DIY Repairing an EPDM rubber roof.

[potterton678]

DIY Repairing an EPDM rubber roof.
Can we get this Super Silicone Seal and Turbo Poly Seal in the UK.

 

[potterton678]

?

 

[noseall]

?

 

[robinbanks]

Why not just repair it with a patch of uncured EPDM?

EPDM Roof Repair Kit

Easy and Quick repair kit for use with EPDM rubber roofs

www.rubber4roofs.co.uk

 

[potterton678]

Why not just repair it with a patch of uncured EPDM?

EPDM Roof Repair Kit

Easy and Quick repair kit for use with EPDM rubber roofs

www.rubber4roofs.co.uk

That is one option.

But why can't we buy the super silicone in the UK?

And how would you even try and find a pinhole leak on a flat roof? With a car tyre, you have to immerse the tyre in water and see where the bubbles are.

 

[robinbanks]

And how would you even try and find a pinhole leak on a flat roof?

Ive got one, it’s somewhere near the centre of the large discoloured patch of osb I can see from the inside

 

[Alastairreid]

And how would you even try and find a pinhole leak on a flat roof?

Pinpoint the suspect area and when you press the covering with your foot or hand the water spews out..or a flat roof leak detector.

 

[Robert Hayes]

Prep is everything with EPDM clean the surface properly and use the right primer/adhesive, otherwise patches won’t hold for long.

I found it helpful to understand how EPDM behaves as a sealing material before repairing it:
https://themechanical.org/epdm-rubber-seals-gaskets/


Are you dealing with a small puncture or a seam issue?

 

[potterton678]

Ive got one, it’s somewhere near the centre of the large discoloured patch of osb I can see from the inside

If you can see the OSB boards, then it is relatively easy to pinpoint the location of the leak.

However, if your ceiling is covered with decorative materials (ie plasterboard, tiles, paper, plastic panels, etc) then it becomes a real challenge from the inside to find out where the water is getting in.

"or a flat roof leak detector."
What's one of those? Do you have a link.

 

[cdbe]

I was so cross when I did mine. My drill slid down the valley point first and pierced the rubber right where the bottom of that batten is. I patched it with the uncured stuff etc and it's been fine.

 

[potterton678]

I was so cross when I did mine. My drill slid down the valley point first and pierced the rubber right where the bottom of that batten is. I patched it with the uncured stuff etc and it's been fine.

View attachment 411755

Yes. If you know where the hole/leak is, then it's an easy repair.

The problem occurs if you have a very small leak and you can't locate the point where the water is getting in.