How To Fix A Leaky Flat Rubber Roof

Flat roofs which are mostly level are common on older homes and in arid environments.

How to fix a leaky flat rubber roof.

While finding a leak in a flat roof is easier than on a steep sloped shingled roof leaks can still be deceiving. Common damage on rubber roofs can come from falling debris such as roof tiles or slates causing tears deep cuts or holes. Look for cracks in the base of flexible rubber flashing or broken seams in metal varieties of vent pipe flashing the rubber gasket that surrounds the vent pipe could be rotted. If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures.

Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. I will also discuss the benefits of doing a diy repair vs. Locating a flat roof leak. Most flat roofs are made of asphalt rubber.

Cut a piece of rubber roofing approximately 12 inches wider and longer than the repair area. Step 1 locate the leak generally a field sheet of rubber roof will not leak unless there is a hole in it and you can typically see these holes when you remove all dirt and debris off the roof. How to find and fix water leaks on any flat roof. Some roof leaks are tough to locate.

Lift off the patch and brush membrane cleaner over the outlined repair area on the roof and onto the underside of the rubber patch. Take a screwdriver or flat bar and see if the caulking that seals the top of the metal flashing is still holding. Rubber roof repair video. Check plumbing vent boots and roof vents if water is entering from that area to cause the leaking roof.

Where water enters your interior space might not be exactly where the leak is because any water that penetrates a roofing membrane can travel for some distance until it finds a seam in the sub roof or sheathing and seeps inside. The leaking flat roof repair guide. Epdm rubber roof repair. Metal flashing that runs alongside a wall loosens up or the caulking gives and a major leak starts.

Flashing is the number one cause of leaks on flat roofs. It is the first place to troubleshoot for leaks on a roof. Hiring a roofing contractor and how much you will. This requires a smooth surface for the top layer to fully seal and waterproof the leaking area.

Repairing rubber roofing is a fairly easy diy job if you have the right tools and materials. How to apply rubber roof patch to an outside corner on a real roof 10 minutes long. Lay the rubber patch over the area and trace around it marking its perimeter onto the roof. I have been working with epdm rubber membranes for over 15 years and in this guide i will teach you how to fix a leaking roof in just one weekend all by yourself for less than 230 280.