Having problems with and EPDM Rubber roof can be a real problem. If you think your rubber roof is leaking, you should take action immediately to repair the roof to prevent further weather and rain damage. Once the water gets in the damage it does will start to increase making the problem much worse that if you had resolved it straight way. One thing to remember about leaks is that they don’t go away on their own and it doesn’t take long for the leak to get larger and that can start to get really expensive.

Attempting to repair the leak yourself, is quite easy, if you have the correct tools and are a bit of a DIYer, once you know what to do you can repair the leak yourself.

Some things that you will need are :

• Proper Safety Equipment, make sure you are safe on you roof and are attached safetly.
• A Ladder, make sure it long enough for the job and reach the roof height without stretching.
• Paint Brushes, you will ned these to apply adhesives and sealers.
• Rubber glovers, some of the materials you will be touching can be toxic and cause irritation to the skin.
• Seams and probe Tool, this is a specisialt kit to lay rubber roofing tiles.
• Silicone hand roller

All of the tools can be purchased from a hardware store that has a roofing section, or a local builder’s yard. Make sure that you get the correct brushes, however, normal gloss or water based paint brushes that you may have might not be suitable for use with the adhesive and sealers you will be using in the repair.

Before you go on the roof ensure that someone knows that you are attempting the repair, just in case there is an accident or you need assistance. Safety should always come first when dealing with heights. Inspect the leak area, and check that all the seams, a sound, use the probing tool to determine where the seal is unsound and the tile is becoming loose; this will be the source of the leak. If you have gravel on your roof you will need to sweep this to one side so you make the area as clean as possible, when you apply the adhesives make sure the surface are as clean and as dust free as possible so that you get the best seals possible.

Once you have applied the adhesive and replace the tiles if necessary, use the silicone roller, leave the seams for at least 24 hours before retesting them with the probing tool, otherwise you will weaken the seal before it has had time to bond sufficiently. One this to remember is not to attempt repair the EPDM rubber roofs if the ambient temperature is below 35-40 degrees. At this temperature the adhesives will be unable to dry properly and you won't get a good tight seal on your roof.