Deterioration of sheet membrane roofing patching

Cause

Incompatible patching material was used; for example, rubber membrane used to patch bitumen-impregnated membrane

Repair

  • problems with roofing should be attended to without delay to avoid the risk of rainwater entering the building

  • when damage is found to a roof membrane or repairs to a roof membrane, contact the manufacturer, supplier or installer of the original membrane for their advice

  • membrane manufacturers and suppliers typically train and license applicators in the use of their membranes. A warranty may only apply where application or repair is carried out by someone licensed by the supplier. Suppliers typically provide materials for the repair of their membranes

  • roofs still under warranty should be repaired by the contractor who carried out the original membrane application or by another applicator approved by the membrane supplier

  • installation and/or repair of membrane roofs is typically not a DIY job. If repairs are made that are incompatible with the original membrane, the warranty for the original membrane may be void

  • the fact that the membrane has been patched may indicate that it is old or in poor condition. Depending on the circumstances, a better long-term option may be to replace the whole membrane rather than continue patching it

  • check the condition of membrane roofs at least once a year to ensure there is no debris on the roof, no damage and no breakdown of the membrane surface