You will instantly know that there are some problems in your
flat roof when you notice some water drippings or dampness in some areas of the ceiling. With regards to repairing flat roof on your own, there are different repair kits that you can purchase on the market and the package consists of tape and adhesive. It is important that you use the materials according to the instructions directed by the manufacturers.
Repairing Flat Roof: Felt Blisters
Clean the blistered area over and around and take out any dirt, mould, and chippings. Make a cross cut on the top layer using a sharp craft knife and do not put excessive pressure while cutting. Pull back each flap and let the area below it get dried up. You can use a heat gun to dry up the area but do it carefully. Just keep the heat gun in motion like playing the warm air over the area since overheating can cause the felt to melt away.
Place some bitumen adhesive to the area that is expose and then fold back the flaps to its original position. Carefully press down the top layer to stick to the adhesive. Cut out a new piece of felt that will serve as a patch and the size should be two inches or 50 millimeters larger on both sides compared to the blistered area. Put some bitumen adhesive on the repaired blistered area and stick the patch over it. Firmly press the patch to put it into place and be sure that the edges of the patch are sealed thoroughly.
Repairing Flat Roof: Splits and Tears
If you can lift the split or tear without causing additional damage to the felt then do the lifting very carefully. Clean out the surface under it as well as the surrounding area. Put some bitumen adhesive in the space under the lifted split or tear and carefully press it down into place. Any other gaps should be filled also with bitumen adhesive.
Cut out a new piece of felt that will serve as a patch and the size should be two inches or 50 millimeters larger on both sides compared to the area of the split or tear. Put some bitumen adhesive on the repaired area and stick the patch over it. Firmly press the patch to put it into place and be sure that the edges of the patch are sealed thoroughly.
Repairing Flat Roof: Lifting Overlaps
If there are some overlaps that have lifted up, lift the overlap carefully, clean out the area thoroughly especially underneath the overlap and let it dry completely. Place some bitumen adhesive in the gap underneath the overlap and press it down. There is a tendency that the overlap will lift as the bitumen adhesive is drying. Just put some weights on the seam as it continues to get dry.
Repairing Flat Roof: Flashings
Using one of the self-adhesive repair tapes specifically designed for flashing repairs is advisable. You will just have to follow the specific instructions from the manufacturer of the product.
Carefully clean the damage flashing surface then cut the tape according to the length of the damaged area and fasten firmly the tape on it. Make sure that the tape is not creased and it should have a smooth finish on the surface to be assured that the edges are sealed very well.
Tips in Repairing Flat Roof
Clean the damaged area and its surroundings completely.
Use a fungicide to kill the growth of moulds and prevent it from coming back.
Repairing your flat roof must be done after some days of dry weather to ensure that the roof is totally dry.
