Leak Sealers for Rubber Roofs

Patch

• A section of EPDM membrane can be used to create a patch for a leak in the roof. The patch is held in place with EPDM seam adhesive or seam tape. Conceptually, this type of leak sealer works the same as the sealing kits used on bicycle tires and inflatable furniture. It works effectively with moderate damage, since the size of the patch can be adjusted as needed. However, this method of leak sealing might be more difficult on rubber roofs with fake shingles, since you would need to remove and replace all of the shingles around the damage to apply the patch.

Liquid Sealers

• Liquid EPDM sealers can also be used to repair leaks. The liquid sealer is spread into the hole that caused the leak. Over time, it hardens into a solid patch of EPDM that blocks the hole. It bonds to the surface of the hole, so there is little risk of the hardened sealer falling away. The down side of this method is that the conditions needed for the liquid sealer to harden can be an issue. Most people notice leaks when it is raining, during which time the liquid sealer cannot harden. A patch can be put into place under non-ideal conditions, even if only as a temporary measure. Liquid sealers are effective permanent solutions, but they cannot usually be used in an emergency.

Seam Tape

• Seam tape is a special type of tape that is designed to be weather resistant. It is the fastest, easiest solution to seal a leak on a rubber roof. All that you need to do is tape over the hole with the seam tape. Seam tape should only be used as a temporary leak sealer until a more permanent sealer can be used. It is weather resistant, but it can loosen over time. A patch held on by seam tape is still a superior sealer. Even if the seam tape comes a little loose, the physical barrier of the patch should prevent the roof from leaking unless it falls completely off. Even a minor loosening of a purely seam tape seal would start the leak again.

Replacement

• You can only seal leaks in a rubber roof up to a point. Once holes start approaching about a foot in length, none of the sealers tend to work effectively. At that point, you need to replace the effected section of the roof, which may require professional help. You should not need to replace the whole roof, however, just the damaged section.