How to Use a Rubber Sheet on a Roof
Rubber roof sheets make it easier for homeowners to do their own roofing projects. Rubber roofing sheets also are low-maintenance, flexible and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. The roll-out sheets are easy to install directly on a clean roof deck. A small roof can be covered with one sheet for a seamless application. Enlist the aid of a helper when you tackle this project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Push broom
- Hammer
- Roofing nails
- Drill
- Galvanized screws
- Insulation plates
- Scissors
- Extension roller
- Roller cover
- Latex bonding adhesive
- Insulation board, 4 feet by 8 feet
- Rolled rubber sheets
- 75-lb. roof roller
- Marker
- Seam primer
- Seam roller
- Paint brush
- Soft adhesive roof tape
- Termination bars
- Utility bar
- Roofing knife
- Caulk gun
- Roofing caulk
- Rubber pipe boots
Instructions
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1
Remove all the roof material and flashing. Sweep all dirt and debris from the roof with the push broom.
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2
Inspect the roof surface for damage or rotted areas. Repair any damaged areas.
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3
Lay the insulation boards on the roof. Butt their ends to ensure a uniform roof surface. Insert galvanized screws through the insulation plates. Secure the insulation boards to the roof using the drill. Insert a plate and screw for every 2 square feet of board.
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4
Sweep all dirt and debris from the insulation board with the push broom.
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5
Unroll the rubber roofing sheets onto the roof. Overlap the edges by 4 inches. Position the sheets so they overhang the edge of the roof by 3 inches. Cut appropriately sized holes in the rubber sheets for vents and pipes, using scissors or a utility knife. Let the material relax for 30 minutes.
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6
Fold the first rubber sheet back on top of itself. Apply an even layer of bonding adhesive to the deck of the roof, using the extension roller. Allow the adhesive to dry for 15 minutes. Fold the rubber sheet back over onto the roof deck. Smooth the sheet with the roof roller. Start from the center of the sheet and work out. Remove all air pockets.
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7
Fold the second half of the sheet back onto the half you glued down. Repeat Step 6, but leave 4 inches of the edge without glue so you can make the seam later.
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8
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until all of the sheets have been adhered to the roof. Allow the sheets to cure for 1 hour. Smooth the sheets with the roof roller again.
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9
Measure 1 inch beyond the edge of the overlap of the first sheet. Fold the sheet back to expose the 4 inches of unglued rubber. Apply seam primer to the 4-inch section, and to the area on the sheet that it will mate with, using the paint brush.
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10
Attach the roof tape to the first sheet with the adhesive side down, facing the base sheet. Roll over the tape with the seam roller. Fold the overlapping sheet back down the base sheet. Slowly pull the backing from the tape at a 45-degree angle while simultaneously pressing the top rubber sheet down into the tape. Roll the seam roller over the taped seam to bond it.
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11
Repeat Steps 9 and 10 until you have bonded and secured all of the seams.
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12
Attach termination bars on the edges of rubber sheets where they meet a wall or vertical surface. Trim off the excess rubber using the roofing knife. Apply a generous bead of roof caulk along the edge of the termination bar to seal the cut rubber, using the caulk gun.
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13
Trim the overhang on the edge of the roof so the line is straight and uniform.
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14
Reinstall the drip-edge flashing on the edge of the roof, using the hammer and roofing nails. Hammer roofing nails at 6-inch intervals. Install new rubber pipe boots over all pipes and vents.
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