If you have a flat roof, it's important to keep up with repairs since flat roofs can leak easily because rain doesn't roll off the surface. You may want your roofer to check your roof on a schedule so repairs can be done promptly. Membranes are common types of commercial roofing for buildings with flat roofs. If your roof has a rubber membrane, the roofer will probably check for rips, punctures, and gaps in seams. Here's a look at how roofing repairs can be done for a rubber membrane roof.
Cut Out The Damaged Roofing
If your roofer finds a rip in the rubber membrane, they can cut the damaged area out so a new roofing patch can be put down. Once that piece of membrane is removed, the roofer can see the substrate, which is often a high-density foam board that absorbs shock from impacts and provides insulation. If rain is leaking through the cracked area, the board may have water damage. If so, the damaged area should also be cut out.
Patch The Board Under the Roof Membrane
The roofer can use a utility knife to cut a piece of high-density board. It will be made the perfect size for a patch. They can place the patch in the opening left by the damaged board. It is then screwed to the roof deck. Screws with wide washers are used for this type of roofing repair. This will hold the new board firmly in place. The fit should be snug so the water stays out.
The roofer may need to add small pieces of rubber membrane on top of the board. This builds it up so the patch will be level. If the repaired area has a depression, rain may puddle up on the roof, so it's important to make the area level while doing repairs.
Add The Rubber Patch
When the board is repaired, the roofer cuts a piece of rubber membrane roofing that is the right size to cover the new board. The patch should be much larger than the damaged area so there is plenty of room around it to apply adhesive. Both the old membrane and the patch are cleaned thoroughly. This way, they adhere well. They are then bonded together with adhesive. The final step is to apply sealant all around the edges of the rubber patch to keep the edges secure against the roof and keep the rain out.
These roofing repair steps can be repeated as many times as necessary to patch holes, gaps, and rips in your commercial roof. This way, your roof is spared significant water damage. By having your roof checked regularly, you can catch membrane damage early. This makes it so the rip doesn't spread and water damage is limited.
