DIY EPDM Flat Roof Repair

DIY Flat roofs are an excellent choice for modern homes owing to their durability, ease of installation and sleek appearance. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that so many DIY’ers have EPDM as a go-to roofing material when looking to resurface their flat roofs.

However, as with all aspects of the home, installation is not the final consideration of the project, and maintenance is essential in preserving the life of the roof.

EPDM Flat Roof Repair 

Although regular maintenance aids in the longevity of an EPDM roof, sometimes unfortunate circumstances arise where repairing is unavoidable. In this post, we’ll explain the process of repairing your EPDM rubber roof in the unfortunate event it is damaged. We have also supplied links to our suggested products to help ensure you have everything you need to undertake the repair.

Diagnosing Problems With Your EPDM Flat Roof

There are many early warning signs that DIY’ers should take heed of if they believe their EPDM roof has been damaged, however, one of the most prominent signs is that the roof is no longer providing a watertight seal.

Before starting any repair work, it is important to consider the factors which may have led to the damage. Good questions to ask yourself are:

• Has the flat roof been accessed during any other work which may have led to the rubber being punctured/torn by tools/sharp objects?

• Is the roof in a location where it may have suffered an impact, e.g. a falling roof tile, or a large tree branch?

With an idea of the cause of the damage, necessary EPDM roof repair steps can be taken.

Repairing your DIY flat roof:

The type of repair needed depends on the damage which has occurred; we will break the most common damages down, however regardless of the damage the roof should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned to remove any dirt, debris or loose material which may result in further damage prior to your EPDM repair. 

Repairing holes and tears in EPDM

Holes and tears can be repaired by applying an EPDM patch kit over the area. These patches fit over the affected area and are bonded in place to the original membrane to form a watertight seal.

EPDM Repair Guide:

1. Using a section of Techno 9” Formflash, mark the affected area, ensuring that you have full coverage of the damaged piece.

2. Apply an EPDM Primer to the marked area, and allow it to dry (see primer label for details).

3. Apply the 9” Formflash to the primed area.

4. Use a seam roller to apply pressure to the area to ensure sufficient adhesion.

Additional Repairs

The techniques used above can be used for many other repairs, including replacement (in the event parts of the roof have been structurally altered or repaired).

Preventing further flat roof damage

To prevent damage to a DIY EPDM flat roof installation, we recommend several preventative steps. Ensuring that your roof is free from debris, which could cause accidental damage to the flat roof and that there are no immediate threats, e.g. loose roof tiles which could puncture/tear your roof will all help aid in the longevity of the system.