How do I repair a "rubber roof?"?

Question

We had a rubber roof installed on our patio. The guy who did it was unexperienced and needless to say, it has leaked since. I would like to find a way to repair this, if possible.

Can it be repaired? If so, how and with what?
If not, I'm considering replacing the rubber. (The angle of the roof calls for either metal or rubber. I don't want metal because of the noise when it rains so we're doing the rubber roof.)

In replacing the rubber, can I just lay another layer on top of the older rubber or do I have to take it up and replace the entire thing?

Answer 1

You may lay another rubber (EPDM) roof over the old one, as long as it is sloped in the right direction for drainage, and the damaged one is still relatively flat.

I strongly suggest going to your local ABC Supply store. They are the largest supplier of exterior building products in the USA. www.abcsupply.com has store locations. Sales associates will provide you with everything you need to get the job done right, will teach you how to do it at the store, and will go out of their way to help you.

Answer 2

Your problem may be with the method that the installer sealed the rubber to the house or flashed the ends. Have you had an experienced roofer looker at it? You could get allot of free information about what needs to be done just by getting an estimate. Without seeing the roof myself, I can not give any opinions about if it can or can not be repaired.

If you were to replace it with a new layer of rubber, I'd strongly suggest removing the old rubber. If it is leaking and has been leaking you could be covering up hidden rotten spots and you will probably void any warranty on your materials. Most roofing products will have a disclaimer about going over existing roofing materials since those can cause the new product to fail and leak.

Now, if you hired someone to install a rubber roof and they didn't know how to do it, does that mean that you are going to hire a qualified roofer this time? I think that doing so might be a good idea to prevent more problems (since you didn't do it the first time and since you are here asking questions). There are just certain projects that should be done by Qualified Professionals - they will warranty materials and workmanship - non-professionals and DYIers often do things to void material warranties so usually you end up without any warranty and a big headache like you have now.

I hope that this helped you or at least gave you some insight and ideas. Good luck

Answer 3

LISTEN, You can simply go to LOWES or Home Depot and
pick up a can (1 gal.-5 gal.) of Rubber Roof Cement, & just
patch the spot or spots. You will find this in the Roofing
Section at these stores. You Don't Necessarily Need To Replace The Roof.
I Hope This Will Work For You, Because It Will Surely Save
You Alot Of $$$.
Good Luck To You...

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I repair a "rubber roof?"?
We had a rubber roof installed on our patio. The guy who did it was unexperienced and needless to say, it has leaked since. I would like to find a way to repair this, if possible.

Can it be repaired? If so, how and with what?
If not, I'm considering replacing the rubber. (The angle of...