How to Patch a Rubber Roof
Rubber roofing is a common material used for flat roofs. Called EPDM by construction professionals, it has a warranty of 30 to 40 years and is inexpensive to purchase and install. However, it is not uncommon for the roof to leak over time. Water damage is most commonly caused by an unsound seam between pieces of roofing or around an air vent or other element that pierces the roof membrane. This leak can be repaired with some basic roofing materials and a few hand tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cloth
- Warm water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Polyurethane roofing sealant
- Wide putty knife
- Rubber roof seam tape
- Silicone hand roller
Instructions
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1
Examine the roof for areas that could possibly be causing a leak. Leaks are normally caused by poorly bonded seams but could also be caused by debris that has pierced the roof membrane.
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2
Wash the areas of the roof that need to be repaired with a cloth and some warm water. After the roof has dried, further clean the area with rubbing alcohol to ensure that the patch will adhere properly.
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3
Remove any seam tape that is poorly bonded to the roof. Pull it away from the leak so the seam is exposed for at least 12 inches in either direction of the leak. Any adhesive residue should be removed from the exposed roofing with rubbing alcohol.
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4
Apply polyurethane roofing sealant over the damaged area using a wide blade putty knife with rounded edges. Spread the polyurethane sealant until it extends 6 inches beyong the damaged area if you are repairing a puncture. If a seam is being repaired, slide some sealant underneath the roof membrane as well as covering the area that will be covered with new seam tape.
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5
Cut a piece of rubber roof seam tape to cover the polyurethane sealant patch. Press it into the sealant using your fingers. If a seam is being repaired, be sure that the seam tape overlaps the seam tape that was not removed by at least 3 inches.
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6
Use a silicone hand roller to smooth away any creases and apply even pressure over the entire patch area. Roll over the patch or seam in several directions to eliminate any air bubbles.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure that the temperature is at least 50 degrees before attempting to make a repair. If the nighttime temperature was cool, wait until midday before attempting a repair to allow time for the roof to warm completely.
Do not attempt to make any repairs if the roof is wet or if you lack the physical ability to safely climb on and off the roof. Never use gasoline to clean rubber roofing. Although it may remove any residue on the roof, using it may void the roof's warranty.
