It's important to get your roof checked on a routine schedule when your roof has a rubber membrane. This type of roofing is tough, but it can still be damaged. In addition, like other types of roofing, a rubber membrane has flashing that can be worked loose or punctured, and it needs to be repaired. Here's a look at commercial roof repairs that may be needed for bad flashing on a rubber roof.
Apply A Corner Sealing Patch
A rubber roof often has rubber flashing, too. The rubber sticks to rubber with adhesive. The adhesive can sometimes work loose due to sun exposure. One common place for flashing problems to occur is on a corner of a square vent or opening on the roof. When that happens, the commercial roof repair contractor might seal the corner with a patch.
First, primer is painted around the corner so the patch will stick. The primer covers up dust and other fine debris that might interfere with a tight bond when the patch is applied.
Once the primer is ready, the roofer peels the sticky backing off of the patch and first presses the top of the patch against the side of the square vent and then presses the lower part of the patch down on the membrane roofing. After that, the roofer might use a roller to press the patch against the roof and vent, focusing on the edges so they have a tight seal.
Cover A Hole With A Rubber Patch
A patch can also be used on the flat part of the flashing that is secured to the rubber membrane. Patching up holes in rubber roofing membranes is a fairly common commercial roof repair. The roofer may trim the patch so it's round with no sharp corners to snag. Then the area around the hole is made ready with primer and the patch is applied. The patch is pressed down with a roller to make sure it fully adheres.
Replace The Flashing
If the flashing is damaged, the roofer may need to remove it and put on new flashing. Flashing goes around anything that protrudes through the roof membrane, no matter what size or shape it is. The flashing has to attach to the side of the protrusion as well as the roof membrane so rain can't leak in around any gaps.
The process for putting on new flashing involves tearing off the old rubber flashing, putting down primer, and then adhering the new flashing in its place. After that, the flashing is pressed against the roof and vent with a roller to ensure the tightest seal possible.
Repairing flashing is a lot like repairing a hole in the roofing membrane, which is another common commercial roof repair. Patching up holes, no matter where they are, is important for keeping rain from causing water damage to your roof. Contact a local commercial roof repair service to learn more.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.