How to Fix Rubber Roofs in the Rain
Rubber material, whether on a recreational vehicle or a home, is effective for sealing flat or near-flat roofs. Unlike a traditional rolled or asphalt-covered flat roof, a rubber roof coating is a flexible membrane that covers an entire roof as a single unit. However, even a rubber roof can suffer damage from flying debris, tree limbs or punctures caused by other events. Your first indication of roof damage often is a leak during a rainstorm. Once you've located the damaged area, repairing a rubber roof is a relatively simple procedure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Rags
- Acetone
- Umbrella
- Scissors
- Eternabond roof repair tape
- Weighted roller
- Paintbrush
- UV-protective sealant
Instructions
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1
Locate the damaged area on the roof. Roof leaks are not always directly above the dripping portion of a ceiling; check the entire roof and look in the attic for wet spots.
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2
Clean the damaged area and surrounding rubber membrane by rubbing it with a rag soaked in acetone.
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3
Dry the damaged area with rags while a helper holds an umbrella over you and the roof.
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4
Cut a piece of Eternabond roof repair tape to size. Remove the backing and apply the tape over the damaged area. Press it into place, then roll over the tape with a weighted roller to firmly seal it to the rubber roof.
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5
Paint two coats of a UV protective sealant over the tape when the weather clears and the roof is completely dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Eternabond will bond to uncleaned areas; however, you'll achieve a better result by cleaning the roof before applying the tape.
Keep the area as dry as possible when applying the tape.
Unlike other types of roof repair tape, Eternabond may be installed in temperatures between 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be careful on a wet roof, even a flat roof, to avoid slipping and falling.
Never climb on a roof without an assistant on the ground. If you fall, you may need another person to call for help.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
