Adequate Preparation is Required When Self Installing Rubber Roofing

When its time to repair or install a new roof you might decide to do it yourself. Being a handyman to repair or install new shingles can can go two ways: easy or difficult. Having a real flat roof is an advantage for the handyman. You can install a rubber roof that can give you years free from repairs. Rubber roofing is a good alternative but must be installed correctly. The following article can provide you with information on what preparations are needed before you install rubber roofing and what types are available.

Many homeowners are going the handyman route when it comes to roof repairs and installing new shingles can be easy or difficult depending on several factors. However, for flatter roof systems of those with very little angle, a self installed rubber roof can provide about 10-years of good service before any repairs may be necessary. However it will take appropriate preparation to the roof underlayment to make the installation viable and less prone to leaking.

It should be noted that while many claims have been made that rubber roofing can be installed over existing roofing shingles, in most cases the manufacturer’s warranty will be voided if the material is not applied to a clean surface. When considering a self installed rubber roof, the old shingles will have to completely removed and in some cases have a new plywood underlayment put down.

There are different types of roofing designs available for a self installed rubber roof, ranging from roll rubber to shingles or various color and design, but they all have basically the same installation techniques when they are installed. If a self installed rubber roof is done correctly it can provide years of reliable service and is especially helpful on surfaces with little drop in the pitch.

Proper Gluing Technique Insures Against Leaks

Regardless of the style a self installed rubber roof is glued to the roof surface. It must be clean and free of any protrusions that could pole through the membrane if stepped on. The glue will not adhere properly to the surface if it is wet or covered with dirt, dust or oil and should be swept and then blown with a leaf blower to insure all the dust has been removed.

Roll the roofing out onto the surface to be covered and make all cuts around vents and pipes. Essentially, it needs to fitted to the roof completely before any glue is applied. Once it have been cut and trimmed to fit the surface, roll about half of it up, preferable towards the top, and apply the glue. This is done straight from the bucket using a deep nap paint roller for a self installed rubber roof. The glue should be applied in a thin layer, without lumps or puddles that can prevent it from drying evenly. A similar technique is used to apply paint to this half of the rubber roofing material and allowed to set.

After a few minutes, the glue should be ready, appearing tacky but not sticky and the self installed rubber roof material can be rolled down onto the glued part of the roof. Once the material hits the glue it is not going to go anywhere. Wait about an hour and repeat on the other half of the material and the self installed rubber roof project is completed.

There are different colors and types of roofing designs available for rubber roofing. A self installed rubber roofing requires adequate preparation to protect your roof from leaking. The preparation is extremely important before installing rubber roofing. The surface has to be dust or oil free. If installed properly the rubber roof will provide years of reliable service. If you have found this article helpful then check out our other articles concerning roofing on this web site.