Do -it -yourself flat roof repair – types, technology and sequence of work

Here at "All about the Roof," we’ll explore the fundamentals of doing your own flat roof repair. Few things are as important as your roof when it comes to home maintenance. Even though a flat roof is less complicated to design than a pitched roof, it still needs maintenance and sporadic repairs to keep your house dry and safe. Gaining knowledge about the various types of repairs, the technology involved, and the procedures to follow can enable you to take on these tasks with assurance.

Because they are easy to maintain and reasonably priced, flat roofs are frequently seen on contemporary residential and commercial structures. However, if not properly maintained, they are susceptible to certain problems like leaks and water pooling. Simple patch-ups to more complex jobs like resealing or even partial replacement are all possible for do-it-yourself repairs.

Many essential materials and technologies are needed to repair a flat roof. It is essential to comprehend these elements in order to repair effectively. Bitumen, EPDM rubber membrane, roofing felt, and more recent materials like PVC or TPO membranes are frequently used in repairs. Every material has benefits and ideal applications, which vary based on the climate and particular requirements of your roof.

The first step in the process of DIY flat roof repair is a careful inspection and planning. The first step in fixing any damage, such as rips, cracks, or worn-out seams, is to identify the problematic areas. It is imperative to remove any debris from the roof surface and let it dry completely before using any repair materials.

Types of roofing damage

The use of inexpensive materials whose quality does not match the existing operating conditions and poor installation work are the primary causes of damage to the roofing carpet. In addition, neglecting routine maintenance causes minor and major damage that needs to be fixed right away.

The following are the most typical forms of flat roof damage:

• surface damage-occurs due to the use of roofing and insulating material not intended for use at low temperatures. In some cases, defects are associated with overheating during installation work;
• Local holes, cracks, cuts-arise due to inaccurate handling of roofing material and non-compliance with the technology of laying it. Sometimes damage can be obtained during the transportation of the material to the place of work;
• exfoliation of material-occurs during installation due to poor-quality preparation of the working surface. For example, dirt, dust and abrasive particles were not previously removed from the surface of the flat roof;
• Bloating and formation of folds-occurs due to poor contact of insulating material and work surface. Moisture penetrates under the canvas and evaporates when heated. As a result, steam rises, forming defects on the coating;
• coating wear – occurs as a result of a high mechanical load. Most of the roller materials are not intended for walking or moving along their front surface of heavy objects.

It is advised to perform a scheduled inspection of the front surface of the roof to prevent the state of the roofing. Once issues are identified, the next step is to determine the best course of action for repairs to stop more damage from developing.

Flat roof repair methods

It is common practice to categorize flat roof restoration and repair into the following groups based on the types of defects and the affected area:

• Current repairs – local work performed upon detection of small defects and damage in the roof system. Basically, a partial replacement of the damaged roofing, elimination of abrasions and swelling is carried out;
• Overhaul – is a complete replacement of the current insulating layer and roofing material, including a full cycle of preparing the working surface for further laying a new coating.

The existence of damage of various kinds encompassing more than 40% of the flat roof’s total area serves as the foundation for the overhaul. In contrast to local work, overhaul necessitates a substantial investment that is comparable to, and typically more than, the cost of installing a new roofing covering.

What material to use for repair

The device’s technology and flat roof repair allow for the use of a variety of materials. The condition of the roof at the moment and the coating that was previously installed or applied dictate which material should be used.

Generally speaking, flat roof repairs involve the use of the following technologies:

• Repair with a screed – is used in cases where the concrete floor slab is badly damaged and a full -fledged heat -insulating pie is required. In this case, a vapor barrier membrane, mineral or foamed heaters, fine -fractional expanded clay, concrete solution, primer and insulating coating are used for repairs. To knead the solution, it is recommended to use the sand concrete M300, produced under the trademarks "Polygrand", "Master Harz" and Besto;
• Repair using roller coatings – used to restore flat roofs of various configurations. A variety of roofing material or PVC membranes are used as roller coatings. Among the bitumen roller coatings, the products of the Technonikol Corporation under the stamps “Tsekloizole KHP-2.5 "," Technoelast KhPP "and" Uniflex EPP ". As a roofing polymer membrane, it is better to use the coating under the trademark Ecoplast V-RP or Logicroof V-RP. To work with roofing roofing roles, it is necessary to have a gas burner, and for laying PVC -mebmran-adhesive composition and construction hair dryer;
• Repair using liquid rubber is most often performed when servicing multi -storey residential buildings, since the applied material has a small weight and does not weight the floor slab. For use, you can recommend waterproofing under the trademark "Technoprok R", Euromast Plus and Tremproof 250. Application of liquid rubber occurs using a special industrial spray gun. In addition to insulating material, vapor barrier, thermal insulation and cutting off is used.

When repairing the roof, keep in mind that a concrete mixer and a lot of containers for transferring a concrete mix will be needed in order to knead a sufficient volume of concrete. In order to distribute concrete, linear guidelines must be established. Use of a steel rule is required to level the solution.

To gain a deeper understanding of the technology involved in working with different materials, we will examine the process of repairing each type of flat roof in turn. We’ll look at a more general technology that explains the current and overhaul process below.

Repair of roller roofs

The bitumen-rolled materials referred to as "Glassesol HPP-2.5," "Technoelast KHPP," and "Uniflex EPP" are contemporary rolled coatings. They are made by applying an astringent mixture consisting of bitumen and filler to the fiberglass on both sides. Asbagal is applied as a coarse-grained sprinkle onto a unique polymer film to serve as a protective layer for the face.

"Glass insol," "technoelast," and other bitumen-rolled coatings are typically applied to flat roofs after a preliminary concrete screed arrangement for protection. The primary issues with this coating are the occurrence of localized damage, such as cuts and cracks, which result from the roof’s improper operation. It’s possible for air and water bubbles to form when work technology is violated.

Patch repairs are used when a new canvas completely covers the damaged area in order to eliminate local defects. The extent of the damage determines the patch’s size.

The following is how to repair surface damage such as cracks and breakthroughs:

1. The damaged section of the roof is cleaned and well dried with a building hairdryer. For cleaning, you can use any improvised means. For example, a multi -row brush for cleaning contaminated and old surfaces.
2. A patch is cut out of the canvas of the roll material. The size of the patch should completely block the damage. For example, if a 10 cm crack is repaired, it is recommended to stick a patch with a length of 13–15 cm.
3. A cut patch is glued or fused for cleaned damage. It is better to use one -component bitumen mastic of cold type as an adhesive composition. For the surge, a construction hairdryer is used.
4. The patch is smoothed with a roller or other cylindrical object. If a large front of the work is planned, it is better to purchase a special rolling roller.

It is vital to carefully cut out the cross damage if you need to get rid of the swelling and bubbles on the roll coating’s surface, which are caused by seasonal temperature fluctuations.

The coating’s corners must then be bent in order to allow the inner surface to dry. The bent edges are pressed back and the surface is cleaned and treated with bitumen mastic after it has dried. Next, they use the aforementioned technology to perform patch repairs.

Repair of membrane roofs

PVC membranes are a type of specialized waterproofing coating used to shield concrete foundations and roofs. The extrusion method is used in the manufacture of membranes. This ensures that there will be no water absorption in the finished product.

Two primary issues with improper flat membrane roof operation are mechanical damage and depressurization of seams. Take the case of improperly clearing snow with an iron shovel.

In order to rectify mechanical damage, the subsequent tasks will be necessary:

1. The site of the membrane canvas is cleaned with damage and treated with an organic solvent.
2. A patch is cut out of the whole canvas, the size of which will overlap the gap or other damage on the surface of the roofing carpet by 5-10 cm.
3. The patch is laid on the prepared section of the roof and fraught with a welding machine. During heating, the patch is gradually smoothed with a roller.

The cause of swelt depressurization is a technological error in the installation of PVC membranes. The membrane is typically laid "in an interference" or improperly warmed up to conceal the irregularities.

You will need to use a solvent to process the inner surface of the seams in order to repair them. If necessary, they should be cleaned using makeshift tools. The seams are then sealed with a welding machine. If the dishonest seam is longer than five to seven meters, Eternbond repair tape is used in addition to glue.

Video: Installation of patches on a membrane roof

Repair of mastic roofs

Unlike bitumen-rolled coatings and roof membranes, liquid rubber enables the creation of a seamless roofing carpet. This is especially important for old buildings with flat roofs, as the weight of the concrete screed on the building’s supporting components makes it impossible to lay it out beforehand.

Cracks that develop during extended roof operation are the primary cause of damage to a mastic roof. Liquid rubber, which has a similar composition, was previously used to repair them. For instance, Slavyanka liquid rubber for roofing is applied with a poetizer nozzle and a high pressure unit. It is a two-component composition.

The following procedures make up the liquid rubber roof repair technology:

1. Cracks and other damage on the surface of the roof are cleaned of dust, sand and other contaminants.
2. With the help of a sprayer, the cracks are filled with liquid rubber until a flat surface is formed. Flower thickness 2-3 mm.
3. If the damage is extensive and it is required to strengthen this section of the roof, a fiberglass with a density above 100 g/m 2 is used .
4. A fiberglass canvas is carefully laid on a fresh layer of sprayed rubber so that it completely blocks the damage.
5. Another layer of liquid rubber is applied on top of the fiberglass, until the material is completely closed under the waterproofing layer.

The local slots on the roof must be removed in the first place if there is significant damage to the surface of the roof. Applying the second layer, which is 3–4 mm thick, comes after the restored areas have dried. The fiberglass is laid and the liquid rubber finish layer is arranged, if needed.

Video: Spraying liquid rubber to the roof

How to make a estimate correctly

Estimating the cost of any repairs should be done before beginning any work. An estimate must be made for this in either an electronic or paper version. By doing this, a shortage or excess of the building materials required for repairs will be prevented. particularly if you intend to do significant repairs.

To create an estimate, the following steps need to be taken:

• measure the work surface – using roulette and other tools, a measurement and inspection of the working surface are performed. Based on the data obtained, the total surface area that needs repairs is calculated;
• Calculate the quantity and cost of consumables – based on the current state of the flat roof, the type of repair is selected, which is planned to be carried out. Taking into account this, consumables and the tool necessary for carrying out these works are selected;
• Calculate the roofing – according to measurements and technical condition, a coating is selected, using which repairs will be carried out. Based on this, its number and cost are calculated;
• To draw up a work plan – at this stage it is necessary to consider how the material will be delivered to the place and the sequence of repair measures will be carried out;
• to adjust the number of consumables – the previously obtained volume of consumables must be increased by 15 to 20%. This will make it possible to make a reserve for errors in cutting and random damage during repair work;
• Choose a construction store – monitoring prices in construction markets and in stores presented in your region is carried out. If possible, then with the compiled estimate you can contact the store directly. The cost of delivery and unloading of the material should be added to the final cost.

The corresponding point should be included in the estimate if the repair work is completed by qualified personnel. It is not advised to purchase a specialized tool for work for personal use. Letting it be rented makes more sense. particularly if significant repairs that are in line with technology are intended.

Current repair of flat roofs

Currently, flat roof repairs involve work to remove localized damage such as bloating, cracks, breakthroughs, and cuts. As a matter of fact, these repairs let you promptly remove localized damage without having to deal with the entire roof.

At this point, bitumen or membrane coatings are applied to repair soft roof damage, which is the main focus of current repairs. Without consulting experts, current repairs can be completed on their own; the bare minimum of tools will be needed.

One can think of the technology used in current repairs for different types of local damage as an example. A gas or gasoline burner, a rolling roller, a sharp knife, cold bitumen mastic, glass insulus, euro-ruble, or bicrost are needed for the task.

The following general technology can be used to repair significant surface damage on a flat roof:

1. The damaged area is thoroughly cleaned of fine sprinkling. The cleaning area should be larger than the damage area by 10-15 cm. For this, any convenient brush with a metal pile is used.
2. With the help of a sharp knife, a square or rectangular piece of insulating material containing a defect is cut out. The canvas is removed until the floor.
3. The prepared area is cleaned with a hard brush. After that, the gap is left to dry. To accelerate the process, you can use the construction hairdryer.
4. Based on the cut out the canvas, patch patches from a new roller coating. The number of patches should strictly correspond to the number of cut layers.
5. Bitumen mastic is applied to the cleaned and dried area. For application, a convenient spatula or old brush with a hard pile is used for application. Mastic is withstanded according to the instructions.
6. The first patch is glued to mastic. Carefully make sure that the canvas lies evenly, without forming folds and waves. For smoothing, a rolling roller is used.
7. Mastic is applied according to a similar technology and the remaining patches are glued. After gluing the last canvas, you need to cut the overlapping patch, the size of which should be larger than the cut area by 15 cm.
8. At the final stage, an even layer of mastic is applied, on which an overlapping canvas is glued from insulating material. For smoothing, a roller is also used.

The styling technology is the same when using roller coatings with a surfacing surface as it is above, with the exception that a construction hair dryer will be needed to install the patch. Using a hairdryer, warm the bitumen layer on the working surface of the cut patch until it becomes pliable. After that, the canvas is carefully placed inside the slot and rolled to iron it.

Similar technology is used to remove small cracks and damage to the canvas measuring 15 to 20 centimeters. First, the damaged area is cleaned of protective sprinkling, and then mastic is applied and the overlapping patch is glued. It is not necessary to cut the damaged canvas at the same time.

Video: Installation of a patch from the melted material

Capital repair of flat roofs

As mentioned in the previous section, it is recommended to carry out an overhaul when damage and defects account for more than 40% of the flat roof’s total area.

The replacement of the existing roofing material is the main goal of the overhaul. If required, a complete replacement of the roof pie with thermal and steam insulation and a screed can be done.

We take the renovation of a flat roof with additional melted roller coating application as an example. A sipper of the seams, a chipper, a concrete mixer, a gas burner, a sowing shovel, a laser level, and a metal rule are required in order to complete the task.

The following are components of overhaul technology:

1. The full dismantling of the damaged roller coating, PVC membrane or liquid rubber is performed. For this, a grinder, a strooboresis and a sharp ax with a metal handle are used for this.
2. The work surface is cleaned with hard brushes, shovels and grinding machines. The removed roofing material is cut into small canvases, after which it is stored in a separate place. If possible, the dismantled material is transported to a landfill.
3. A visual inspection of the working surface is carried out, during which its technical condition is determined. If the surface is represented by a concrete screed, then in most cases it must be dismantled.
4. Concrete screed is carried out. To do this, the concrete surface is marked using a slicer of the seams. Special chipsters are used to remove the concrete layer.
5. Construction garbage is cleaned and the preparation of the roof surface for filling the concrete screed. For this, shovels, huts and other inventory are used. After cleaning, the surface is wetted with water.
6. The installation of linear guides is carried out. For this, special steel beacons are used, which are mounted on dowels or cement-sand mixture. When installing, a slope (3-5%) is observed from the center to the edges of the roof or vice versa.
7. The preparation of concrete mixture based on cement of the M300 brand is performed. If possible, it is better to use ready -made dry mixtures from the manufacturer. As a reinforcement, so as not to weight a concrete slab of ceilings, a microfiber is used, which is added to the solution when kneading.
8. The concrete screed is filled. For this, the mixture is served in portions starting from the center of the roof. For distribution, a steel or wooden rule is used. During the work, the screed is checked in terms of compliance with the required slope.
9. After pouring and distribution, the concrete screed is covered with polyethylene. In this state, the surface of the roof must be wetted with water 2-3 times a day for 7 days. Full time of the concrete layer drying – 28 days.
10. After 2 weeks from the date of filling, you can dismantle linear guides. The resulting voids are cleansed and grinded similar in composition with a concrete mixture.
11. After the screed dries, the surface is cleaned of abrasive particles. After that, a vapor barrier diffusion membrane is laid. Vapor barrier is laid with an overlap 10-15 cm relative to the neighboring row.
12. The insulation material is laid in the form of mineral or basalt plates. If it is planned to arrange the operated roof, it is recommended to lay cotton wool in the plates with a density of at least 50 kg/m 3 .
13. Heat insulation slabs laid the junction. If necessary, the second layer is laid in the run so that the joints of the first layer do not coincide with the joints of the second.
14. Flooding a thin -layer concrete screed (3-4 cm) with fiber -fiber is performed. The technology of preparation and filling was described above (see. P. 8). After drying the second layer of concrete screed, they start laying the roofing.
15. Laying 2-3 layers of lining roll material is carried out. For this, the canvas is carefully rolled out as the working surface warms up with a propane or gasoline burner.
16. Roofing material, like lining, is mounted in a scan with a lowering on the sides of the roof. If a roll coating is used, which is laid on mastic, then first the surface is lubricated with a primer, and only then the material is laid.

The installation of gutters, cornices, adjoining roofs, and other accessories and devices occurs at the end.

It is important to remember that every flat roof renovation project will be unique. This is mostly because of the roof’s operational state, which was established earlier by waterproofing material and t. D. However, any significant renovation typically involves removing the old surface, cleaning it, preparing it, and installing new roofing material.

Video: laying roofing on a flat roof

Repair of storm roofing

Long before a house is built, the drainage system of a private or apartment building is planned and calculated. Private construction projects (garages, one-story homes) typically use an external organized drain. An internal drainage system is planned and constructed when apartment buildings are being built.

Before repairing a private building’s roof, it is advisable to first disassemble a storm sewer. The downpour is mounted back after the repair. In the event that repairs are necessary, broken gutters, funnels, brackets, and other products are replaced with new ones during installation.

Internal storm gutter repair is done in the following order:

1. The inner channel is cleaned with a flexible cable with a nozzle in the form of a metal brush.
2. At the stage of installation of linear guides for screed, a slope is formed towards the technological hole in the design of the roof.
3. After the concrete screed dries, the roof funnel is installed in the technological hole on the cement mortar.
4. After the mounting solution dries, the surface near the funnel is treated with a bitumen primer.
5. Next, laying roll waterproofing in 2 layers is performed. After that, the squeezing ring is mounted and the hole in the funnel is cut.

Here at "All about the Roof," we explore the fundamentals of do-it-yourself flat roof maintenance, including important technologies, types, and step-by-step instructions. Knowing the fundamentals can help homeowners approach repairs with confidence, whether they’re fixing small leaks or doing a full renovation. Our guide makes the process easier, from selecting the best materials to learning application techniques, guaranteeing that your flat roof will not only withstand the weather but also maintain its structural integrity for many years to come."

Features of the repair of flat roofs in winter

Winterized flat roof renovations and repairs are only done in extreme circumstances, when the floor’s integrity demands attention.

When working in the winter, the following guidelines must be followed:

• It is advisable to carry out repair work on a clear day – this will avoid problems when laying roofing material;
• When laying materials, moisture should not be allowed between different layers of the roof pie;
• If the winter is snowy, then frame-tents are used to carry out repairs, which allow avoiding precipitation to the surface of the roof.

Gas heat guns or gasoline are used to verify the thermal mode. Roofing material needs to be stored for 24 to 36 hours at room temperature.

You can save money and feel proud of yourself for a job well done when you repair a flat roof yourself. It can be a very satisfying project. Whether the material on your roof is built-up tar and gravel, rubber, asphalt, or another type, it is important to know the specific repair methods.

Begin by locating the trouble spots: search for blisters, cracks, or areas where the roofing material has deteriorated. For the repairs to adhere correctly, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Patch small cracks and punctures with a compound made specifically for the type of roof you have. To seal the area, apply it evenly and firmly press it down.

If the damage is more extensive, you might want to replace the damaged roofing material. Make sure to carefully trim off the damaged area, leaving clean edges. Next, use roofing cement to adhere a fresh piece of roofing material and secure it in place. To guarantee a tight seal, smooth out any creases or bubbles.

Examine the entire roof for any possible problems after the repairs are finished. Make sure there are no areas where water could collect and that all seams are properly sealed. Your flat roof can last longer and develop fewer issues with proper care and routine inspections.