How to Repair Flat Roof Leaks DIY
This is a guide to help you find and Repair leaks on your roof. This includes Metal Roofs, EPDM Rubber Roofs, TPO Vinyl and Modified Bitumen Rubber Roofs.
Determine the Type of roof before attempting any repairs in Reading PA
Modified Bitumen
These type of roofs have seams every 3 feet and consist of Asphalt material. Some are coated with Aluminum Asphalt which gives the appearance of a silver color. Others have a granular surface. Most have no coatings at all and have a black smooth surface with spider cracks in it.
EPDM Rubber and TPO Vinyl Roofs
EPDM Rubber is the same material that inner tubes of a tyre is made of. It has a very smooth soft to the touch feel. They are mostly black and almost no coatings are found on them.
Metal Roofs
This type of roof is commonly found on commercial buildings, Some residential homes also have metal roofs. Commercial Metal Roofs have self drilling screws that screw into metal beams and Residential Metal Roofs have screws for wood beams.
Products and Instructions to use for each type of Flat Roof Leak Repair
Modified Bitumen Rubber Roof Leak repair
When making repairs on these type of roofs, Turbo Poly Seal should be used. Turbo Poly Seal has asphalt properties that makes it compatible with Modified Bitumen. How to use Turbo Poly Seal for a Roof Repair
- 1. Determine what is causing the leak. That could be a seam, vent pipe and or flashing
- 2. Clean the area of repair thoroughly. Use water and a rag to wash all debris off.
- 3. Make sure the surface is dry and clean. There should be no old tar, caulking and other repair materials
- 4. Open the Turbo Poly Seal Container and stir the content well.
- 5. Use a 2" disposable brush, and apply 1 thick coat over the area of repair. Make sure to allow at least 2 inches of sealant on either side of the area that need to be sealed.
- 6. Cut the appropriate length of Polyester Fleece and embed it into the freshly painted surface.
- 7. Apply another coating covering the entire fleece. Make sure the fleece is not exposed
EPDM Rubber and TPO Vinyl Roof Leak Repair
Repairs on these type of roofs should only be made with Super Silicone Seal. This is the only product that adheres to EPDM Rubber. TPO can be repaired with either product, Turbo Poly Seal or Super Silicone Seal
- 1. Determine what is causing the leak. Most leaks on a EPDM Roof stems from T joints of seams around curbs and skylights.
- 2. Clean the area of repair thoroughly. Use water and a rag to wash all debris off.
- 3. Make sure the surface is dry and clean. There should be no old tar, caulking, tapes and other repair materials
- 4. Open the Super Silicone Seal Container and stir the content well.
- 5. Use a 2" disposable brush, and apply 1 thick coat over the area of repair. Make sure to allow at least 2 inches of sealant on either side of the area that need to be sealed.
- 6. Cut the appropriate length of Polyester Fleece and embed it into the freshly painted surface.
- 7. Apply another coating covering the entire fleece. Make sure the fleece is not exposed
Metal Roof leak Repair
Metal Roofs can leak at the seams and or the fasteners. It is important to torque the screws down before applying any sealant. When repairing leaks on a metal roof, we suggest to use Super Silicone Seal. Turbo Poly Seal can be used in most cases.. Follow the steps below to make the repairs.
- 1. Most likely a seam or fastener is causing the leak. After tightening the screws down, proceed with the repair.
- 2. Use an angle grinder with a steel brush to remove rust, debris and old repair materials like caulking and tar.
- 3. Make sure the surface is dry and clean. There should be no old tar, caulking, tapes and other repair materials
- 4. Open the Super Silicone Seal Container and stir the content well.
- 5. When sealing a seam, apply a coat of sealant 2 inches wide on either side of the seam. Embed the Polyester fleece into the sealant. Avoid embedding the fleece over screws.
- 6. Apply another coat over the fleece covering it entirely.
- 7. After tightening the screws, dab the screw heads with Super Silicone Seal making sure the sealant covers the entire surface around the screw. No fleece should be used over the screws
About Us
Bergstrom Industries - Reading PA
We have been in business for over 40 years. We provide high-quality roof sealants to commercial and residential clients.
Besides the products we sell, we will also come and inspect your roof, train 2 of your employees if necessary, to maintain your roof.
Why Choose Bergstrom Industries for Quality Repair Products
Bergstrom Industries is a trusted name for Altoona, PA’s best flat roof repair products. Our top-quality repair products have helped many customers extend the lifespan of their roofs. Moreover, our flat roof repair products are designed to last as long as your roof does.
The rainy season can cause your roof to drip like an uncapped faucet. Therefore, instead of damaging your roof by allowing the leaks to persist, choose the finest flat roof waterproofing products from Bergstrom Industries and rid yourself of leaky roofs. As a leading roofing product store in Reading, PA, we offer high-quality roof repair products at competitive prices. Our roof waterproofing products, like SUPER SILICONE SEAL products and TURBO POLY SEAL products, have helped numerous customers fix their roofs, and they are highly affordable as well. Go to our website to get yours.
Select from the following YouTube Videos on How to repair Metal and Flat Roof leaks
By watching these videos, you will gain a good understanding of what to do and how to approach repairing leaks on your roof.
Services - Reading PA
The methods described above and in the videos have been tested over a period of 18 years
How to Repair Flat Roof/Metal Roof leaks DIY in Reading PA
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Tel # 203 858 0080
If you have a sizable job and need us to come and repair it, please call us at the number listed.
We will also train two of your employees in roof repair from Reading, PA