Best temporary repair for leaky flat roof

[nervous123]

My newly built extension's flat roof is leaking in various places, dripping down into my kitchen below (via the light fittings). To cut a long story short it wasnt built proeprly - bad flashings, wrong felt, no incline etc. Hoping to get a real roofer to put it all right in a few months (dry season).

As a very short term solution will it be enough to stop the leak to paint the affected area liberally with bitumen paint? Or do i need to put down a new piece of felt with bitumen adhesive? (Cost is also an issue, as the repairs arent going to be cheap.)

thanks,

 

[datarebal]

You could use Acrypol for just a bit of first aid.. that will buy a little time.
Remember is not the answer to the main problem

 

[sherlockholmes]

Are you sure of your leak location? With bad flashings or other tears water may be running under the felt for quite some way before finding a way through. There are various repair kits and methods for holes and tears, I wouldn't rely on paint. Have a read of this:
http://www.diydata.com/general_building/repair_felt_roof/flat_roof_repair.php

 

[nervous123]

Several roofers have pointed out that there is only 1 layer of cheap mineral green felt - that is where the water is pooling and eventually working its way through. Also, we have a large rooflight, but the builders didnt build a suitable upstand, so that the rooflight almost sits flush on the roof and water collects there too and probably eventually worms its way through.

 

[SASroofer]

Use acrypol and apply liberally to all lap joints including upstands and drip edges, should hold out til you can afford to get it done properly.

 

[nervous123]

thanks for your reply.

can i buy acrypol from b+q, wickes or similar? i ask because only get home from work in the evening when most other shops closed.

if not, can you recommend any (cheaper?) alternatives that i could buy from them?

thanks!

 

[datarebal]

Not sure about the Diy stops, but you could phone a roofing merchant , pay over the phone and get it delivered... There are plenty to choose from in London. Personally I use the SIG group usually.
If you get Acrypol, go with the "contains fibres"..

The beauty of this product is it can be applied when the deck is a little damp..i said damp not sopping wet.

 

[Nige F]

it can be applied when the deck is a little damp..i said damp not sopping wet.

Is that a Fred Elliot impersonation

 

[nervous123]

If I'm choosing between Flexacryl and Isoflex Liquid Rubber (both stocked at Screwfix), what would you recommend?

 

[SASroofer]

Neither as Ive never used them.

Where in London are you? Google a roofing suppliers called Wedges, they are based not far from Ladbroke Grove.

 

[jwhburns]

Hi Nervous123,

I've had a similar to problem of yours. My flat roof garage was leaking heavily with about 3/4 leaks appearing all over the roof. I did try some permaseal which did the job for about 2 weeks, but they re-appeared.

I think i've mentioned these guys before, but RAM Consultancy who work nationwide came in to do my flat roof. They did some sort of Electronic Leak detection which I had no idea what is was but they detailed all the leaking entry points with a full report.

Since then the garage roof hasn't been leaking at all. But I guess it depends if you're confident enough to DIY. I'd recommend these guys though.

http://www.roofconsultancy.com

I hope this helps!

 

[joe-90]

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