Repair of soft roof types of repair. How to repair a soft roof with your own hands: an overview of methods for restoring flexible coverings. Emergency repairs in winter

Soft roofing is quite easy to install and is available to the vast majority of developers, which is why it has remained very popular for many years. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and breakdowns often occur with any objects and mechanisms that surround us, and roof cladding is no exception. Repair of a soft roof happens quite often, and the owners of the house have to fix it, sometimes even a couple of times a year people fix the defects that have appeared. The only good thing is that for such work it is not necessary to involve craftsmen, because the entire restoration process can be done with your own hands.

lan repair work usually compiled after a thorough inspection of the roof, which allows us to identify all the problems that have arisen. There are two standard repair methods roofing:

  • major repairs of soft roofing;
  • current elimination of defects.

Each of these methods is performed using a separate technology, within which it is recommended to use different materials, and if absolutely necessary, you can get to work even in winter.

The main reason for frequent wear and tear roofing material lies in the properties of bitumen, which is susceptible to exposure to sunlight and begins to melt at high temperatures, hence the defects expressed as swellings and irregularities that affect the further operation of the structure. The thing is that when precipitation falls, rainwater or melted snow accumulates in the formed depressions, seeping through cracks in the bitumen. But even in winter you can encounter some problems, because during the thaw the snow melts, and when sharp decline temperature, it turns into ice, which widens the cracks in the material and tears it.


To determine if the sheathing needs repair, carefully examine the roof surface. If the waterproofing has peeled off in some places, cracks have appeared, bitumen has swollen or depressions have been discovered, or moss has grown in, repair of the soft roof is inevitable. If the defects are minor, you'll be fine minor repairs and you can easily handle it yourself.

Ongoing roof repairs

Let’s say right away that major repairs can be made less expensive if you carry out a preventive process every three years. As for the current repair, it provides for minimal cladding errors, and you do not need to dismantle old rolled materials with dried mastic, which, in fact, require repair. Here you will need to update the existing layer, namely:

  • elimination of bubbles;
  • replacement of funnels for water drainage;
  • replacement of parapet covering or eaves overhangs;
  • covering the old layer with primers;
  • fusing new waterproofing.

Experienced masters advise Special attention pay attention to the most problematic areas, which are the joints of roofing elements, parapet structures and walls, as well as those areas where drains are fixed. In some cases, you can limit yourself to patches, but they often do not give a lasting result and are not a guarantee further exploitation roofs without leaks.

The soft roof repair technology consists of several stages, namely:

  1. Cleaning the surface of debris, dirt and moss;
  2. Examination of the surface for the presence of rot, and if it is detected, such segments should be cut off, capturing undamaged material (up to 2 cm on each side);
  3. Leveling unevenness with a special mastic, which will require mortar materials such as a cement composition;
  4. Cutting off all bubbles, removing dust, drying the surface and leveling it to firmly fix the patch;
  5. A patch is cut from new material with an allowance of 5 cm;
  6. Lubricating the surface with mastic and gluing patches.

Please note that the reverse side of the patch must be processed bitumen mastic. Next in the work you will need a torch, which needs to heat the patch, after which it is pressed with a press.

Repair over old coating

In professional circles, the expression is known as “old-fashioned repair,” which means that there is no need to dismantle old roofing materials, and defects are eliminated on top of them. This method is much cheaper and easier to implement than major repairs of a soft roof. It can be easily done with your own hands, which is why this method is used most often.


Laying new layers on top of old ones

IN in this case old roofing materials with defects identified will serve as the basis for a new coating. The final coating can be applied in one or two layers - it all depends on the scale of the disaster and the financial capabilities of the owner of the house, but a double carpet, of course, is better and more reliable, since its strength is higher. However, one cannot fail to mention that it is necessary to take into account the possibilities rafter system , because here the load on the roof surface increases by 5 kg/1m2 due to the rolled cladding, and additional weight is given by the mastic on which it is glued. Repairing soft roll roofing using this principle is suitable for a roof that is not in a completely deplorable condition. If the old roll cladding is very bad, the risk will be unjustified, and it is better to immediately get ready for a major repair. Also, this method should be abandoned if the previously laid layers of bitumen exceed permissible norm

(maximum 6 - 8 layers), again due to the heaviness of the materials.

Major repairs of soft roofing If you have carried out an inspection and found that a significant area of ​​the roof has been damaged, and defects reach 60% of the entire surface, patches and mastic will not be enough. In this case, only complete dismantling dilapidated damaged cladding and installation soft material

in a new way. As a rule, major repairs are resorted to in the event of regular and excessive roof leaks, as a result of which the insulation is damaged and loses its properties or the cladding freezes. TO minimum set

  1. Work on major repairs of the roof can include dismantling bitumen and replacing it with new material, lubricated with mastic, replacing funnels and cornices, drying insulation using special devices, replacing the parapet structure.
  2. If the condition of the roof is more than deplorable, and the defects affected the rafter system, you will have to update not only the cladding, but also the frame with vapor barrier and insulation, and the order of work will be as follows:
  3. We dismantle old materials;

We eliminate screed defects; We carry out the entire roofing process in a new way.

Major renovation

Flexible materials used for roofing private houses are distinguished by their high maintainability. This is very important for those who are planning to repair soft tiles. In this article we will talk about what methods there are to repair soft tiles with your own hands, and what the sequence of work will be in a given case.

Most often, the roof needs repair after leaks are detected, which can occur in the following cases:

  • Due to violations during the design of the structure.
  • Due to errors made during the installation of the roofing.
  • Damage caused during the operation of the roof.

Only the first point can cause difficulty - special skills may be required. In all other cases, there will be no need to completely disassemble the roof; there will be little work, so even an inexperienced person can handle it.

Finding defective areas on the roof

In order for the roof to last as long as possible, visual inspections must be carried out systematically, every three months. Such an audit will help to timely find emerging and emerging breakthroughs. Even small punctures, cracks and swelling can cause an emergency.


The roof inspection is carried out in two stages:

  • Assessing the condition of the roof from the outside attic space for damage to structural components.
  • External inspection of roofing material in those places where there is the greatest likelihood of water ingress.

Roof repair methods

After the audit it will become clear whether we can do it home handyman carry out repairs of flexible tiles. The owner will only need the ability to operate the usual construction tools necessary to repair the roof.

Replacement of soft tile shingles

Minimal leaks of flexible tiles are eliminated by replacing damaged areas. The element should be replaced, even if it affects the aesthetic appearance of the roof. Defects tend to grow larger, which can cause a piece or entire shingle to come off over time.

There is no need to install new shingles. Sometimes you can get by with replacing only one petal. There should be several pieces of such covering left on the farm so that damaged roof elements can be replaced at any time.

Below is an example of work to replace the third part of a shingle (one torn blade). It is worth noting that it is impossible to fix a bitumen element over a damaged shingle, since such an overlay will lead to the appearance of a new leak in the future.


The sequence of roof repairs made of flexible tiles will be as follows:

  • We find the location of the damage and the points of the roofing nails that will need to be removed. It is better to mark them with chalk so that in a hurry you do not have to detach the wrong part of the covering for repair.
  • Slowly lift the two rows of tiles running above the area to be repaired.
  • Use a small flat pry bar to wedge the top tile.
  • Using a pry bar, remove the nail from the torn petal.
  • In the same way, we remove all the nails with which the removed element was secured.
  • Using metal scissors, cut off the damaged area of ​​the tiles.
  • We discard the cut piece, taking care not to damage adjacent elements.
  • We take a spare shingle and cut off a third part from it to replace it, cover the reverse side with bitumen mastic.
  • We mount the prepared element in a prepared place, level it with adjacent elements, hammer in nails, and it is worth moving 3-5 mm from the previous location in any direction.
  • We fix the patch at four points.
  • We open the heads of new nails with bitumen-polymer resin or mastic.
  • We cover the back side of all the tiles that were lifted with mastic.
  • Press the repair area firmly against the sheathing - this will the last stage repair of flexible tile roofing.


The repair sequence will be the same whether there are many single damages or it is an entire shingle replacement.

If in the roof with flexible tiles A leak has occurred at the junction points; the cause may be cracking of the sealant, peeling of the waterproofing carpets attached to the penetration, or the same non-compliance with the rules when creating penetrations. In these cases, tiles in damaged areas are usually removed, and after repair work they are installed in their original place.

We restore membrane roofing using technology

Holes in the roofing membrane are caused by improper use. Move on the roof with polymer coating It is possible only along established special paths. Maintenance paths are made from an elastomeric strip with a non-slip coating. To remove snow from such a membrane, it is better to use a shovel made of wood or plastic.


The largest damages can be repaired by installing patches:

  • First, a patch is prepared according to the dimensions taken from the damaged areas. It should be enough to cover the defective area by at least 5 cm around the entire perimeter. The edges need to be rounded.
  • Now thoroughly wipe the area to be restored with a rag soaked in water, remove all dirt, and dry it with a hair dryer.
  • At the end, we weld the salary to the prepared base in one go. nozzle welding machine Place it diagonally to the seam. After installation, softened surfaces should be immediately rolled with a silicone roller, with all movements directed from the center.

If the base around is very dirty, the patch can be installed under the coating and then welded in the same way. If you do not have a welding machine, the defective area can be sealed with butyl rubber tape.


In this case, the work must be performed in the following sequence:

  • The damaged material is cut so that all flaps and cut edges are removed.
  • If the waterproofing under the membrane is also damaged, then it also needs to be cut.
  • WITH problem area and moisture-proofing carpet, remove all dirt and dry. Make sure that no soapy or greasy stains remain on the membrane.
  • Apply a patch with rounded edges to the previously covered bitumen-polymer mastic moisture-repellent fabric.
  • Remove from the back of the butyl tape protective film and glue it.
  • We roll the patch firmly with a silicone roller or smooth it by hand with a rag.
  • We seal the edges of the patch with polyurethane sealant.

In addition to cracks and other minor damage, defects in the installation of the membrane may occur during operation. Most often, the strip peels off in places where the seam is welded. In this case, the coating cannot be repaired - it is removed and a new strip is laid in its place. On the new seam in the upper part, it is advisable to weld an additional metal strip 10 cm wide.

How to repair damage to flexible tiles

Damage to bitumen and bitumen-polymer materials can occur anywhere in gables, and specific repair methods will be used in each case.


The most common defects that occur are:

  • Cracks, punctures, holes formed due to improper use of the roof.
  • The appearance of cracks at junctions due to the designer’s neglect of the movements of the structure being erected.
  • Bloating. They appear where the thermal insulation begins to become moist over time. This problem usually occurs due to laying the coating on wet insulation or due to the appearance of internal punctures in the vapor barrier.
  • Minor depressions in roofing material caused by its attachment to an unprepared concrete base that contains potholes.
  • Leaks around the perimeter of roof penetrations. Occurs due to poor coverage of adjacent areas with an insulating carpet or due to mechanical damage.
  • Convergence of rolled roofing material with vertical plane adjacent walls, pipes, parapet.
  • Lagging of the roofing carpet from the base due to poor adhesion. This deficiency may occur due to the lack of a primer layer or insufficient heating of the back side roll material.

Defects in the roofing carpet caused by improper use are the most common.


Such defects can be eliminated using one of the proposed methods:

  • For minor tears and punctures, there is no need to replace the entire coating element, since it is enough to simply install a patch. Its dimensions should be 10 cm in all directions greater than the size of the damaged area, and its edges should be rounded. Fixing the patch on concrete base should be done only after it has been cleaned and primed. If the patch is laid on any wood flooring, then it is placed under the trimmed part of the material. Large cracks can be repaired in the same way.
  • Small cracks are removed by filling defective places in two layers of bitumen-polymer mastic. Upper layer sprinkle with coarse powder.
  • Small swellings are first cut in the center, after which this area is dried with a hair dryer. Petals that were formed as a result of cross-shaped cuts should be turned outward to allow thorough cleaning of dirt. The dried bases of the petals are heated with a burner, placed in place, and rolled with a roller. After this, a patch made of the same rolled material is mounted over the cut.

In the event of large area swellings and ruptures, there is a need for major repairs of the roof made of soft tiles. In order not to bring the roof to such a state, it will be necessary to systematically inspect it. It is best if the entire list of work is carried out at a temperature environment from 5 to 18 o C. Other temperature indicators may affect the elasticity and strength of the material.


Sometimes on roll roofing depressions of up to one and a half centimeters may occur.

In this case, the repair will consist of removing bubbles according to the following principle:

  • The damaged area of ​​the material is cut with an envelope, after which the bent ends are dried.
  • Cement mortar is poured into the cavity and waited until it hardens. It is prohibited to use mastic as a leveling layer.
  • Mastic is applied over the dried fill.
  • The tidied petals are returned to their original place and glued.
  • Next, a patch is installed on top. Remember that its dimensions must exceed the area of ​​the damaged area by 10 cm.

If a small leak occurs along the roof penetrations, they are eliminated by opening finishing coating and subsequent replacement of waterproofing pasting. Quite often it turns out that only the sealant layer is damaged - in this case it simply needs to be replaced.


It is much more difficult to get rid of leaks at roof junctions and passages.

These defects can be eliminated in the following way:

  • Remove the protective apron from the junction.
  • We get rid of the old waterproofing carpet, and then dry the base.
  • We take a new waterproofing carpet and glue it onto the mastic so that a 30 cm piece of it lies on a vertical surface.
  • With help metal slats or an apron we fix the edge of the new carpet.
  • At the final stage, the seams should be sealed.

The technology for repairing a soft roof in the event of peeling of the roofing also involves carrying out some work. In such places, you should try to tear off as much of the covering area and adjacent strips as possible from the base. After this, the base and the separated part of the material should be thoroughly cleaned, dried and coated with primer. At the end bottom part The removed coating is again heated with a gas burner and laid with fusing on the base.

How to repair roof penetrations

Leaks on a soft roof can also occur due to the installation of low-quality casings, with the help of which the intersections of the roof with communications were installed. Elements made of rubber or plastic may simply burst.

Damaged structural elements must be replaced as follows:

  • We remove the material around the perimeter of the penetration from the base.
  • We dismantle the waterproofing collar.
  • Remove the casing.
  • We are installing a new structural element.
  • We make a new collar from the waterproofing carpet, cutting it according to a template from the old collar.
  • We clean the base around the perimeter of the penetration and cover it with mastic.
  • We place the collar on the casing.
  • Again we cover the area to be repaired with mastic.
  • We put the roofing covering that was initially separated back into place.


Simply put, replacement of communication elements is carried out in the same way as the original installation.

The examples of repair of soft roofing coverings indicated in the material will help you solve most of the problems associated with the appearance of defects that so prevent the owners of private houses from living comfortably. By following roof restoration technologies, you will achieve a positive result. Most importantly, the owner is able to perform the entire list of repair work with his own hands.

Our article describes soft roof repair technology + video. We touched on the most frequently asked questions on this topic. Describe the types of repairs and how they are performed.

There are several answers to the question of how to repair a soft roof. Everything will depend on the extent of the damage and its complexity.

Repairs are usually divided into two types:

  1. Current – ​​damage to the roof covering is less than 40% of the total roof area.
  2. Major – damage amounts to more than 40% of the roof area.

No matter how strange it may sound, the main reason for roofs made of soft rolled materials to leak is the destruction of the bitumen layer, which provides waterproofing properties of this material.

Repairing the soft roof of a garage with your own hands is not difficult, since this building has small sizes. But on other buildings, this work will not take much time and effort, especially when it comes to ongoing repairs.

In general, roll roof coverings are considered the easiest to install. Installing them does not require any special equipment or skill.

As mentioned above, before starting work, you should determine the extent of damage. How it's done? We need to go up to the roof and examine the covering. What to look for?

  • In places where panels overlap and join, there may be visible peeling;
  • There may be visible depressions and pits on the roof surface that can retain water;
  • In places where water stagnates, it should be examined for decay of the material, the appearance of moss or fungus;
  • Blisters on the surface of the roofing indicate that moisture has penetrated in this place;
  • Availability of visible mechanical damage, abrasions, cracks, tears.

After inspecting the roof, you can draw conclusions about what type of repairs will be needed. Based on this, an estimate for a soft roof is drawn up. What does it include?

Advice! To draw up an estimate, it is not necessary to call a specialist; you can do it yourself. But if you are not confident in your abilities, then of course you should contact the appropriate companies.

If the repair work will be carried out by a team of specialists, then first of all they will indicate a list of works, namely:

  • Full or partial withdrawal old roof.
  • Preparing the surface for subsequent installation of roofing.
  • Installation of the top layer of the roof and sealing the seams.
  • Waterproofing top layer.
  • Combustible materials for the burner.
  • Consumables and their delivery.

If you decide to carry out the repair yourself, then the estimate will only include the cost of the material used and its delivery.

Those who have not yet decided whether to do it themselves or hire workers can contact a company that repairs roofs. By providing them with the following information, you can find out approximately how much the repair will cost.

  1. Roof plan with all dimensions to calculate the amount of material.
  2. Lengths of eaves overhangs, junctions with walls and parapets, thickness and height of the latter.
  3. The presence of shafts on the roof, their number and size.
  4. The presence of pipes and other elements on the roof, their sizes and quantities.
  5. The condition of the roof, it is advisable to take photographs.
  6. Approximate list of repair work.
  7. What roofing material will be used.

SNiP rules

Work should be carried out in accordance with:

  • SNiP soft roofing 03/12/2001.
  • SNiP 12-01-2004 “Construction Organization”;
  • SNiP 3.03.01-87 “Load-bearing and enclosing structures”;
  • SNiP 3.04.01-87 “Insulating and finishing coatings”;
  • SNiP 12-03-2001 “Labor safety in construction” part 1. General requirements;
  • SNiP 12-04-2002 “Labor safety in construction” part 2. Construction production;
  • POT R M-012-2000 “Inter-industry rules for labor protection when working at height”;
  • SNiP repair of soft roofing 11-26-76 (1979).

Although many of those who perform roofing repairs do not always comply with them. This is due to the fact that most of the rules listed above were developed back in Soviet time. Much has changed since then, including materials and technology.

Please note: ignorance of these rules does not in any way affect the quality of work. If the workers know their job well, roof repairs will be completed quickly and reliably.

Repair and installation of a soft roof should begin with preparing the base on which the material will be laid.

If we talk about current repairs, there are several options. Partial replacement (patches) and repairs can be carried out as before (1-2 layers of new material are laid on the old cover).

If patches are installed, all defects in the places where they are laid are removed (cut out or pierced). Then the surface is cleaned of debris and dust and filled with bitumen mastic or sealant.

A piece of roofing felt or other rolled material is placed on top. It must be larger in size than the surface being repaired.

The edges are carefully coated with bitumen mastic. But this method usually does not give results. Therefore, many people use the following method of routine repairs - “the old way.”

Soft roofing for garages and more can be installed during routine repairs without removing the old cover. With this method, it is worth considering that fusing two more layers will increase the load on the roof.

So it’s worth starting by finding out how much weight the walls and floor supports can withstand.

For example, the following calculation can be given: on average modern materials have a mass of 4-5 kg/m2, if the roof area is 1000 m2, the load on the roof will increase by another 5 tons. And so, instead of the base, they use the old roofing cover.

It is pre-cleaned of debris and dirt. Installation of a new layer is carried out in the usual way. This method cannot be used if the previous covering is severely damaged or there are already more than 8 layers of old material on the roof.

Typically, during a major overhaul, complete replacement roofing material, partial renovation foundations (screeds) and parapets, replacement of eaves overhangs, aprons, fencing, inspection and repair of water inlets and drains.

But sometimes roofs are in such disrepair that they have to not only be repaired, but practically built from scratch. Naturally, this affects the cost of work.

Major repairs of soft roofing are carried out in the following order:

  1. Removing the old cover.
  2. Foundation repair.
  3. Laying a waterproofing layer.
  4. Installation of insulation (if necessary).
  5. A screed is being made.
  6. Roofing material is spreading.
  7. Stacked protective layer.

To complete the work you will need gas-burner, roofing material, knife for cutting roofing felt, sealant or bitumen mastic, broom for cleaning the surface, cement for screed, insulation, overalls.

Major repairs of a soft roof begin with the removal of the old covering.

For this process, such as, you can use special equipment (the machine removes the coating and immediately rolls it into a roll) or an ax (for convenience wooden handle change to metal pipe, its length is selected individually, according to the person’s height).

If there are no large dents or cracks, but only minor damage, then the screed does not need to be filled. Sometimes the screed is preceded by a layer of insulation. This could be polystyrene foam, a layer of gravel or other thermal insulation.

In the first hours after laying the cement layer, the surface is primed with bitumen, which covers the screed with a thin film and prevents the evaporation of moisture from it.

After the cement has hardened, you can begin laying the roofing material. The composition of soft roofing varies, but it is better to use fiberglass-based materials.

They have a longer service life and higher specifications, in contrast to coatings based on cardboard.

Laying begins from the bottom edge of the roof, gradually rising upward. Each subsequent row is overlapped (from 10 cm). The greater the roof slope angle, the larger value ceilings

For roofing felt, glassine and roofing felt, a protective cover made of bitumen is installed. It is then sprinkled with stone chips and rolled with a roller.

Advice! When using the latest generation materials, the seams between the rows are not coated and they are already covered with a protective coating on top. Consequently, less material is wasted.

As you can see, the technology for repairing a soft roof is not very complicated. Two people are enough to complete the work. The choice of materials is entirely up to you.

But I would like to remind you, do not forget to inspect the roofing at least once every three years. After all, correcting minor flaws is much easier and cheaper than covering the roof completely.

The average service life of a soft roof reaches 10-15 years, but this is only if all the features have been observed technological process. The “life” of a roof covering is longer, the more carefully and regularly its surface is maintained. But it is worth noting that even with systematic care, the need to repair soft roofs periodically arises, and there may be several reasons for this.

  1. Emergency.
  2. Current.
  3. Capital.

Emergency repairs necessary for emergency restoration of a soft roof to its normal performance characteristics. Most often, at this time, the coating is replaced in places of actual and suspected leaks. From 5% to 20% of the roof area is subject to reconstruction. Repair involves installing patches in critical areas; less often, replacing part of the roofing material.

Current repairs cover from 10% to 40% of the entire roofing area. It is recommended to carry it out annually after a routine inspection of the surface of the roof of the house. The following activities can be carried out as work: replacing part of the roofing or installing patches.

This roof needs urgent professional repairs.

Major renovation necessary when more than 40% of the roof area needs restoration. To completely normalize the performance characteristics, the entire roofing covering or most of it is replaced.

The need for repair work is usually caused by the destruction of the bitumen layer, which leads to a decrease in hydro- and vapor barrier characteristics, which means that water from outside begins to flow into interior spaces Houses. If you plan to repair a soft roof with your own hands, then it is worth studying the entire sequence of work, starting from assessing the condition of the coating to final stages restoration activities.

When repairs are needed

To understand how much work awaits the technician, you need to go up to the roof and assess the damage. When examining, you should pay attention to the following points:

  • the presence of delaminations at the junctions of panels of soft roofing material;
  • the appearance on the roof surface of pits and depressions visible to the naked eye in which water accumulates;
  • the appearance of swelling and bubbles on the roof surface: this is evidence that water has seeped under the layer of material;
  • assess the degree of damage to the roofing from stagnant water - the appearance of rot, mold or mildew;
  • check the roof for mechanical damage - cracks, tears, abrasions, deformations.

Important! Roof inspections should be carried out annually, and not once every 2-3 years, as often happens. Early detection defective areas will eliminate the problem more quickly and cheaply.

The presence of bubbles on the roofing surface indicates that it is time to begin repair work.

An objective assessment of the damage will allow us to draw conclusions - whether a major repair of the soft roof is needed or whether a minor restoration can be done. An estimate, the preparation of which should be next step for the repair of soft roofs.

Subtleties of budgeting

Sometimes you may come across information that you only need to prepare an estimate for major roof repairs. This approach cannot be considered correct, because the estimate allows for a financial assessment of the amount of work, as well as systematizing data for procurement necessary materials.

The estimate must take into account a complete list of repair activities, namely:

  • dismantling the old roofing - completely or only to the extent of the damaged area;
  • preparatory work for laying new roofing material;
  • direct installation of soft roofing and sealing of seams;
  • creating a top waterproofing layer.

Also, the cost of purchasing consumables and combustible materials must be included in the estimate, and payment for delivery of purchased products must be taken into account.

Photo of defects in soft roof covering with detailed description will help make counting much easier required quantity materials for repair

If it is difficult to decide on your own how much the technology for repairing a soft roof will cost, then you can submit a request to professional builders to create an estimate. To prepare the document they will need the following information:

  • a complete roof plan with all measurements;
  • thickness and height of parapets, location and length of eaves overhangs and their junction points;
  • location of shafts, pipes and other roof elements, indicating their number and size;
  • description of defects or their photos to assess the condition of the roofing;
  • list of planned works;
  • name of the roofing material selected for repair.

Having received a financial assessment of future repairs, you can begin choosing specialists or plan to carry out the work yourself. It’s worth noting right away that repairs to soft roofs should be carried out taking into account the appropriate regulatory documentation, where both the work itself and the materials that should be used are regulated.

Important ! Often the experience of a team of craftsmen adequately replaces SNiPs, GOSTs and other rules. After all regulations do not take into account fast updates construction market, its development and the emergence of new options for soft roofing with better characteristics.

Minor roof repairs

Depending on the type of defect, several options for carrying out work are possible:

  1. Creation of “patches” in places where the material is damaged.
  2. Connecting separated joints.
  3. Old-fashioned renovation.

Important ! If restoration work will conduct professional builders, then preference will be given to the last option, since the first two are considered a temporary and low-quality measure.

Repairing a soft roof requires professional skills and the ability to use special tools.

Installing patches involves local repair of the coating and is carried out according to the following scheme:

  1. All visible defects are removed - cut out or pierced.
  2. The roof surface is cleaned of dirt, dust and debris.
  3. The damaged area is filled with sealant or bitumen mastic.
  4. A roofing material larger in area than the area being repaired is applied to the mastic.
  5. Another layer of bitumen is applied on top, which is distributed with a roller over all surfaces with an emphasis on the edges of the patch.

Important! This method has low efficiency, since soft roofing sometimes has hidden defects, which are very difficult to detect.

If the task of the craftsmen is only to connect the separated joints, then it is quite enough to perform the following work:

  1. lift and thoroughly dry the space under the roofing material;
  2. coat the damaged area with bitumen;
  3. put the roof in place;
  4. re-treat the joint with bitumen.

Repair of a roof fragment, in which there is no need to dismantle a large section of the roofing covering

The method, which is called “the old way”, is considered the most effective and high-quality for carrying out minor repairs roofs. Its essence is that a new layer of material is laid on the old roof, cleared of debris and dirt, which is used as a base. The result is an updated coating with full restoration all operational characteristics of the roof.

However, when using this method It's worth being aware of the limitations. Repair is not carried out according to this scheme if:

  • the old roof is very damaged;
  • This is not the first time the roof has been repaired and the number of layers of old material has already reached eight.

Important ! Fusing a new layer significantly increases the load on the floor supports and walls of the house. Before starting work, it is necessary to calculate how much weight can be added without endangering the building structure.

Stages of major repairs

In some cases, the roof is already in such a state of disrepair that local repairs do not help. Then it’s worth considering other options, which involve removing and replacing the old roofing carpet. In this case, the estimate for repairing a soft roof increases significantly, and the work itself is called capital work. The activities are carried out in a certain order, but it is worth noting that the feasibility of some stages is assessed by the craftsmen on the spot. If any layer is in good condition " roofing pie» some work may be missed.

Major repairs of a soft roof represent a certain sequence of work

The full list includes:

  1. Dismantling the old roof;
  2. Dismantling cement screed and removal of the thermal insulation layer;
  3. Restoration of the vapor barrier layer;
  4. Putting the internal drainage in order;
  5. Installation of thermal insulation;
  6. Carrying out declination when using sand;
  7. Installation of funnels for internal drainage;
  8. Installation of cement screed;
  9. Screed primer;
  10. Roof installation taking into account all technological features;
  11. Coating the roof with a fire retardant or reflective composition.

If you have to perform all of the above work, the cost of repairs may exceed the cost of regular installation. This cannot be avoided, since in any case the work will involve dismantling and removal of construction waste.

Important ! The simplest overhaul includes: complete replacement of the soft roof with partial repair of the base, as well as inspection and partial replacement some roof elements.

Checking the quality of work

The main question that a home owner faces after roofing repairs is how to check the quality of the work. There is no single line of behavior, but it is worth paying attention to the following parameters:

  • Visual inspection repaired roof. Rolls of material should lie flat, without visible distortions, excessive overlaps or intersections.
  • Assessing the condition of the edges. They must be perfectly fused and fit tightly to the base, otherwise the sheets may be torn off at the first bad weather and strong wind.
  • Roof behavior during rain. This is the most important indicator, as it really demonstrates the quality of the work performed.

Important ! Do not forget about the guarantees that any hired craftsmen must provide.

Soft roof after quality repairs

In general, when accepting work, you can focus on the requirements of SNiPs and SPs, since in any case they should serve theoretical basis for any major repair. Even if a roofing material not specified in them is used, the installation requirements remain unchanged already for a long time.

Winter work

Repairing a soft roof in winter is a separate topic for discussion. Of course, it is not recommended to carry out any work on the roof during the cold season, but there are situations when it is simply necessary to carry out emergency repairs.

Important ! Repairs in winter should be carried out at elevated level security.

In winter, it is worthwhile to restore the roofing if:

  • the roof of the house received serious damage (due to a snowstorm or the fall of a large and heavy object);
  • the amount of snow that fell led to the sagging of the roof;
  • the thaw led to the formation of leaks.

Cleaning the soft roof from snow cover before starting repair work

Any of these situations can lead to deformation of the roof, as well as walls and ceilings; cause a short circuit or even a fire. To avoid this, it is recommended to immediately restore the roof, especially since this can be done at almost any air temperature.

Like any other complex repair, winter activities must be carried out in compliance certain rules:

  1. Selection of roofing material. Low temperatures have a bad effect on many types of coatings, so it is very important to choose an option that will not break in the cold.
  2. Among the materials recommended for repairs it is worth noting: soft tiles, corrugated sheets, metal tiles. For work, it is better to choose frost-resistant sealants that react neutrally to subzero temperatures.
  3. It gets dark quickly in winter, so you should think about lighting the roof in advance, otherwise you may interrupt work immediately after dismantling the roof at the site of damage.
  4. Safety. It is worth thinking about clothes and shoes for work in advance. In addition, you need to take with you everything you need to protect yourself from bad weather.
  5. Before repairs begin, snow must be removed from the roof. To do this, you should use a scraper with a rubberized surface.
  6. The patching material must be kept warm until the very last moment.
  7. Roof repairs in winter should be entrusted to professionals, since difficult conditions It will be difficult for an amateur to cope.

It is possible to carry out any roof repair work by working with a partner. However, you should not do this yourself. You can still install the new roof yourself, but it is advisable to call professionals for repairs. Only in this case can you be sure that the assessment of the condition of the roof will be carried out correctly, the estimate will be drawn up taking into account all the features of the repair, the necessary materials will be purchased and all work will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documentation.

Soft type roofing is widely in demand due to its convenience, practicality, ease of installation and low cost. This coating is quite resistant to aggressive influences external environment, however, does not have outstanding durability. Therefore, repairs of soft roofs, the technology of which may be different, have to be carried out every few seasons.

How to determine the need for repair work

The waterproofing properties of a soft roof are ensured by the layer of bitumen with which it is covered. If, over time, under the influence external factors there has been a violation of its integrity, then this a clear sign the need for repairs, the technology of which may differ depending on the severity of the damage.


Advice! The soft roof should not be brought to a state where it is no longer able to contain moisture from entering the room. It is best to carry out a preventive examination at least once every two years.

You need to pay attention to following signs, indicating that it is time for repair:

  • Delamination of soft roofing in places where the panels overlap and connect;
  • Visible pits and depressions in which water can be retained;
  • Moss or fungus in places where water stagnates after precipitation;
  • Blisters on the surface, indicating moisture penetration under the roofing;
  • Noticeable mechanical damage, cracks, tears.

Types of repair work

Depending on the condition of the coating, how worn it is, and what damage it has, restoration measures are divided into two types:

  • Preventive (current) repair of soft roofing. It is used, according to technology, for minor damage to the canvas that does not provoke a global violation of the roof’s tightness. Characteristic signs the need for such repairs - local peeling, microcracks and small tears, which can be easily eliminated without dismantling everything soft covering. Moreover, such defects should occupy less than 40 percent of the total roof area;
  • Major repairs of soft roofing. The need for large-scale repairs and the use of more complex technologies is evidenced by the presence of multiple damage in the form of swelling, deep cracks, severe peeling, leaks, and ruptures. Moreover, they should affect over 40 percent of the entire soft roof area.

Current repairs of soft roofs

If during the inspection no critical damage was identified indicating the impossibility of further use of the old roofing covering, then work is usually carried out to eliminate existing defects and restore the integrity of the sheet. This is the so-called current repair of a soft roof, the technology of which allows you to quickly restore all affected areas of the roof. In this case, as a rule, the swollen areas are cut off, water inlets and eaves overhangs are replaced, a layer of primer is applied and, where necessary, new rolled material is fused.


The repair technology provides for the following work algorithm:

  1. The roof surface is thoroughly cleaned of accumulated debris, moss and any foreign objects;
  2. The roof covering is checked for rotten areas. If the latter are detected, they are removed. In this case, several centimeters of undamaged coating are also captured;
  3. The swollen areas are cut off, capturing a small amount of intact material;
  4. The places where the roofing was removed are cleaned of dust and dirt, primed and filled with cement-based mortar;
  5. After drying, patches are applied to these areas, which are generously watered with bitumen mastic on top. In this case, the territory of the entire coverage is certainly captured;
  6. Finally, new roofing material is fused.

Attention! Old technology less labor-intensive, however, it has one significant drawback - an increase in the weight of the roof. Therefore, it should be used only after calculating all the risks and a comprehensive assessment of the strength of the floor structures. This technology used primarily to reduce repair costs. By ignoring the operation to remove the old coating, it is possible to reduce the budget by about 30 percent.

Major repairs of soft roofing

If the old coating is not suitable for further use due to critical damage, it is replaced with a new one. Major repairs of a soft roof, the technology of which is more labor-intensive than the current one, provides for the following procedure:

  1. The damaged covering is dismantled. This is a rather labor-intensive procedure that is very difficult to perform manually. It is convenient to use a special machine for this, which cuts the canvas and immediately rolls it into a roll. If this is not available, the technology makes work easier by using an ax with a long metal ax;
  2. After cleaning the surface from worn-out roofing material, the condition of the base is assessed. If there are cracks, dents, potholes and other defects, partial repairs or complete replacement of the roof screed are performed. If thermal and waterproofing layers are present, then at this stage the technology also involves their thorough inspection and, if necessary, repair. To increase the service life of the insulation, it is recommended to cover it afterwards plastic film or a membrane with a vapor barrier function;
  3. The surface is primed with bitumen mastic, which protects the steam and heat insulation layers, as well as concrete screed from getting wet, and promoting higher adhesion of the base to the soft roofing material;
  4. A new sheet is laid starting from the lower edge of the roof. The material sections are installed one at a time, overlapping each other by no more than 15 centimeters. In this case, the angle of inclination of the roof should be taken into account: the smaller it is, the greater the overlap should be, since with a more sloping slope the water drains quickly, and with a flat slope it is retained, which increases the risk of moisture seeping inside;
  5. When the laying of all parts of the roofing material is completed, all seams between them, according to technology, are well coated with bitumen mastic;
  6. If necessary, after the bitumen has dried, the technology allows the installation of a second layer of coating. It is important to lay the sheets in such a way that the joints are located as far as possible from the joints on the bottom sheet;
  7. If the repair involves materials such as roofing felt or roofing felt, then it is advisable to additionally apply a protective layer on top of them, using the same bitumen mastic. Finally, it should be sprinkled with crushed granite crumbs and compacted with a roller. New generation materials already contain shale powder, so additional protection they don't need it. The advantage of using the latter is also that there is no need to use mastic to coat the seams: small overlaps of cuts are efficiently and reliably fused to each other;
  8. The final stage, carried out after the completion of repair work, is the identification of places where water accumulates, which will be the most vulnerable in the future. The technology involves carrying out such a check after the first rain, although you can water the roof yourself. If such places are identified, they should be thoroughly dried, and then an additional layer of material should be applied to them. If necessary, you can also pour them generously with bitumen mastic, which will serve reliable protection leak-proof coatings.


There is another technology for repairing soft roofs, which is not so popular today, however, in the old days it was used very actively. Its essence is that a new layer is simply fused on top of the old coating. To do this, all contaminants are carefully removed from the surface being used, after which it is well warmed up with a heating pad and coated with bitumen mastic. On final stage repair, a new layer of roofing material is deposited.

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