How to Put on Rubber Roofing

Cover the area with a roof-grade plywood. This helps ensure the rubber material adheres correctly. Make sure the plywood is level and remove any shards of wood sticking up using an electric sander.

Measure the roof and cut the plywood accordingly. Lay the plywood with 1/8-inch space between the seams so it is not touching. Nail it in place with 16-D sinker nails spaced 6 inches apart.

Clean the plywood with a cloth and mild detergent. This helps remove any debris that may prevent the rubber from sticking. Allow it to dry completely.

Place the sheets of rubber roofing over the plywood. Measure a 3-inch overhang on each side of the roof. Allow the rubber roofing to overlap at the seams and hang over the edge.

Mix the bonding agent as directed by the label. It should have the consistency of peanut butter.

Roll the rubber roofing back and use a paint brush or small paint roller to apply the adhesive to the underside of the rubber sheet and top of the plywood.

Bond the rubber roofing to the plywood. Using a push broom, smooth the rubber roofing with a forward sweeping motion. Continue the process until the roofing covers the entire area. Allow it to dry for approximately 20 minutes.

Cover the seams with two-sided seam tape. Roll it and remove the bubbles in the tape. Use a caulking gun and fill the seams along the edges with water-resistant caulking.