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How To Install A Rubber Roof Yourself

Fixing Bubbles And Blisters In An Epdm Roof

Fitting or installing a rubber roof

One problem you might come across is bubbles or blistering in your EPDM roof. This can occur for two main reasons:

Vapour from bonding adhesive

Bonding adhesives are used to attach EPDM membranes to upstands and around the roof perimeter. When these are solvent-based, if they are not allowed to become touch dry before the membrane is applied, bubbles of gas can form, caused by the trapped vapour from the adhesive.

As EPDM is partially breathable, these bubbles are not a huge problem long-term, and will gradually settle down over time. However, in severe cases, it could mean that the membrane has not bonded correctly, and the membrane may need to be peeled back and re-applied.

Expanding or trapped air within the roof structure

If there is water trapped within the roofing structure, or the timber isnt completely dry when the membrane is applied, this can also cause bubbles and blistering to form. This happens when the roof heats up, the water evaporates, and the vapour has nowhere to go.

Bubbles and blisters wont necessarily cause the EPDM membrane to fail, however they can be unsightly. Unless the bubble is over a seam, is in a high-traffic area or you can see that the EPDM membrane on or around the blister is damaged or degraded, it might be better to leave it alone. If one or more of those applies, speak to a roofing contractor.

Does Epdm Have To Be Glued Down

While the rubber roofs are known to be durable, they also need maintained. EPDM roofs are fully adhered or as many call it glued down . The system is not attached mechanically. If you are set on a rubber roof, make sure the roofing contractor is fully trained and experienced in installing a rubber roof.

Cons Of Epdm Roofing:

  • Absorbs heat. EPDM is naturally black, so it offers less heat protection than rubber roof materials that are lighter in color. EPDM can be ordered in grey or white for an additional cost.
  • Potential weak seams. EPDM seams are sealed with adhesive or tape, which leaves them more prone to leaking than hot air-welded seams.

2. TPO

Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a single-ply roofing material that is similar to EPDM but different in several key ways. First, TPO is a relatively new product in the roofing industry, which means its not as time-tested as EPDM and PVC roofing.

However, TPO was created as a more economical and energy-efficient alternative to these other rubber roofing materials, making it a popular choice.

Also Check: How Long Does A New Roof Take To Install

Hire The Right Rubber Roofer Near You

As with any other type of roof, hiring the right Bowie rubber roofing contractor is the most important step.

When installed correctly by a skilled Bowie roofer, a rubber roof can last 20 to 25 years.

But an incorrectly installed rubber roof will need to be replaced within just a few years. More importantly, a roof thats installed incorrectly can cause damage to the structure underneath.

If youre in the D.C. area and in need of a rubber roof contractor, contact us at Capitol Improvements for a quote.

Stick The Bottom Part Of The Underlayment To The Roof Of The House

Membrane EPDM Rubber Roofing Leak Repair Guide

Install the second course just like the first, using the guidelines on the underlayment to get the correct overlap. When an ice dam forms on a roof , ice and water can work their way up under the shingles and leak back into the house. Also, strong winds can blow rainwater under shingles. Self-stick roofing underlayment can prevent this because it sticks to the roof decking to seal out water. It also seals around nails, which keeps water from leaking through nail holes.

Rolls of self-stick underlayment have a plastic backing so the material won’t stick to itself. The backing is separated down the middle. Line up the lower edge of the roll with the outside of the drip edge. Peel back part of the uppermost backing on the roll, and nail the top corner of the underlayment to the decking. Start pulling the roll across the decking using the backing, making sure the material is lying as flat and as straight as possible as you pull.

You’ll be able to roll out long sections at a time if you have a low-pitched roof, but the underlayment may slip off the eaves on steeper roofs, so roll out no more than 10 ft. there . It’s important to make sure all your underlayment lies flat before you fasten it to the decking. Ripples and lumps can telegraph through the shingles and may be noticeable from the ground.

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The Lifespan Of Rubber Roofing

How often you perform checks and maintenance your EPDM roof will play a large role in how long it lasts. It’s also important to find a reputable company with the required experience and skill to complete the job satisfactorily.

In most cases, rubber roofing systems will come with a 15 to 20-year guarantee. However, if it’s properly installed and not exposed to excessive levels of foot traffic, it can last 30+ years.

Tear Off The Old Shingles

Its impossible to properly install new flashing and underlayment if you dont tear off the old roof beforehand. When tearing off the existing shingles, be sure to remove all the old nails or pound them flat. Protruding nails will tear holes in your new shingles. If you have movable items near your house and youre worried they might get damaged, relocate them. Invest in a few large tarps to protect your plants and landscaping and to catch the thousands of nails that will rain down off the roof. It can be downright impossible to remove old self-stick ice-and-water underlayment, but its OK if you have to leave it in place. And if at all possible, have the rented trash bin parked close to the house so you can toss in the old shingles right from the roof.

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How To Install Rubber Roof Yourself

Whether it is a flat roof or pitched roof, a rubber roof is a great choice to ensure against leaks from rainwater or snow. When water sits on the roof, it is easy to find ways to come into the roof structure. A rubber roof will prevent this leak by making the water goes down the roof.

  • How to Prevent A Leaking Roof
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    Read Also: How To Fix A Rubber Roof Leak

    What Is Epdm Rubber Roofing

    EPDM is one of the most durable forms of roofing systems used for flat roof surfaces. It’s also used as a weatherproofing solution. Ethylene and propylene are its two main ingredients which are sourced from natural gas and oil.

    EPDM Rubber Roofing

    The material itself is available in either black or white and comes in a variety of widths, depending on the requirements needed for the installation. EPDM can be installed in three ways:

    • Fully Adhered
    • Ballasted
    • Mechanically Attached.

    Either liquid adhesives or special roofing tape is used to seal the seams of the roofing system.

    The Roof Repair Guys Always Perform Perfect Work

    Luckily The Roof Repair Guys have considerable expertise in repairing and installing rubber roofs. Rubber roofs have been touted as quick, inexpensive and easy to install. Quick and inexpensive are correct however, easy to install is a misleading statement. Many manufacturers will give their Rubber Roof Certification after a quick seminar of training. The Roof Repair Guys know that a quick seminar is no substitute for hundreds of hours of experience. Installation of rubber roofs should only be performed by experienced contractors. Rubber roof repairs however, are relatively inexpensive and quick.

    Although seemingly simple, a correctly installed rubber roof requires many complex facets, which added together, make a perfect install. The Roof Repair Guys have been hired many times to replace an improperly installed rubber roof or to patch a leaking rubber roof. It seems many contractors will put a rubber roof on shingles or tiles in order to provide a cheap estimate. The Roof Repair Guys however, know that this will inevitably create leaks. To ensure complete client satisfaction, we use a precise checklist of materials and procedures. By doing it perfect the first time we ensure that the rubber roof will last for decades.

    Read Also: Will A New Roof Lower My Home Insurance

    Cleaning Mould And Mildew On Epdm Roofing

    As roofs are exposed to a whole host of weather conditions and dont always have time to dry out properly in between bouts of bad weather, mould and mildew can be a potential problem. While there are no components of EPDM rubber roofing that promote the growth of mould or mildew, it is still a risk for this reason.

    Mould or mildew wont harm your EPDM membrane structurally, however it is not pretty to look at, and can be tricky to get rid of completely once its appeared. As such, as with many of the other problems listed here, prevention is better than cure,

    However if you do spot mould or mildew on your EPDM rubber roof, all is not lost! It can be cleaned using a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft-medium brush. Vinegar can also be used to clean mould from your EPDM roof. Apply with a sponge, leave to sit for a few minutes and then sponge away. You may need to reapply to get rid of particularly stubborn patches.

    How To Install A Rubber Roof: Flat Roof Rubber Roll

    How to Install Rubber Roof Yourself

    Ensure you have a clear, calm day before attempting your rubber roof installation.

    Strip your roof down to the decking. Make sure it is clean and clear of all debris. Take your time with this, as any small defect or piece of junk can end up tearing your rubber roof.

    Then measure out and cut any necessary spaces for chimneys or vents into your rubber roof roll. Sweep again right before applying the adhesive to your roof decking, and then carefully roll out the rubber roof.

    Trim the edges where necessary, and adjust for any air bubbles. Install flashing around all edges according to manufacturers instructions

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    Epdm Rubber Roofing Installation Guides

    Below are all the installation guides for our EPDM Rubber Roofing and accessories.

    EPDM roofing can be installed on almost any flat roof and has a range of accessories to deal with details you may come across.

    RubberTop and shedGUARD EPDM roofing are easy to install for most competent DIYers or roofing professionals. Below you can find a range of guides for EPDM flat roofing installation, from the full SealEco manual to individual guides for each area of installation.

    To get started, we would recommend you take a look at our guide to EPDM roofing installation on the deck. Finishing with QuickTrim explains how to complete a simple EPDM roof installation with a drip edge and kerb edges. The following guides explain how to install EPDM on a wall upstand. The final guides explain how to install pipes, penetrations, drains and skylights with your rubber roof.

    If you cant find what you are looking for, please contact us, wed be more than happy to help.

    How Toinstall Rubber Roofing

    Although it is said that the rubber roofing installation process is not something easy, it is not bad to learn about it, at least, theoretically. There are some basic steps for the installation.

    All of the steps are started by cleaning the roof area like removing the leaves, twigs, and other debris. Aside from the rubber roofing roll, there are some other tools and equipment to be prepared including the drip batten, adhesive tool, nails, hammer, and cutter.

    Read also : How to Install Rubber Roofing

    In installing other types of roof layer, a fiberglass sheet is often used to make sure that the layer is attached well and avoid problems like the growth of the moss.

    In rubber roofing, the additional layer is not needed anyway. So, you can start it all directly by placing the rubber roll. The only thing to install before the layer is the drip batten on the deck of the roof to strengthen the installation later.

    Next, smear the adhesive material on some parts of the roof horizontally. Then, attach the rubber roof gradually. After some parts have been attached well, you can continue by attaching the next parts until the entire rubber roll is attached well. There is a possibility that some bubbles come out due to the glue that is not smeared thoroughly.

    After sweeping the rubber roof area, in general, the installation process is done. But for the difficult process, there is a possibility that the installation is not done only in one process.

    Read Also: How To Fix A Travel Trailer Roof

    Diy At Home: Epdm Shed Roof Kits

    Here’s why EPDM Rubber Roofing is the best material for your DIY EPDM Shed roof Kit

    • UV, Ozone and Infrared stable – no cracking, blistering or peeling.
    • Eco-friendly and recyclable.
    • For both flat and low-sloping roofs.
    • Easy to use and supplied in one piece.

    Installing an EPDM Rubber Shed Roof Kit takes only a few hours and it is a straightforward and easy process. We offer a range of guides and video tutorials for a hassle-free installation, but if you do have any queries, please do get in touch.

    How to Install:
    • Remove existing timber edge trims and put them to one side if they can be reused. Remove the old roof covering, any exposed nails and replace any rotten deck boards.
    • Ensure that the deck surface is clean, dry and free from contaminants and dust.
    • Unwrap the EPDM Rubber and place onto the shed roof ensure there is equal coverage. Wait for half an hour for EPDM to relax.
    • Fold back half of the EPDM Rubber Roof Membrane to expose the timber deck underneath and apply the QuickBond 1600 evenly with a roller.
    • Roll the membrane back into a position while the adhesive is still wet, use a soft broom to ensure no air is trapped underneath the membrane.
    • Repeat the process for the other half of the roof.
    • Using scissors cut off any excess EPDM Rubber Roof Membrane, leaving 50mm overhang .
    • Fold the membrane back on itself and fix with trims.

    Some Frequently Asked Questions

    How to install an EPDM Flat Rubber Roof, ClassicBond

    If youre new to rubber roofing or are unfamiliar with the product, you can learn more by reading our answers to some frequently asked questions within the industry. This will help you have a better understanding of the product and the processes that are involved.

    The best material to use for a flat roof is EPDM rubber, which is made from ethylene propylene diene monomer. This type of material is extremely durable, which makes it a great choice for long-lasting roofing. It’s also able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow and strong winds. When we install EPDM rubber roofing, we use an extremely strong adhesive to ensure that it remains in place. This will prevent leaks from occurring or wind from lifting the roof at the seams.Using this material also means that it will last for a long time, due to its resilience. Other key features of rubber roofing include the ability to insulate warm rooms in the winter and keep indoor rooms cool in the summer. Couple this with its long lifespan, and EPDM is one of the most cost-effective solutions for roofing.

    Recommended Reading: How Much To Put New Shingles On Roof

    Epdm Rubber Roof Vs Roofing Felt

    EPDM rubber and torch-on felt roofing systems are the most commonly used materials for residential homes in the UK. If you’re still considering your options as to which one to use on your flat roof, here’s a short overview comparing the two materials.

    Key Factors

    There are pros and cons to both materials. It’s crucial that you take the time weigh up your options thoroughly before making a choice that could affect your home or commercial property.

    Epdm Roofing Issues Poor Installation

    Proper preparation is key for EPDM installation.

    If the roofing area is not properly cleaned, dried and prepared prior to installation, then this too can create problems further down the line.

    Our EPDM systems such as HERTALAN® and RESITRIX® can be installed on most substrates, however you should always check first that the substrate you are using meets the installation requirements, and install a protective barrier if needed.

    If the surface is damp in any way, there is the possibility that the membrane will not adhere to it. This can cause air and moisture to be trapped underneath, which can create a bubbling effect.

    You may see some waviness or unevenness on your roof, this is usually found on older roofs where there is residual moisture, on decking where there is natural moisture and on insulation where you can frequently see movement and shrinkage. Due to EPDMs extreme flexibility, the function of the membrane is not affected, so these changes are merely cosmetic.

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