How to Repair the Rubber Sheets of a Flat Roof

Favored for their flexibility and durability, rubber membranes are common on flat roofs. Rubber roofing’s resistance to ultraviolet radiation, ozone, abrasion, heat, fire and hail cause the weather-resistant membranes to outlast many other roofing types. Although low maintenance, rubber membrane sheets may tear or crack. Even the smallest cracks and tears can leak water and cause interior walls, ceilings, flooring and woodwork to become permanently damaged. Promptly repair cracks and tears in rubber roofing sheets to eliminate leaks and protect the home from moisture-related damage.

Broom
2 ounces low-sudsing liquid detergent
Bucket
Long-handled spoon
Nonabrasive sponge
Garden hose
Low viscosity adhesive primer
Wooden paint stirrer
Nap roller
Scissors
Self-adhesive rubber roof patch

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep the cracked or torn portion of the rubber roof with a broom. Remove all loose grime from the damaged area.
- 2
  Pour 2 ounces of low-sudsing liquid detergent into a bucket. Mix 1 gallon of water into the liquid detergent, stirring the solution with a long-handled spoon.
- 3
  Dip a nonabrasive sponge into the low-sudsing detergent solution. Scrub the cracked or torn portion of the rubber membrane with the sponge, removing any remaining grime the broom missed. Thoroughly clean the damaged area.
- 4
  Rinse all detergent off the rubber membrane using water from a garden hose. Let the wet rubber dry overnight.
- 5
  Open a can of low viscosity adhesive primer designed for rubber roofing. Stir the primer with a wooden paint stirrer.
- 6
  Pour the primer directly from the can onto the cracked or torn rubber. Immediately spread the primer thinly over the damaged rubber membrane using a nap roller. Let the single coat of adhesive primer cure for 24 hours.
- 7
  Cut a strip of self-adhesive rubber roof patch large enough to fully cover the cracked or torn portion of the rubber membrane using scissors. Peel the release paper off the back of the patch to expose the adhesive side.
- 8
  Press the roof patch with the adhesive side facing downward directly onto the crack or tear, covering the damaged rubber completely. Smooth the patch with your hands to eliminate loose edges or bubbles.

How to Protect a Corrugated Fiberglass Patio Roof

Can You Put Color in Roof Coating Products?

Roof Repairs