What is the Solution For a Damaged Rubber Roof?

August 9, 2018 | General

Rubber roofing is one of the strongest materials you can use for a flat roof. It is robust, highly resistant and can withstand most weather conditions with no trouble. Rubber roofs even have a life expectancy of up to fifty years! But, like most things, damage can still sometimes happen.

If you find yourself having a problem with your rubber roof, what should you do next? What is the solution for a damaged rubber roof? Well, first of all, you need to know whether the problem is fixable by DIY standards, or whether you need to call a professional.

Luckily, another benefit of a rubber roof (or EPDM roof) is that they are usually very easy to fix.

Common Issues You Can Fix

Here are some of the most common issues people find with rubber roofing that are often easily fixable:

Splits, hole and small tears
Problems near weak points such as joints, seams or flashing
EPDM has come away from the wall or upstands
Damage to EPDM detailing

These issues are minor and if treated quickly, shouldn’t cause too much of an issue. But, there are some other problems that are much less common that might require a professional’s hands.

Supporting timber has failed
Water is pooling on the roof
Water is pouring onto the roof from a loose drain pipe

Damaged Rubber Roof Solutions

If the damage is minor, there are a number of solutions you can use to get the problem fixed. But remember, the sooner you address the issue, the better because small problems can grow the longer they are left.

Use the Right Tools

Using the correct tools and materials for fixing rubber roofs is important because of the EPDM material. It is a synthetic rubber and isn’t compatible with asphalt-based products amongst others. These products can damage the EPDM, so make sure if you buy repair materials to read the instructions and warnings.

Prepare the Area

Before you begin any repairs to your rubber roof, you need to clean and tidy the area. The suitable repairs will be much easier to make on a clean and tody roof.

First, clear the roof of any debris. Remove any leaves, branches or excess water with a brush. Next, you can use a roof cleaner if you think you need to, just make sure the rubber roof cleaner that you select is suitable for your roof and won’t leave behind any residue.

Repairs, Patch Jobs & Replacements

Small tears or holes can be repaired using a sealant. Larger tears may require a patch job. In this case, you need to cut a new piece of EPDM to size, prime the area and install the patch to repair the hole.

For roofing that has come away from a wall or flashing, you can usually just seal the area up again using a strong adhesive. It may be more suitable to use flashing tape, to seal any splits. It all depends on your roof and where the damage is located.

If the rubber roof trim is damaged, this is easily replaced. If an area of EPDM detailing e.g. pipe seals, is damaged, you can also easily buy replacement parts that don’t cost a lot and are easy to install yourself.

Preventative Maintenance

An important part of finding a solution to damaged rubber roofs is to put in place preventative measures, to stop damage from occurring in the first place. Even though you can usually rely on rubber roofs to last for years, you can extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of damage by keeping them well maintained.

Roof maintenance involves regular inspections of your roof and the removal of any debris or unwanted growths.

If you’re interested in getting a reliable and long-lasting flat roof solution for your home, see the range of rubber roofing available at Avenir.