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Tips on Repairing Your Flat Roof

March 31, 2021 | General
Tips on Repairing Your Flat Roof

Flat roofs are usually very common on all buildings and have become increasingly popular in recent years.This is due to not only their practicality, but for their ease of installation and repairs. Although these roofs tend to be very sturdy, it is important to check for any damage that may happen over time. This can include any cracks or bulging in the roof. Rubber roofs are extremely simple to fix, so you will not need a professional roofer if cracks do appear. We have put together a few tips on how best to repair your flat rubber roof. 

Determine the damage

The water from a leak tends to drip a small distance from where the original crack is. It is probably far easier to determine where the cracks are from the inside of your home rather than on the outside. This is so you can see where the water is pooling the most, or where there is the most discolouration from the water damage. For this, you can then use something as simple as a tape measure to determine where it is coming from on the outside of the roof. Although leaks can seem small, it is essential to fix them immediately to reduce the risk of further serious damage to the roof. Any severe wear on the rubber can be the cause of the leak, so it is important to also take note of any wear or tear on the outside when looking for the origin. 

Clean up

Before fixing the tear or cracks in the rubber, you will need to ensure the area you are due to work on is clear and clean. Moving any loose debris, mud, dirt or gravel will create a clean and smooth area to work with. A stiff broom and a cloth are your best options for getting this done easily and quickly. Waiting for your roof to dry is the best option for doing the best job, so ensure it is as dry as possible before starting any repair work on the rubber.

Sealing small cracks and holes

Sealing the small cracks and holes that may appear are fairly simple. These can be done swiftly with adhesive patches. It is always sensible to measure the size of the damage to ensure there will be no waste when cutting the repair patch. It is then time to prime your roof with your adhesive primer. Make sure this spreads slightly larger than the size of the patch to ensure there will be no lifting at the edges of the corner of the patch. 

Pressure-sensitive adhesive patches

If you choose to use a pressure-sensitive adhesive patch, you will need to ensure you have an EPDM rubber roof adhesive to hand in order to fit the repair. You will need to apply this adhesive to the underside of the patch as well as onto the surface of the roof that is being repaired. Once the adhesive has lost its tacky-ness, you can carefully lay the patch material to the surface of the roof. It is then important to use a silicone roller to ensure the patch is firmly secured and is laying flat. For extra protection, you can seal the edges with a sealant to ensure no water will get through. 


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