Most flat roofs are observed on commercial buildings and were probably installed by professional commercial roofers with flat roofing experience; however, you will discover some residences with this type of installation. Unfortunately, many of these installs were done by contractors with little if any experience dealing with this type of roofing and find yourself requiring repair a long time before attaining the minimum endurance of the materials.

Materials

All the leaks requiring repairs are those installed with an individual ply rubber membrane called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). This sort of roofing material has replaced the earlier type of flat roofing that was comprised of a platform sheet and multiple layers of felt paper and hot asphalt or coal tar. Usually this is covered with gravel to give it increased life. This sort of flat roofing is named BUR (built up roofing). Typically this type of roofing although using less advanced materials out lasts the EPDM roofing in residential applications because of the inconsistency in installation procedures.

Finding a Contractor

If you choose your flat roof repair isn't worth the cost and you want to have the roof replaced, make sure you look for a roofing contractor with experience installing flat roofs. Get referrals and check them out when you sign a contract. You could find it difficult to locate a competent roofer that'll install flat roofing on a residence. You may be a professional asphalt shingle roofer and not know how to put on an appartment rubber roof. All the pros limit their projects to commercial installations, but if you spend some time and keep looking, you'll find them.

Which System is Best?

Today's new flat roof repair installations offer many different materials. There are those that still claim EPDM single ply membranes - the most common system in the US and the material of preference for the low-slope commercial roofing industry for over 40 years - is still the most effective system to use. Others claim the newer materials like TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin, SBS (self adhering membrane systems) or perhaps a PVC membrane using heat welded seams will be a far better solution. You will discover roofing contractors that vigorously defend their preferred system. Your absolute best bet is to locate a roofing contractor locally with a lengthy history of service and check out his referrals. Several of those systems work best in extreme heat or cold, so your local area will make a difference.

Do It Yourself Flat Roof Repair

When you yourself have an EPDM membrane and it seems like it could be repaired you are still faced with a number of choices. There is black rubber glue or perhaps a Peel-and-stick flashing material with a rubber primer that covers the seams of the membrane that is where most leaks occur.

Each one of these methods provides a limited life extension to your roof. Bear in mind that these repair materials don't usually can be found in small quantities, so unless you'll find a roofing contractor that'll sell you simply the quantity you need, you could find yourself spending quite lot money on materials.

Allow Pros Check it Out first

You need to always have a skilled roofing contractor examine your roof when you try to complete the repairs yourself. Often a skilled contractor can easily see damage that the homeowner cannot see. According to your situation, they may have the ability to do the repair for what you will pay in material costs by carrying it out yourself.