40 year old flat roof temporary fix

[sparkwright]

I am in the process of patching up a garage 40 year old flat roof which leaks.

Flat roof will be replaced professionally in a few years, BUT NOT NOW, so just doing a quick fix for the time being.

I have sealed all the joins with Acropol weatherproof compound. 3 coats on these joins, and have used scrim tape over the open joins.

QUESTION ONE; I assumed it was a felt roof, the vertical parts of the drip flashing look felt, but the top horizontal bits look like fibreglass.

Is this what happens to worn out felt, or is it actually fibreglass? It looks quite 'hairy'. The main flat roof area looks like this too, it doesn't seem very substantial, which makes me wonder if there was an original surface which has worn away.

QUESTION TWO; The surface I describe above, I would like to paint fully, not just to look nicer, but to give the surface a bit of protection. The Acropol weatherproof compound didn't go on the top of the 'hairy' drip flashing very well, almost as though a primer was needed.

What is the best product to use all over? I thought a bitumen primer would do, but presumably a top coat is then needed, possibly the Acropol weatherproof compound, since I have a lot left? Ideally a one coat product which seals over these fibres nicely would be ideal, if this is possible.

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As mentioned, this is a quick patch up that I only expect to gain a few years on, until the roof is fully replaced, so I'm not planning to do any extensive repairwork, just want to slap on the appropriate sealer for now.

 

[delmel]

Flat roof 40 years it will need changing what ever, I wouldn't waste funds on botching. A single layer Rubber now seems to be the popular choice or Torch on quality felt with more than one layer. You may need to have boards looked at also.

 

[sparkwright]

Ok thanks.

The covering at the moment is as thin as newspaper, can see fibres.

Is it likely it was always like this, or would there have been a layer of felt/bitumen over the surface?

 

[Nige F]

Use the acrypol.... the felt has just worn so exposing the fibres

 

[sparkwright]

Thanks Nige, is there an appropriate thin primer I can use on the fibres first, as fibres tend to raise (from the roof) when the Acropol is applied, which makes the application a struggle?

 

[datarebal]

some of the older flat roof felts contained asbestos

 

[catlad]

Pour the acropol on the roof and spread it around using a spatula or a large paint scraper to spread it around.

 

[sparkwright]

Given what it may contain, I think I will leave it as it is.

 

[datarebal]

you can still acrypol it ..just hold your breath