Repairing Guides

how to repair a rubber roof

by Franz Graham MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to repair a rubber roof – step by step instructions

  1. Find leaks. To stop the leak, you first need to find it. ...
  2. Clean the surface. You should sweep all loose debris off the patch area – 5 to 10 feet away. This includes branches, leafs, sand / dirt / dust.
  3. Apply EPDM Primer. The next crucial step to effectively fix your leaks is to apply EPDM Primer. ...
  4. Patching a field hole in a rubber roof. As you can see in the images above, the hole is in the “field”, meaning leaks are caused by the hole ...
  5. Patching Outside Corners – Skylights, Chimneys, Curbs, etc. Outside corners are much more difficult to patch correctly, if you’ve never done it. ...

Part of a video titled How to Patch a Leaking Rubber Roof | This Old House
2:55
4:22
Patch all right we'll give it a couple of minutes to dry and then we'll apply the patch to the roofMorePatch all right we'll give it a couple of minutes to dry and then we'll apply the patch to the roof with the adhesive dry we're going to roll our patch over the hole.

Full Answer

How to tell if you need roof repair?

During this self-inspection look for: Shingles that are buckling or curling Bald spots Loose material around chimneys and pipes Shingle granules in your gutters Soft spots on the roof interior indicating rotted plywood

  • Shingles that are buckling or curling
  • Bald spots
  • Loose material around chimneys and pipes
  • Shingle granules in your gutters
  • Soft spots on the roof interior indicating rotted plywood

What is the best roof repair product?

  • BEST OVERALL: Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant – Multi-Surface Leak
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal Tape in White
  • BEST PAINTABLE: DAP 18377 3.0 Crystal Clear Premium Gutter Sealant
  • BEST SPRAY: Rust-Oleum 267970 LeakSeal Flexible Rubber Coating
  • BEST FOR METAL GUTTERS: GE GE5050 Silicone II Aluminum and Metal Sealant

How to patch a leaking rubber roof?

  • Small holes and punctures: Minor damage can be repaired by applying rubber sealant from a tube or can directly to the problem and tooled with the knife. ...
  • Membrane blisters: Cut through the bubble, end to end, with a utility knife. ...
  • Large rips and tears: Large areas of damage require the same types of repairs but on a larger scale. ...

How do you repair an EPDM roof?

  • 01 of 06. Choosing the Right Patch Materials.
  • Prepare the Roof Surface. The first step in repairing your EPDM roof is to prepare the roof surface to receive the patch.
  • Cut the Patch to Size. Measure the patch area.
  • Prime the Repair Area.
  • Install the Repair Patch.
  • Seal the Patch Edges.

How do I repair a rubber roof?

How much does it cost to repair a commercial roof?

What is used to adhere rubber to rubber?

How to patch a hole in a field?

How to remove peeling membrane?

Where do leaks occur on a roof?

Can you use rubbing alcohol on EPDM?

See more

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How do you seal a leak in a rubber roof?

5:3111:52Rubber Roof Leak Repair/Sealed - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you know about it the easy way to fix it is to put a fleece over it and here's what i do i takeMoreAnd you know about it the easy way to fix it is to put a fleece over it and here's what i do i take a fleece a piece of a polyester fleece.

What is the best sealant for a rubber roof?

BEST OVERALL: LR Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant – Multi-Surface.BEST VALUE: Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape.BEST FOR LEAKS: LR Liquid Rubber Peel and Stick Seam Tape.BEST FOR RV ROOFS: LR Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating – Solar Reflective.BEST FOR FLAT ROOFS: Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing Coating.More items...•

Can you reseal a rubber roof?

Use a 3-inch paint roller to apply rubber-to-rubber contact cement to one half of the outlined repair area, and to one half of the underside of the rubber patch. Wait about 10 minutes for the cement to dry. 12. Set the rubber patch into place, aligning it with the outline marked earlier onto the roof.

How do you repair a rubber roof seal?

2:184:05EPDM Seam Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStarting at one end remove the release liner from the repair tape. And apply over the seam in theMoreStarting at one end remove the release liner from the repair tape. And apply over the seam in the membrane. Make sure to split the tape equally on each side of your repair.

Does Flex Seal really work on roofs?

Flex Seal Spray Rubber Sealant Coating Like sealant tape products, it's best for minor roofing repairs, such as leaks and vulnerable edges, because of its small size.

Can You Use Flex Seal on camper roof?

The members of the Flex Seal family of products are silicone-based. Silicone is not what you want to use on your RV's roof because it leaves a residue that NOTHING else can stick to (including more silicone!), which bodes very poorly for any future repairs.

How much does it cost to repair a rubber roof?

Flat Rubber Roof Repair Cost Repairing a flat rubber roof costs between $4 and $10 per square foot. Rubber is a popular material to use in constructing flat roofs because it is lightweight and can withstand sun and water damage.

Why is my rubber roof leaking?

Leaks in EPDM roofs can happen for several reasons, including: punctures in, or damage to, the membrane. shrinkage. incorrectly installed or improper flashing.

How do I fix a hole in my EPDM roof?

0:282:57Repair a Damaged EPDM Rubber Roof- No More Leaks! (Easy How-To)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the items we're going to use today to to repair this patch is obviously the patch. Itself primerMoreSo the items we're going to use today to to repair this patch is obviously the patch. Itself primer brush for applying the primer scissors tape a silicon seam roller.

How do you replace a rubber membrane on a roof?

3:395:23How to install an EPDM Flat Rubber Roof, ClassicBond - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe membrane should be trimmed back allowing a minimum of 50 millimeters overhanging the roof edge.MoreThe membrane should be trimmed back allowing a minimum of 50 millimeters overhanging the roof edge. By compressing the pre-applied foam strip between 30 and 50 percent a watertight seal is achieved.

What sealant can I use on EPDM?

Rust-Oleum EPDM Butyl Lap Sealant is a formulated butyl rubber flexible sealant designed for roof repairs on Single-Ply EPDM roofs and other roofing substrates.

When should I replace my rubber roof?

Age of the Roof By far, age is the best indicator of a roof that needs to be replaced. Commercial roofing systems generally do not last longer than most residential roofs. Generally, commercial EPDM rubber roofs can last anywhere from 25 to 35 years, depending on the thickness (.

Prepare the Roof Surface

The first step in repairing an EPDM roof is to prepare the roof surface to receive the patch. EPDM has carbon contained within the membrane, and as the membrane ages, the sheet develops a carbon film that can be seen if you rub a hand across the sheet.

Cut the Patch to Size

Measure the patch area. Cut the EPDM patch material so it extends at least 2 inches beyond the damaged area in all directions, using heavy shears or a utility knife. Clip or round off the corners of the patch to remove sharp corners that can be caught and lifted by foot traffic on the roof surface.

Prime the Repair Area

Apply a thin coat of EPDM roofing primer to the membrane surface where the patch is to be applied, using a paintbrush or a paint roller with a medium-nap roller cover. Make sure the primer extends beyond all edges of where the patch will go.

Install the Repair Patch

Methods for installing the patch vary depending on what type of repair kit you have:

Seal the Patch Edges

Apply a heavy bead of EPDM lap sealant around the perimeter of the patch, sealing all edges. Smooth and flatten the sealant with an old credit card or similar plastic tool so the edges are well sealed and the sealant feathers onto the surrounding surface.

How To Repair The Rubber Roof On Rv

EPDM roofs are the preferred type of RV roof by most RVers because they last longer compared to other roofs. You can use Dicor coating to cover the spot on your RV roof.

Apply The Patch To A Flat Area

If you are applying a patch to a flat area , this process should be very easy. Make your patch so that it sticks about 2-3 beyond the hole in the roof, and round off the corners with scissors.

Diy How To Repair Skylight Curb Leak On Flat Rubber Roof

This commercial building in Elizabethtown, PA, has a flat EPDM rubber roof. Overall, its in great condition. However, the occupant is experiencing water penetration near this skylight.

Prepare The Roof Surface

The first step in repairing an EPDM roof is to prepare the roof surface to receive the patch. EPDM has carbon contained within the membrane, and as the membrane ages, the sheet develops a carbon film that can be seen if you rub a hand across the sheet.

Rv Rubber Roof Repair: How To Do It Effortlessly

RV rubber roofs are somewhat tricky to repair because all the other things inside RV recreational vehicles are easily accessible, whereas the roof is not.

How Often Do I Need To Seal My Rv Roof

You should inspect your RV roof and the rest of the vehicle every six months to catch small problems before they become large, expensive ones. However, you don’t need to recoat the seal on your RV roof every six months.

Rv Repair: Rubber Roof Air Bubbles Rubber Roof: Rv Repair

Answer Its normal for a rubber roof to have some air bubbles in it, but not to leak. You dont say what is the matter with your roof. It sounds like it has been leaking for quite some time.

What temperature should rubber roof be?

Before You Begin Your Rubber Roof Repair. First – the following conditions should be met: 1. Ambient (outside) temperature MUST be 40 degrees F or higher – otherwise the primer will either freeze or the bond will not be as strong as it is intended to be, thus your patch will leak prematurely. 2.

Where do leaks occur on a roof?

Most leaks occur in common spots – low spots on the roof, where water pools after rain. If you have a seam running through one of these low spots, there is 95% chance that there is a leak. Use a probe or even a nail, to test the seam for any voids / openings.

How long does it take for primer to dry?

Once you apply the primer, let it dry for about two-three minutes, depending on the weather, temperature, and how thick of a coat you’ve applied. Once you think the primer has dried – do a tack and pull test. Touch the center of primer with a clean, dry finger, and pull your finger off.

How far should a patch go beyond a hole in a roof?

– no inside or outside corners or other imperfections), this process should be very easy. Make your patch so that it sticks about 2-3″ beyond the hole in the roof, and round off the corners with scissors.

Can you repair a rubber roof yourself?

However, there might be a complicated repair situation on your roof that goes beyond the scope of this DIY guide. These are rare however, and most people should be able to completer their rubber roof repair themselves. You can do the repair yourself, saving hundreds of dollars, and avoiding shady, unqualified contractors.

Can rubber roofs 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. Therefore, look for leaks in other not so visible spots. Most leaks occur in common spots – low spots on the roof, where water pools after rain.

Do you need to dry before applying primer and patch?

2. Repair surface MUST be dry when you apply primer and patch – otherwise the patch will not hold. 3. Before applying the patch, you must thoroughly clean the repair surface, remove any and all debris, dirt, any tar or other sealants / caulking that might have been applied. 4.

How to find a separated seam on EPDM roof?

To do this without puncturing or damaging the rubber membrane, watch for small stones or debris that could puncture it if stepped on. Examine all seams on your roof for splitting or separating. Mark those you find.

How to remove air bubbles from seams?

With the adhesive applied to both surfaces of the seam, press these seams together . Work a roller along the top surface, pressing down to remove air bubbles. Avoid applying this adhesive in a strong wind that could separate the surfaces of the seam before the adhesive is dry.

How to apply EPDM adhesive to seams?

Using a soft brush, apply your EPDM adhesive to the bottom and top surfaces of the seam. The area to be covered by the adhesive on both top and bottom surfaces should be 6 to 8-inches wide. Apply the adhesive into the corner of the surfaces where the two-seam surfaces meet.

How long does it take for adhesive to cure?

After 24 hours, check the seam to be sure the adhesive has cured, then use a seam probe tool and gently insert it into the outer edge of the seam. If you are able to push the tool into the seam without effort, this will indicate that the adhesive was not successful in gluing the seam layers together.

How far down do you put tape on a seam?

In applying the tape, begin pressing it down onto the seam about 12-inches in advance of the place on the seam where you applied the new adhesive. When you reach the far end of the newly glued seam with the applied tape, continue for another 12-inches or more before cutting the tape.

How do I repair a rubber roof?

The most essential part of the job is proper preparation. I recommend that you do the work when outside temperature is 40 degrees or higher. In lower temperatures, the EPDM primer may not cure properly. However, if needed, this can be done even in the winter.

How much does it cost to repair a commercial roof?

Commercial repairs start at $750. Commercial can be anything from a small convenience store / gas station roof to an office / apartment building, or a strip mall. Typical cost for a commercial repair is $1200, if you do not have a maintenance contract.

What is used to adhere rubber to rubber?

EPDM Primer or glue -this is used to adhere patches and flashing to rubber membrane. Lap caulk / sealant – used to seal the edges of a patch. Note, I do not use and do not recommend the use of EPDM Glue, because it is an older and not very efficient method.

How to patch a hole in a field?

1) To apply a patch to a field hole, make sure that your patch is at least 6×6″ for a pea-sized hole. For large holes you will need at least 3″ overlap on each side. 2) Once the surface is cleaned and primed, take your patch and trim corners if necessary (all patches must have rounded corners, to last a long time).

How to remove peeling membrane?

Next, take a bucket of warm water and wash the surface where you will be applying the patch, going at least 18″ away from the “hole” or seam void. Use a scraper if necessary, but try not to rip / damage the membrane surface. Use rags or a heavy brush to remove dirt.

Where do leaks occur on a roof?

Most leaks occur in certain spots – low water pooling areas, loose seams, on corners of chimneys / skylights. Also, sometimes there are holes in the roof that you will need to find. If you have water pooling on your roof, and there is a seam / overlap going through that area, chances are you have a leak there.

Can you use rubbing alcohol on EPDM?

You can even use rubbing alcohol instead of EPDM cleaner for a small job like this. However, if you have many holes and some outside corner flashing that needs to be repaired, the “cheap” kits will not work for you. 1) To apply a patch to a field hole, make sure that your patch is at least 6×6″ for a pea-sized hole.

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