If you have a flat roof, you need to know that this kind of roofing is quite susceptible to leaks. Water is their single-biggest threat. Any broken barrier or hole on the roof is a possible entry point. Several factors can lead to the damage of your roof including its age, flashing and membrane issues, and poor drainage. Here is an overview of the materials you will need to fix your flat roof.
- A utility knife
You will need a utility knife to pop out blisters that appear like small bubbles on your roof. Make sure the cut is shallow to avoid cutting deeper than the damaged part. After that, scrape way the roofing material that’s damaged.
The spots are usually brought about by overheating and trapped moisture. Ensure that the roofing underneath the blister is dry before attempting to patch it. In case it feels wet, you will need to wipe it out using paper towels.
- Roofing cement
Cement acts as an adhesive, which means it is more useful where you want to add a waterproofing material over the spot that has been damaged. Good quality cement for roofing fills in and at the same time waterproofs gaps on all kinds of roofs. Roofing cement is easily available in the majority of home improvement stores, and most of them come in cans.
- Trowel
To spread the cement when repairing your roof, you will need a trowel for that process. Use a trowel to push a 1/8 thick cement layer into the damaged portion. By using the trowel, spread the cement roughly 15 cm beyond the damaged part, and then use the same tool to smooth it out. This will ensure you don’t see the hole or crack any longer.
- Sealant and caulk
There are certain types of sealants that are available in caulk tubes that can be spread by using a caulk gun. When fixing small cracks and holes no larger than 2.5 cm, you can just seal them off using caulk. Caulk helps to fill gaps.
- Fiberglass mesh
Fiberglass adds an extra layer of waterproofing to the roof. It is available in roles, meaning that you will require cutting it to size using a razor-sharp pair of scissors. Most home improvement stores stock rolls of mesh. Another option is to check roofing supply stores or even go online.
- Gravel
Flat roofs contain rocks on them. This is because roofers often use river stones or a gravel layer to protect the roof from solar damage. The rocks need to be evenly distributed over the fixed area. This will ensure that no area of the roof membrane gets to be visible.
Flat roofs have one problem which is leaking. Fortunately, you can repair these leaks easily. You just need to know how to identify the leaks and the materials and tools needed. With some effort, you will be able to repair your flat roof without calling in an expensive roofer.
