skip to main content

Advice for sealing down flap on porch rubber roof?

14 years ago

Hi,

Our first floor porch has a "single-ply rubber roofing" (identified in our house inspection). We are first-time homeowners and newbies, so I don't know much more about the material than that. :-)

I was in the second-floor room above the porch one windy day, and noticed that there is an edge of a rubber piece of the roof flapping up and down in the wind. It's not the roof edge itself, but it looks like where one piece was laid down overlapping another, and it is part of that overlap that is flapping.

We think that we should seal it down somehow. What should we use to do that? Should we call in an expert or is this something we can address ourselves?

And if our thinking is wrong, I'll take your good advice on what we should best be doing!

Thanks in advance,

Lee Anne

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mightyanvil
14 years ago
You can google EPDM adhesive but a gallon will probably cost $40 or more delivered and it is no fun to apply. I would hire a roofer because when they get up on a roof they notice things you might have overlooked. Roofers are cheap insurance.
brickeyee
14 years ago
Try 'flat roof solutions.'

EPDM joints are made with seam tape (uncured EPDM that comes in a roll and sticks by itself).

You will need toluene to clean the surface before using the
seam tape.

Other solvents can damage the EPDM, but toluene is available in quart cans at a paint store.

Be careful with the seam tape. It sticks to everything, including the tool you are goping to use to cut a piece off the roll.
Related Discussions
Experiences with 'rubber slate' anyone?
Q
Comments (4)
Hi, the trick to not having the nails poke through is to add another layer of sheathing, like 5/8" plywood. We do this when we build beadboard ceilings over exposed rafters. My next-door people put on an artificial slate roof (replacing a failed one from 1905), but they kept their standing seam porch roofs. For the reasons you already understand, real slate would never have been used there, so it disagrees with the original appearance/visual logic of these houses. Why not try hand-made painted standing seam in terne (tin) metal? Use snow birds on the slate to discourage massive snow slides, and let it develop the proper and expected wear marks, even dents. Historically, it would never have remained in a perfect state, and it's considered "fair wear & tear" (hopefully no actual tears). Casey
...See More
Please help! Advice needed on flooring for covered deck/roof.
Q
Comments (4)
You need to seal the deck to the weather before you put a deck on top. Call a roofer first. Explain to him the plan and he will put down an appropriate material. Probably a membrane material. Then call in the deck guy. But make sure he does not sink any nails or screws into the roof. Ron
...See More
Porch Railing On Rubber Roof (Picture Included)
Q
Comments (1)
Use 'Surface Mount Post Brackets', seal the bejesus out of the area after you install the lags, and hide it all with the post skirt.
...See More
Advice need please re: railing on roof deck (X-post in home repair)
Q
Comments (9)
Thanks for you responses. Too bad my son didn't think of changing the door out to a window when he had new windows and new siding installed last spring. i just remembered that he actually used that door once. He had bought a new dresser that didn't fit up the bend in the staircase so he had it hoisted up on that roof and got it into the house through that door. I guess he may need that door to get the dresser back out someday if he moves, although he could include it in the sale of the house. He will have to look into the cost of turning it into a window vs installing a railing. Vith, Can those post bases you linked really be sealed well enough to not cause any leaking?
...See More
la_koala
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi, thanks so much for giving me the right verbiage to look up info about this!

brickeyee, thanks for those details about the toluene and seam tape. I think it is out of our range of diy'ing, and they'll help me convince my spouse that we should go with mightyanvil's advice and hire a roofer. :-)

Thanks again!
brickeyee
14 years ago
Good luck finding anyone to make an EPDM repair.

Firestone is the largest maker and they have zero interest in the residential market.

If you can safely access the roof and the repair spot it is not a very hard job.

Wipe down both sides that need to be joined with toluene, apply seam tape to one side, smooth with firm pressure on the other side (or a j-roller for laminate) and it is done.
la_koala
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi brickeyee, thanks for that indication that it's not a very hard job to seal it down. I will run it by the spouse, as he's likely the one who'll have to figure out how to best safely access that part of the roof to do the job.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES What to Know Before You Tear Down That Wall

By Mitchell Parker

Great Home Projects: Opening up a room? Learn who to hire, what it’ll cost and how long it will take

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Tear Down That Concrete Patio

By Christine Tusher

Clear the path for plantings or a more modern patio design by demolishing all or part of the concrete in your yard

ARCHITECTURE Have Your Flat Roof and Your Snow Too

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Laboring under the delusion that flat roofs are leaky, expensive and a pain to maintain? Find out the truth here

REMODELING GUIDES Materials: The Advantages of a Metal Roof

By Becky Harris

Metal reigns in roofing style, maintenance and energy efficiency

ROOFS What to Know Before Selecting Your Home’s Roofing Material

By Matt Clawson

Understanding the various roofing options can help you make an informed choice

MATERIALS The Most Popular Roofing Material is Affordable and Easy to Install

By Matt Clawson

Asphalt shingles, the most widely used roof material in the U.S. are reliable and efficient, and may be right for you

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: How to Install a Rain Barrel

By Annie Thornton

This DIY tutorial shows how easy it can be to capture rainwater from your roof to use in your garden later

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Porch Life: Banish the Bugs

By Becky Harris

Don't let insects be the bane of your sweet tea and swing time. These screening and product ideas will help keep bugs at bay on the porch

PORCHES Give Your Outdoor Rooms a Cozy Winter Makeover

By Laura Gaskill

If you live in a mild climate, enjoy days and evenings on your porch or patio with these tips for staying warm and comfortable

Sponsored

Gutterman Services Inc

84 Reviews

Northern Virginia's Dedicated Roofing & Gutters Pros - Best of Houzz!

More Discussions

Letterbox problem...

9

Will removing attic help prevent mold?

14

Foundation crack on outside

6

What is this ceiling substance?

4

Ideas About What To Do About Height Of Front Porch?

8