Home Garden

How to Fix Rubber Roofs in the Rain

Rubber material, whether on a recreational vehicle or a home, is effective for sealing flat or near-flat roofs. Unlike a traditional rolled or asphalt-covered flat roof, a rubber roof coating is a flexible membrane that covers an entire roof as a single unit. However, even a rubber roof can suffer damage from flying debris, tree limbs or punctures caused by other events. Your first indication of roof damage often is a leak during a rainstorm. Once you've located the damaged area, repairing a rubber roof is a relatively simple procedure.

Things You'll Need

  • Rags
  • Acetone
  • Umbrella
  • Scissors
  • Eternabond roof repair tape
  • Weighted roller
  • Paintbrush
  • UV-protective sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the damaged area on the roof. Roof leaks are not always directly above the dripping portion of a ceiling; check the entire roof and look in the attic for wet spots.

    • 2

      Clean the damaged area and surrounding rubber membrane by rubbing it with a rag soaked in acetone.

    • 3

      Dry the damaged area with rags while a helper holds an umbrella over you and the roof.

    • 4

      Cut a piece of Eternabond roof repair tape to size. Remove the backing and apply the tape over the damaged area. Press it into place, then roll over the tape with a weighted roller to firmly seal it to the rubber roof.

    • 5

      Paint two coats of a UV protective sealant over the tape when the weather clears and the roof is completely dry.