Rolled roofing, sometimes referred to as roof underlayment or mineral-surfaced roofing (MSR) product, is a method of installing a single layer of protective material over the roof area. This roofing material is commonly available at an affordable price in most hardware stores, making it an easy, quick, and preferable solution.
However, there is a possibility of the layer becoming cracked or damaged. When this happens, you need to know how to repair rolled roofing to restore its optimal functionality.
Read also : What is Roll Roofing
How to Repair Rolled Roofing in 5 Easy Steps
Rolled roofing may not be for everyone, but it is still a popular option nonetheless. There are some reasons why it has become people’s favourite. First, as mentioned previously, it is quite cheap – there’s no need to break the bank to get roof coverage.
Next, it is quite easy to install without consuming too much time. That means most times, you should be able to do the roof covering job by yourself without relying on a roofing firm.
Another benefit that you can get is the possibility of repairing rolled roofing on your own. If the roof deck condition is considered good, the repair must be fairly simple. Roll roofing can be cut into strips despite being made from a material similar to asphalt shingles.
Cleaning out the damaged section and filling it with sealant or tar specifically made from roofing must be enough if it’s only small holes. On the other hand, the larger damaged section may require you to cut the area out and replace it with a new roll roofing part.
Before you start to repair rolled roofing, ensure you’re not working on a wet roof or rainy weather. This can turn into a hazardous situation as the roof will become really slick and increase the possibility of severe falls. After that, ensure that the ladder that you are using is secure and strong enough.
Once you are fully prepared, here are the steps to repair rolled roofing:
- Locate the specific section that needs repair. If the damage has caused a leak, you might have already identified this spot inside your house during a rainstorm. Note the location and wait until the area dries.
- Using a cat’s claw nail remover, remove the nails holding the damaged rolled roofing in place. Discard the old roofing.
- Position a new roll at the location of the damaged area. Slide the upper part of the new rolled roofing under the existing roofing.
- Apply a layer of cement, sealant, or tar under the new roofing using a trowel, and then set the roll in its intended place.
- Secure the new rolled roofing by driving nails at one-foot intervals.
To prevent further damage in the future, consider applying an additional layer of tar over the new rolled roofing. This simple process should restore your applied roof to its original condition.