PEBBLE FLEX vs. EPDM BASED SYSTEMS
Before Pebble-Flex the dominant systems for resilient deck coverings were all made up of an EPDM base. In fact Pebble-Flex was invented to address the short comings of these system
But no matter what it is sold as, all EPDM based systems have a very short longevity due to two inherent problems with their makeup - a lack of light stability and weak bonding.
First, the most common EPDM systems are made up of two non-light stable components: ground ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber particles and; diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) aromatic binder. Both components are subject to degradation when exposed to the UV rays of sunlight.
Consequently, in sunlight the particles and the binder break down, fade, shrink and discolor irregularly. In addition, the weak bonding of the particles allows for separation. The result is a surface that has a limited life, continual degradation creating an ongoing need for maintenance which greatly increases your cost of ownership while tarnishing the aesthetics of the area.
Some will claim a so-called solution to the EPDM durability problem by substituting a light stable (aliphatic) binder in the mix. However this is not a solution. First the particles themselves are still non-light stable and still subject to the degradation from sunlight. In addition, the bond between the particles is still not a true, strong, chemical bond - not a solution for the weak bond. Interestingly when a light stable binder is used it typically raises the EPDM system price significantly and yet the solution still does not nearly match the durability, stability and strength of a Pebble-Flex system.
The shortcomings of an EPDM system - the lack of light stability and weak bonding - are fully addressed by Pebble-Flex.
In a Pebble-Flex system: the pebbles are completely light stable (aliphatic); the binder is completely light stable; and the bond between the pebbles and the binder is a true, strong, chemical bond.
As a result Pebble-Flex Systems are far superior in durability, appearance, strength, lifespan, maintainability and have a much lower total cost of ownership.