Hi,
I have a flat roof that needs to be replaced. Currently it has old rolled roofing, which is leaking. What are my options that are (relatively) inexpensive? The roof is shaped like an “L”, and is roughly 28’x16′
I think I’ve identified 2 options that I can tackle myself (or with one helper):
New rolled roofing or Modified Self Adhering Bitumen.
Any suggestions? I haven’t been able to find the Bitumen stuff, but from what I read it didn’t sound too hard.
Also, if I went with rolled roofing, should I put an underlayment of Ice and Water sheild or felt paper.
I’m new to this, but sure I can figure it out. Any thoughts/advice are greatly appreciated….Joe
Replies
"peel & stick"
PolyGlas would be a good choice
Typical 90# rolled roofing is a terrible choice for a flat roof.
IMO, it is barely acceptabl;e for a 1/12 to 3/12 pitch.
Modified is not that great on a flat roof eighther unless you really know what you are doing and it doesn't sound like you have much experience.
EPDM is the best bet
Polyglas is fine too if you have some pitch, but I'd be scared to use it if the pitxch is less than 1/4" or if you find ANY puddling of water of ANY ice and snow build
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Traditional 'roll roofing' isn't what the old timers tell me it once was. Its garbage these days. When I first started doing this work I put some on a low pitched roof for a friend and it curled in a few years and although we sealed it good and it doesn't leak (yet), it looks like crap.
We use EPDM on all flat roof applications as it goes on quick and thus is labor efficient, has a clean look and holds well, I've done roofs that I've seen a few years later than look as good as the day we put them on.
H.D. sells Liberty. We use "Mule Hide" which we buy from ABC Supply, which also carries Liberty. Polyglass is another brand we've used. Check with building supply houses outside of H.D.
assuming your roof is not actually flat---that is-----assuming it has a pitch of say 2/12 or even 1/12
your best DIY option is going to be a 2 ply self adhering modified bitumen application.
Certainteed flintlastic SA, Mulehidem and Polyglass elastoflex are all good ones.
Get them from a roofing supply house--NOT home Depot or an ordinary lumberyard.
clean Dry deck----might want to skin over the old one with new 1/2" CDX.
self adhering basesheet goes down---like ice gaurd
self adhering cap sheet goes down over the base sheet.
Keep each piece cool and in the shade untill just before you install them-----if you let 'em heat up in the sun before you try to pull the backing sheet off---it's a LOT trickier.
EPDM is a LOT trickier to get laid smooth and good looking on a roof that size---especially working solo-----and that size sheet is gonna be heavy to hump up the ladder your self---- the modified--easier all around and quite dependable.
stephen
where do you live
what is the roof pitch
what is the definition of inexpensive
where do you live cause maybe I could do the install for you?
if it is a true flat roof and you dont have risk for high wind then tpo, windy placed base sheet and granular cap.
avoid rolled roofing and tar and gravel.
although maybe not a trueism its true enough; inexpensive now = expensive repairs later.