Flat roofs, like all other roofs, require regular maintenance. Minor damage to the surface of an asphalt or bituminous felt roof, for example cracks and blistering, can be easily repaired with a repair kit. Repairing a flat roof is not difficult even for beginners.
To deal with splits, first remove the chips. Use a blowtorch or hot air paint stripper to soften the roof covering so you can scrape off any chips. Then, before embarking on the actual repair work, clean the area and remove any moss and lichen with a fungicide or bleach. Be careful when cleaning because the effectiveness of any repair job will depend on the stickiness of the surface when you apply the patches.
Use self-adhesive tape to repair the split. Most of them are suitable for use on all types of roof coverings. Fill a wide split with a caulking compound before taping. Apply the supplied primer on the area to be covered and leave it to act for one hour. Peel off the protective backing of the tape and apply to the primed surface. When a small indentation has occurred along a joint, cover the entire joint line with masking tape. Press the tape down firmly, making sure the edges are sealed.
Blisters on asphalt or felt roofs should only be treated if they contain water or have caused a leak in the roof covering. Press the blister pack to check if moisture is expelled. If so, it should be sealed with a patch.
To repair a blister on an asphalt roof, heat the area with a torch or hot air paint stripper. When it’s soft, try to flatten the blister. If the blister is full of moisture, open it and allow the moisture to dry. Gently heat the asphalt again before putting it back in place. Caulk the opening before closing it. Finally cover the area with a patch of repair tape.
To treat a blister on a felt roof, make two crisscross cuts across the length of the blister and remove the felt. You can heat the felt gently to make it easier. Clean the opening and let it dry. Then apply bituminous adhesive and when it has set a bit, nail the siding back into place with galvanized nails. Finally, cover the repair with a patch of roofing felt attached with bituminous adhesive or use repair tape. Cut the patch generously so that it falls on all sides.
A patched roof can be fixed by applying a finishing coat of bitumen and chips to create a more even surface area. If the surface coating has deteriorated, you may need to recoat the ceiling. However, a roof that shows signs of general wear and tear can be brought back with a liquid waterproofing treatment. It consists of the cold application of a bitumen-based waterproofing reinforced with a fiberglass membrane. This should be done during hot, dry weather.
First clean the roof and remove moss and lichens. Apply the first coat of waterproofing with a broom and then place the membrane on the wet material and stipple with a soaked brush. Make sure the edges overlap 5 cm or more and cover them with waterproofing. Apply three coats in total. Let each coat dry before applying the next. Clean the brush with soapy water before each application. When the last layer begins to set, cover it with fine chips to provide a protective layer.
Repairing a flat roof is not difficult and within the reach of most people. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully repair a flat roof in no time.