Rubber roof leaking

[williebill]

Usually hang out on the HAMB,but read GJ often. Got a new problem with my 15 year old rubber roof on my flat roof garage. Finding some rust spots and drip spots on the bare metal on my car,and can't find the source. Roof looks OK to me,and I'm thinking that water is coming in somewhere other than where it's dripping down on my stuff.Looking online I'm finding some different types of sealers,but not sure what to do.
Anybody used the liquid sealers to cover the whole roof? Is that a good idea?
I have to carefully walk on it from time to time to clean the gutters on the building the garage is connected to. I'm very careful,but wonder if using the liquid stuff will prevent me from walking on it?
Thanks in advance.

 

[6768rogues]

Check all the penetrations and terminations. Often flat rubber roofs that are getting up in years need pitch pockets serviced and have problems at terminations and flashings. When the roof gets cold, it shrinks and pulls at the edges. Then when it warms again it does not go back in the same place. If the membrane itself is good, it is a termination, flashing, penetration or pitch pocket.
Usually a thermal imaging camera can find the problem.

 

[williebill]

Thanks,appreciate the tips.. Anybody else ever dealt with this problem?

 

[Stuart in MN]

I have a rubber roof on my back porch, with a deck on top and a railing. I had a leak, and upon closer inspection discovered there was a little split in the rubber where it was flashed up around one of the railing posts. I temporarily fixed it by squirting a little RTV in the crack. That held up fine for another couple years until I got around to having the whole roof was replaced.

I wouldn't recommend this as a permanent fix, but if the roof is going to need replacing soon anyway it's worth a shot.

 

[BlockBuster]

I don't think covering the whole roof is necessary when you're finding drip spots here and there. Rubber roofs can be tricky and inspecting with good eyes is better than a quick scan with old ones. Any tree debris up there? Shoveling snow off recently? Or head inside and look at the ceiling. Follow a logical trail back to where water may travel before hitting the low point and dripping. Do you have steel channels, screws for insulation, etc.?

And if you do find a nick or tear on the roof, use a roof friendly sealant for the short term, like a lap sealant or caulk until a real fix can be made.

 

[homeputter]

I don't know where you are located, but I had a foam roof installed on my house about 13 years ago, since my roof is just slightly sloped (3/12?). That is the best roof I have ever had. After I first bought the house I replaced the roof with a rolled roofing type. It lasted about 5 years. The only thing with foam roofs is they have to be re-coated every 5 years or so to protect the foam from the sun's UV. Just rent a power washer and than roller on a couple of 5 gal buckets of white coating. I had re-coated the roof twice and the roof was still in excellent condition when we had a hail storm. It slightly damaged the roof. Farmers roof consultant said the roof would have to be replaced. Now, I have an even better foam roof (technology improved over the last 15 years) and paid for by the insurance company. I would highly recommend it if is appropriate in your climate. I live in the desert, e.g. no snow or ice.

 

[ktm010]

I have a EDPM black rubber roof approx 15 years old also, and yes problems are as stated usually around the edges pulling away usually in the fall when temps drop. Seams that open up can be reparied just like a rubber inner tube you need the right materials. Go to a roofing supply house and get the right stuff I have fixed my many times. Cleaning is the most important part then readhere seam or add a patch. Problems are normally visable with close inspection.

 

[805gregg]

I don't know where you are located, but I had a foam roof installed on my house about 13 years ago, since my roof is just slightly sloped (3/12?). That is the best roof I have ever had. After I first bought the house I replaced the roof with a rolled roofing type. It lasted about 5 years. The only thing with foam roofs is they have to be re-coated every 5 years or so to protect the foam from the sun's UV. Just rent a power washer and than roller on a couple of 5 gal buckets of white coating. I had re-coated the roof twice and the roof was still in excellent condition when we had a hail storm. It slightly damaged the roof. Farmers roof consultant said the roof would have to be replaced. Now, I have an even better foam roof (technology improved over the last 15 years) and paid for by the insurance company. I would highly recommend it if is appropriate in your climate. I live in the desert, e.g. no snow or ice.

A foam roof is a band aid on a gunshot wound. They don't last and cost extra to replace with a real roof. Epdm or Pvc are good long lasting rubber roofs, you probably have a small hole or bad seam, an easy fix. 44 years in the roofing industry.

 

[williebill]

Thanks for all the help.
I knew the GJ would have the answers I needed.
Bill

 

[camarotoolman]

maybe just recoat it, mine is supposed to be coated every few years.

 

[kyles974]

I saw on the tv there was this spray can that would seal up everything!

They even cut the bottom of a boat out, installed a screen door,....and then sprayed the screen with this spray, and guess what? The boat floats!




.....sorry, had to say it.
I just LMAO at that commercial!