DIY Rubber Roofing – Materials and Application

DIY rubber roofing can be installed by any homeowner by following the roof installation instructions and by taking precautions to be safe while working on your roof. Before beginning your roofing project, you should make sure that the surface is completely clean and free of any dirt, loose materials or debris. The roof must also be totally dry, so don’t attempt to begin a roofing project if a rainstorm is likely. Moisture could keep the materials from adhering and cause further problems. Any water that’s pooled, ice, frost, or snow must be removed before beginning. Make sure that the surface is clean. The materials won’t adhere properly to a surface that’s dirty, leading to a bubbled or rippled looking roof.

DIY rubber roofing must be unrolled or unfolded and allowed to sit out for up to half an hour before application. In cold weather, allow extra time so that the material can relax before beginning. Make sure there aren’t any wrinkles in the material or it won’t lay properly. Cut the material to fit the roof with an overhang of approximately 75mm.
The decking adhesive can be applied using an ordinary paint roller, which makes it fast and easy. A very thin coat of adhesive can also be put on the material itself for it to bond faster. Make sure when you’re using the adhesive that no puddles or lines of adhesive are left. When laying the membrane in to the adhesive you generally use a soft broom to push the membrane into the adhesive and remove any trapped air. Be sure not to apply any adhesive directly to the seams.

You must be very precise when undertaking a DIY rubber roofing project. Firstly when ordering the materials you must allow enough membrane to extend up the upstands by 150mm and also allow a minimum 75mm excess on all other sides. You must make sure that the material is aligned properly all along the roof. When the membrane is applied to the adhesive, go over the area with a broom to make sure that there are no bubbles under the membrane that will visually look poor, but still be fully water tight. The surface could take up to 24 hours to completely dry, but when it does, you’ll have a surface that’s waterproof and will stand up to the elements. If done with quality materials, and done properly, your roofing project could last for up to 50 years.

When you’re going to begin a DIY rubber roofing project, make sure to shop for the highest quality materials on the market. Many homeowners have found that the roofing products which are made of synthetic rubber materials known as EPDM membranes are superior to other materials on the market. Contractors have found that this type of material is strong, durable, and stands up to the elements over long periods of time. This type of material works better than other products in any climate. It can be used in hot, dry desert regions in the Middle East, or in the icy cold of Alaska, and is your best choice for a home improvement project.