Installation of a Flat Top Roof

A flat roof is the easiest type of roof to construct because it requires no angled, wooden structures. However, flat top roofs don't last as long as gabled or hip roofs. Harsh weather causes damage to flat roofs with rainwater, snowpack and ice that sits on the surface for long periods of time, which can degrade the roofing materials quickly. The correct installation of an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) membrane flat top roof will help to prevent these problems and allow for proper maintenance of the roofing materials.

Ladder
Broom
2-by-4 inch lumber
5/8-inch plywood
Chisel
Nails
Hammer
EPDM membrane
Roller, ¼-inch nap
Adhesive
Drip-edge material, PVC or metal
Screws

Instructions

- 1
  Build a slight incline on the roof surface by ripping 2-by-4 inch lumber into wedges with a chisel and nailing them closely together to the joists.
- 2
  Sheath the roof with 5/8-inch drywall. Leave 1/8 inch between the sheets to allow for expansion and contraction. Nail them into place securely with a hammer.
- 3
  Clean the deck carefully of all dirt and debris with a broom.
- 4
  Lay out the membrane on the roof and allow it to settle for 30 minutes to remove any folds.
- 5
  Fold back half of the membrane to expose the underlying deck.
- 6
  Roller the adhesive to a thickness of .5 to 1 millimeter. Also lightly coat the EPDM membrane with the adhesive before setting it into position.
- 7
  Lift the loose end of the membrane and walk it out to match the roof edge.
- 8
  Use the broom to smooth out bubbles and creases in the surface of the membrane.
- 9
  Bond the edges of the roof with adhesive.
- 10
  Fold back the other half of the membrane and apply adhesive as in the above steps. Unfold the membrane half and match it to the remaining roof edge. Apply adhesive to the edges.
- 11
  Smooth out the membrane with the broom.
- 12
  Install a PVC or metal drip-edge to the sides of the roof with screws to allow water to drip into gutters and downspouts.

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