Sheet membrane roofing – impact or puncture damage

Cause

Careless walking on roof

Repair

  • find out why people have been walking on the roof and determine how to avoid this situation recurring. If people have been on the roof to carry out minor pruning on an overhanging tree, for example, perhaps the branches need to be cut back further so that access from the roof is no longer necessary

  • membrane manufacturers/suppliers typically train and license applicators in the use of their membranes. Repairs or replacements should also be carried out by these trained/approved applicators. Work that is incompatible with the original membrane system may void the warranty and may make the problem worse

  • application, repair or replacement of roofing membranes is restricted building work. Where done by a tradesperson, it must be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner with the relevant licence class for that type of roofing

  • carry out regular maintenance as recommended or required by the manufacturer/supplier

Cause

Membrane that is not suitable for foot traffic (for example, mineral chip surface on polymer modified bitumen) 

Repair

  • follow the guidance in the first repair above. The ideal solution will be to make repairs if possible and avoid foot traffic on the roof in future. Where either or both of these options are not possible, consider replacement with a product better suited to the circumstances

Cause

Sharp or hard objects on the roof

Repair

  • remove the hard or sharp objects and follow the guidance in the first repair above

Cause

Nails in substructure have popped, puncturing membrane from underneath

Repair

  • follow the guidance in the first repair above. Where possible, determine why the nails have popped. If repairs are not possible and the membrane must be replaced, ensure the problems with the substrate are addressed before the new membrane is applied