Waste, Air Monitoring, Industrial Hygenics, Certified, PM-10, TSP Metals, Bride Paint, Lead Abatement, Remova <== this company has done work for me.

Philadelphia PA Indoor Air Quality Testing Companies, Services

Sorry I overlooked your first post before I posted but we're on the same page regarding the coating of rubber roofs.

Stock ~ I just never could see all that mucking around the perimeter and it's the worst job scraping that crap off,
in order to do a correct job with let-in metal flashing. I have no problem pulling out the diamond saw to create a
channel in masonry. Also the tar muck is incompatible with rubber EPDM.

[Braveheart]

The only thing that i have done in the last year was have my rubber roof treated.
i have not lived in this home in over a month on a regular basis. i am a senior and can not afford to move but where do i go for help.

I also missed the urgency of your post though it did generate some good advice. If the only thing different on your
home when you detected the odor was the roof coating, then that's your first focus.
It's entirely possible that fumes could enter the interior if the rubber was improperly coated. It may have already been
said but you should find out exactly what the roofer used and maybe check your invoice for that as well as the type of
rubber if available.
There is a good possibility that an ongoing chemical reaction is taking place.

[stock]

Stock ~ I just never could see all that mucking around the perimeter and it's the worst job scraping that crap off,
in order to do a correct job with let-in metal flashing. I have no problem pulling out the diamond saw to create a
channel in masonry. Also the tar muck is incompatible with rubber EPDM.

We cut riglets in the masonry on chimneys and install counter flashing, then point it. But when the roof comes up to the side or front of the home on a row home, to the drip edge, there is nothing. Rubber roof, end of home. Install drip edge, tape and muck (not tar, flashing muck that is epdm compatible). How would you handle it? I've never seen or heard it done any different.

[Braveheart]

We cut riglets in the masonry on chimneys and install counter flashing, then point it. But when the roof comes up to the side or front of the home on a row home, to the drip edge, there is nothing. Rubber roof, end of home. Install drip edge, tape and muck (not tar, flashing muck that is epdm compatible). How would you handle it? I've never seen or heard it done any different.

At least this serves as a reminder to be careful what is used, maybe even specify materials before taking bids so
everyone is bidding on the same job.

edit; I can't get into drip edge details since I'm not a roofer, but reading up on roof membranes the IB PVC seems superior with the
right training and tools.
http://www.coolflatroof.com/flat-roof.php

[Pippi L]

I know that this is an old thread, but I'm hoping someone will still answer. Are you guys talking about silver coating? That should not be done on rubber roofs? I am so confused. So many in philly talk about silver coating and whitecoating. Is that what you guys are talking about here?

[loveisnoise]

I know that this is an old thread, but I'm hoping someone will still answer. Are you guys talking about silver coating? That should not be done on rubber roofs? I am so confused. So many in philly talk about silver coating and whitecoating. Is that what you guys are talking about here?

Rubber roofs are usually coated for extra protection.

Does anyone usually eat mexican food? Could be flatus stinkus maximus.

[NJbound]

I wonder what happened to the op in the thread? I hope he/she found out the source of the issue in their home

[stock]

I know that this is an old thread, but I'm hoping someone will still answer. Are you guys talking about silver coating? That should not be done on rubber roofs? I am so confused. So many in philly talk about silver coating and whitecoating. Is that what you guys are talking about here?

You can white coat your roof, silver coating is how it used to be done and is not as efficient. We went off on some tangents. The WHITE coat is not designed or intended to fix leaks, it's designed to reflect the suns rays to keep your home cooler in the summer.

[antoniomikes]

The painting for rubber roofs need not be required all the time as normal ones. Some of the problems exists in case of these rubber roofs too. I recently purchased a house which has a worn rubber roof over the porch area. It does not appear to be leaking, however our home inspector that we "silver" coat the roof or use some sort of sealant on it. It is showing a lot of cracks, apparently from baking in the sun all day. From other questions and comments regarding this in the past, it appears that there are more than any type of rubber roof. We do not know what ours is exactly.