One of the greatest advantages of rubber roofing is that it requires very little maintenance. But occasionally, your rubber roof will need repair. This article presents a quick and easy guide to show you how to repair your rubber roof, should it ever become necessary to do so.
Sealants for Rubber Roof Repair
Whilst very serious repairs may require replacement of your rubber roof coating, minor rubber roof repairs can be carried out using a liquid rubber sealant cement that comes in a tube, or by applying special rubberized tape. Tubes of rubber roof repair sealant cement typically come in 10oz sizes, and contain oils mixed with the liquid rubber that help it to penetrate and fill any cracks that may have appeared.
You can also buy tapes to help in rubber roof repair. Ordinary duct tape won’t do the trick here. The tape needs to be a specialized type made specifically for repairing rubber roofs. It is made from a combination of resins and rubber, and is backed with a powerful adhesive that is able to withstand extreme heat and cold, and which is resistant to ultraviolet rays, so that it does not deteriorate due to the ravages of the weather. Liquid rubber cement for rubber roof repair comes in a variety of colors, in order to match the color of your roof.
The Effect of Cleaning on Rubber Roof Surfaces
In 1992, the US Army released the results of a study assessing the results of 16 different cleaning methods on the rubber roofs of its installations when preparing them for patching. The study concluded that the application of a droplet of dimethyl formalmide, commonly abbreviated to DMF, applied with an eyedropper, can adequately indicate the bonding condition of aged rubber roofing. It recommended that all contaminants be removed, so that the original color of the roofing material is restored, before any patch is applied.
When cleaning rubber roofs for repair, make sure that you change brushes or cloths often, to avoid re-depositing dirt on the surface. The Army’s recommended method for cleaning was a wire brush applied to an electric drill, to apply vigorous abrasion to the surface.
The results of this study show the durability of rubber roofing. With cleaning, the condition of the roofing can be returned to almost the same as when it was new. Such cleaning allows it to be patched in such a way that it can last a lifetime, even if a crack or wear and tear should occur.
