The service life of a roof covered with soft roofing materials is 15 years. But the roof will last this period only if it is properly maintained and sometimes repaired. Therefore, today we will talk about how to properly repair a soft roof. What nuances should be paid attention to in order to increase the quality of the final result. Accordingly, so that the roof lasts longer.
Soft roof repair
Soft roof defects
Understanding that a roof needs repair is easy. It will just start flowing. Therefore, first of all, you need to climb the roof and determine its possible defects. True, you should not allow situations with leaks. It is recommended that the soft roof be inspected periodically. Experts advise doing this twice a year.
So, what defects can be found:
cracks and breaks in roofing material;
its swelling from the penetration of moisture under the canvas;
delamination of material at the joints of the strips;
the appearance of mold, fungus or moss, which indicates the collection of moisture in these areas;
depressions or grooves from mechanical pressure where moisture collects.
Soft roof defects
The choice of repair material
To cope with all of the above flaws, it is necessary to prepare a material for repairing a soft roof, as well as a fastening compound. Since the structure of a soft roof consists of two applied layers: internal and external, respectively, the repair material for each of them must be selected separately, taking into account the characteristics of the products.
For the lower layer, roll coatings with high thermal properties and increased elasticity are usually used. This group includes such materials as technoelast, glass-elast and bireplast. They are smooth with a thickness of 3-3.5 mm. For the top layer, they try to use a material with high waterproofing qualities. For example, uniflex, isoplast or isoelast with a thickness of 4-4.5 mm.
We must immediately make a reservation that the top coating requires products sprinkled with stone chips on top. It protects the roof from the sun's rays. In principle, this is the distinguishing feature, which becomes the basis for the choice of materials for the bottom layer and the outer cover.
Uniflex roll
Choosing a bonding agent
More recently, ordinary bitumen was used to repair soft roofs (roofs). It was heated in a barrel on a fire and served hot at the place of laying soft roofing material. We must pay tribute to the fact that this technology has not yet become obsolete. There are areas where bitumen is still used for roof repairs.
Modern restoration of a soft roof is the use of bitumen-based mastics. At the same time, mastics can be used both hot and cold.
Bituminous mastic
On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer a turnkey roof repair service of any complexity. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".
Repair Features
The first stage is the determination of defects in the roofing and the amount of work to be done. According to the complexity and volume, repairs are divided into three categories:
current, when minor flaws are found on the surface;
capital, when it becomes clear that sealing cracks is indispensable;
emergency, when the roof began to simply leak.
Let's consider each situation separately.
Maintenance
The easiest way to repair cracks. They are simply filled with mastic or hot bitumen, and a patch cut from roofing material is laid on top. After that, the place of repair is completely filled with a fastening compound. The main thing is that the mastic also covers the junction of the patch with the main roofing material.
If it is required to repair a crack on the roof ridge, then for this a patch is cut out, which is glued to the place of the defect with mastic and additionally pierced with nails.
How to patch a crack on a skate
Peeled joints are also repaired, but for this they additionally use a building hair dryer or a gas burner. Both types of equipment are used to dry the space under the outer layer of a soft roof.
The latter is lifted, the inner surface of the upper flooring and the upper plane of the lower layer are dried.
Bituminous mastic is applied between the layers.
Lay the top layer on the bottom and press it well, using, for example, a spatula or roller.
The joint must be coated with mastic.
A defect in the form of a depression where water collects is repaired using a special technology.
To do this, the place of the flaw is cut with a sharp knife in the form of a cross. It is better to make cuts to a solid base.
Here the hole is filled, for example, with cement mortar.
After drying, the base is treated with a bonding mixture, on which the cut ends of the lower layer are laid.
The bottom flooring is treated with mastic from above.
Lay the cut ends of the outer covering.
Another layer of mastic is applied, which is immediately sprinkled with stone chips on top.
How to repair a cavity on a soft roof
On our website you can get acquainted with the most from the construction companies presented at the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".
If the soft roofing material was laid on a continuous crate of lumber or wood-based panels, then the cavity is sealed with the mastic itself or hot bitumen by pouring onto the bottom layer.
Capital
Now let's talk about the technology of repairing a soft roof, where simple operations in the form of patches are indispensable. The essence of the overhaul is that the old roofing is partially dismantled in those areas where the defects are significant. For example, the photo below shows the condition of the roof covered with shingles. This area needs a major overhaul.
Roof defect requiring major repairs
The essence of the technology lies in the fact that the soft roofing material is carefully removed from the installation site. The main thing is not to damage areas that are in good condition. If rolled material was used to cover the roof, then it is cut along the boundaries of the defective area. It is better to do this in straight straight lines, even if you have to dismantle part of a good site.
If you are repairing a roof covered with soft tiles, then you will have to remove shingles that have actually become unusable.
Ideal - cut the coating to the base. If the roof is insulated, then check the condition of the heat-insulating material. If it was expanded clay, then it is simply dried with a building hair dryer. If the slab material is made of mineral wool or expanded polystyrene boards, then they are dismantled and replaced with new ones. Because the moisture that has passed through the roofing has probably ruined the insulation.
Be sure to check the base. As in the case of a cavity, it will have to be cleaned and leveled.
The repair process itself is carried out using the technology of installing a soft roof. That is:
mastic is poured onto the repaired base;
the bottom layer of roofing material is laid;
on top of another layer of mastic;
outer cover.
Capital repairs of a soft roof
It is important to make sure that the new layers overlap the old ones. And at the docking points, mastic is sure to be used. It performs the functions of both a bonding composition and a waterproofing material.
It should be noted that the repair of a soft roof with insulation is the most difficult process. This is especially true for flat roofs, where slab materials were used for thermal insulation. It requires a special attitude to the docking of sites (new and old) with each other. Therefore, the gaps between the laid plates are filled with mounting foam. This is an old technology that is rarely used today. It is better to fill it with a special sealant, which is also available in cans in the form of foam. It's just that the latter of the sealant does not expand in volume and lasts a long time.
Emergency
It makes no sense to argue here for a long time, because emergency roof repair (its technology) is commensurate with the technology of roofing with a soft roof. That is, they completely dismantle the roofing material, remove the heat-insulating layer, and check the base for technical condition. And based on the results of the research, they decide whether to repair the base of the roof or not.
All other operations are carried out in the following sequence: repair of the base, laying the heat-insulating cake, installation of the roofing material. Essentially, you get a new roof.
We add that today in the construction market you can buy special mastics based on bitumen and polymers. They cost more than rolled and piece soft-type roofing materials, but in all respects it is better. Yes, and laying them on the roofs is easier, because it is a mastic, which is applied with a conventional spatula. At the same time, a seamless coating with high mechanical strength and heat resistance is obtained on the roof surface.
Video description
Modern roofing mastics for the repair of soft roofs in the video:
Conclusion on the topic
The degree of difficulty in repairing a roof covered with soft roofing materials lies in the type and number of defects. Sometimes craftsmen decide to completely re-lay the structure, just not to mess around with a lot of cracks. In many cases, this is a justified decision, because a cracked surface is a sign that the roofing material is at its limit.
Soft roofing is fast, inexpensive and convenient, which is why many owners of private houses prefer to install it. However, in terms of durability, such a coating is significantly inferior to alternative options, and after a few years, the first signs of destruction can already be seen. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is necessary to do a major overhaul of a soft roof, because the patches save from leaks are rather weak. We will tell you about how to repair the roof with your own hands and choose the right materials for this in today's article.
Often, a soft roof has to be completely rebuilt, since the patches are very unreliable and short-lived. They are only a temporary measure - a delay before the inevitable overhaul. But even if you find only minor damage, but the insulation under the coating has already become very wet, the patch will not solve the problem - the roof needs to be rebuilt.
Work should begin with an assessment of the condition of the roofing, the calculation of all defects and damage. Based on this, we can conclude - to put patches or completely change the coating. Current repairs, that is, local repairs with the installation of patches, can be done if the roof surface is damaged by no more than 40%. In other cases, it is necessary to resort to capital measures.
Useful advice: In order to extend the life of a soft roof, it is recommended to check its condition every 1-2 years and eliminate defects with local repairs. If swelling and cracks are eliminated in time, major repairs can be delayed for several years.
Serious defects that indicate that it is time to re-roof include the following:
- peeling of roofing material;
- deep and large cracks in which water stagnates;
- strong and numerous swellings (this indicates that there is moisture inside the “bubbles”);
- oxidation of materials;
- the appearance of thickets of moss, fungus.
But even a major overhaul of the roof is not so terrible as inexperienced owners imagine, especially when it comes to a small country house or garage. If you know some of the nuances and choose the right consumables, you can cope with the work in just a day and with only one assistant. The first thing to remember is that you can repair the roof in the warm season and in dry weather. In winter, bitumen-based roll materials will become too hard and unyielding, and their laying quality and protective performance will be very poor.
Since a major overhaul involves the complete dismantling of the old roofing, it would be unwise not to assess the condition of all layers of the roofing pie. This is the minimum set of works. If, during the inspection, it was found that the insulation inside was damp, rotten or severely frozen, it will also have to be changed. Attention should also be paid to cornice overhangs, water intake funnels, parapets and devices for drying insulation.
Don't expect this job to be done alone. If you wish, of course, you can, but then you can’t talk about good quality. Laying a soft roof involves heating it with a gas burner and then pressing it to the surface, so it is better to divide the work into two. Meticulous fans of following the instructions should immediately know that the overhaul of the roof according to SNiP looks very complicated, tricky and confusing, so it will not be difficult for a beginner to completely despair and think that only professionals can handle such work. In reality, the situation is much simpler. The requirements of SNiP were developed back in Soviet times, and since then many new laying technologies and building materials have been invented that are easy and simple to work with. Therefore, in this particular case, you can look at the SNiP with only one eye and not reproach yourself for incomplete compliance with the requirements.
Repair materials
The modern construction market is replete with materials intended for the repair of soft roofs. We will consider the most popular of them. The first thing that the sales assistant will offer you is fiberglass. This is a roofing and waterproofing material in one person, made on a bitumen-polymer basis. It is quite elastic, so it easily fits on any relatively flat surface. Among other things, fiberglass provides additional thermal insulation and has a long service life of up to 20 years.
Stekloelast should not be confused with technoelast, although this is not difficult to do. Technoelast is based on glass fiber or polyester film, coated on both sides with bitumen-polymer material, which makes it more durable, bio-resistant, weather-resistant and durable. On top, technoelast has a slate dressing that protects its inner layers from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. From the inside, there is a polymer protection that makes technoelast a reliable waterproofing agent capable of protecting not only the roof, but even foundations, underground tunnels and other building structures from moisture. Uniflex and lynocre can be put in the same line with technoelast.
If we are not talking about a residential building, but, say, a garage or a shed, then bituminous mastic can replace rolled materials. It is heated, applied in an even layer on the prepared roof surface, after which the mass hardens, forming a monolithic coating. But basically, mastic is used not as an independent roofing material, but as an adhesive binder for rolls. However, in this case, it is necessary to clarify whether the purchased material is compatible with it.
In addition to the coating itself, you will need tools for laying it. In the case of hardfacing materials, special attention should be paid to the choice of torch. To clean construction debris, prepare a shovel and a broom, gloves, protective clothing.
Estimate for major repairs
Each owner is not alien to the desire to save money without sacrificing the quality of work. Drawing up an estimate for the overhaul of the roof will save you from unnecessary costs and will allow you to clearly plan actions. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that it is necessary to start drawing up an estimate only after dismantling the old roofing, because it is impossible to guess whether it will be necessary to change the insulation or fill in another screed?
Budgeting steps:
- After removing the old roofing, measure the area of the roof, taking into account all protruding structures, including dormer windows and ventilation pipes. Add 15% to the value obtained in reserve and in case of repairs in the future.
- If it turns out that in some places it is necessary to make a concrete screed, determine the amount of cement, sand and gravel required for this. Choose cement grade not lower than M400. Unfortunately, the quantity in this case can only be determined approximately, but cement is useful in the household not only for the roof, and it is inexpensive, so do not be afraid to round up.
- Determine what material you will be covering your roof with and monitor the market to see which suppliers are offering the lowest price and if they offer discounts/free shipping.
- If the store does not provide free shipping, include its cost in the estimate.
- Find out which roofing tools you don't have and how much it will cost to buy them. In the case of a gas burner, it is better to use rental services than to buy a rather expensive device.
- If you work with large areas, then there will be quite a lot of construction debris, so you need to consider the cost of its removal.
After drawing up the estimate, it will be clear whether it is necessary to undertake such work on your own or you can pay a little extra and entrust the repair of the roof to a team of hired workers.
Repair stages
Any repair should begin with surface preparation. In the case of a soft roof, this involves the dismantling of the old coating and a thorough cleaning. Gluing new material on top of the old one is not strictly forbidden, but completely irrational. In this case, you run the risk of spoiling not only the fresh coating in the shortest possible time, but also aggravating the condition of the damaged layers of the roofing cake - the insulation may begin to rot, which will be transferred to the wooden elements of the truss system, etc. Therefore, in order not to fork out for a complete replacement of the roof in the future, it is better to devote several hours to dismantling the damaged coating.
Soft roof overhaul technology:
By and large, this is everything you need to know about the overhaul of a soft roof. An estimate, the choice of the right materials and simple instructions for their installation are three important components of the work. If you did everything according to the instructions, you can forget about leaks and similar troubles for a long time, but you shouldn’t get it out of your head at all - check the condition of the coating once a year.
Finally - an interesting video about a new and almost waste-free technology for the overhaul of a soft roof, which allows you to save on the purchase of new roll materials:
The average service life of a soft roof reaches 10-15 years, but this is the case if all the features of the technological process have been observed. The “life” of a roof covering is the longer, the more carefully and regularly the maintenance of its surface is carried out. But it is worth noting that even with systematic care, from time to time there is a need to repair a soft roof, and there may be several reasons for this.
- Emergency.
- Current.
- Capital.
emergency repair necessary for emergency restoration of a soft roof to its normal operating characteristics. Most often, at this time, the coating is replaced in places of actual and alleged leaks. Reconstruction is subjected to from 5% to 20% of the roof area. Repair is the installation of patches in critical areas, less often a part of the roofing material is replaced.
Current repairs cover from 10% to 40% of the entire roofing area. It is recommended to be carried out annually after a scheduled inspection of the surface of the roof of the house. The following activities can be carried out as works: replacement of part of the roofing or patching.
This roof is in urgent need of professional repair.
Overhaul necessary when more than 40% of the roof area needs to be restored. In order to fully normalize performance, the entire roofing or most of it is replaced.
The need for repair work is usually due to the destruction of the bitumen layer, which leads to a decrease in hydro and vapor barrier characteristics, which means that water from the outside begins to flow into the interior of the house. If you plan to repair a soft roof with your own hands, then it is worth studying the entire sequence of work, from assessing the condition of the coating to the final stages of restoration measures.
When repairs are needed
To understand how much work awaits the master, you need to climb the roof and assess the damage. During the inspection, you should pay attention to the following points:
- the presence of delaminations at the junction of panels of soft roofing material;
- the appearance on the surface of the roof of pits and depressions visible to the naked eye, in which water accumulates;
- the appearance of blisters and bubbles on the surface of the roof: 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 fungus;
- check the roof for mechanical damage - cracks, tears, abrasions, deformations.
Important! Inspection of the roof should be carried out annually, and not once every 2-3 years, as is often the case. Early identification of defective areas will allow you to fix the trouble more quickly and cheaply.
The presence of bubbles on the roof surface indicates that it is time to start repair work.
An objective assessment of the damage will make it possible to draw conclusions - whether a major overhaul of a soft roof is needed or a small restoration can be dispensed with. To determine the sequence of operations, as well as to see the cost and the full scope of work, an estimate will help, the preparation of which should be the next step in repairing a soft roof.
Subtleties of budgeting
Sometimes you may come across information that it is necessary to draw up an estimate only for major repairs of the roof. This approach cannot be considered correct, because the estimate allows you to financially assess the amount of work, as well as systematize the data for the purchase of the necessary materials.
The estimate should take into account a complete list of repair activities, namely:
- dismantling of the old roofing - completely or only in the volume of the damaged area;
- preparatory work for laying new roofing material;
- direct installation of a soft roof and sealing of seams;
- creation of the upper waterproofing layer.
Also, the estimate should include the cost of purchasing consumables and combustible materials, and take into account the payment for the delivery of purchased products.
Photos of soft roofing defects with a detailed description will greatly facilitate the calculation of the required amount of materials for repairs
If it is difficult to decide on your own how much the soft roof repair technology will cost, then you can submit an application for the formation of an estimate to professional builders. To prepare the document, they will need the following information:
- a complete roof plan with all measurements;
- the thickness and height of the parapets, the location and length of the cornice overhangs and their junctions;
- the 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 start choosing specialists or plan to carry out the work yourself. It should be noted right away that the repair of a soft roof should be carried out taking into account the relevant regulatory documentation, which regulates both the work itself and the materials that must be used.
Important ! Often the experience of a team of craftsmen is adequately replaced by SNiPs, GOSTs and other rules. After all, regulatory documents do not take into account the rapid renewal of the construction market, its development and the emergence of new options for soft roofing with more successful characteristics.
Minor roof repairs
Depending on the type of defect, several options for work are possible:
- Creation of "patches" in places of damage to the material.
- Connecting broken joints.
- Refurbishment the old way.
Important ! If restoration work will be carried out by professional builders, then preference will be given to the latter option, since the first two are considered a temporary and poor-quality measure.
Repairing a soft roof requires professional skills and the ability to handle special tools.
The installation of patches involves local repair of the coating and is performed according to the following scheme:
- All visible defects are removed - cut out or pierced.
- The surface of the roof is cleaned of dirt, dust and debris.
- The damaged area is filled with sealant or bituminous mastic.
- A ruberoid is applied to the mastic with a larger area than the repaired area.
- 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 poor efficiency, since soft roofing sometimes has hidden defects, which are very difficult to detect.
If the task of the masters is only to connect the divergent joints, then it is quite enough to perform the following work:
- raise and thoroughly dry the space under the roofing material;
- coat the damaged area with bitumen;
- lay the roof in place;
- re-treat the joint with bitumen.
Repair of a fragment of the roof, in which there is no need to dismantle a large section of the roofing
The method, which is called "the old way", is considered the most effective and high-quality for minor roof repairs. Its essence lies in the fact that a new layer of material is laid on the old roof, cleaned of debris and dirt, which is used as a base. It turns out an updated coating with a complete restoration of all operational characteristics of the roof.
However, there are limitations to be aware of when using this method. Repair is not carried out according to this scheme if:
- the old roof is very badly damaged;
- this is not the first roof repair and the number of layers of old material has already reached eight.
Important ! The fusing of 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.
Overhaul stages
In some cases, the roof is already in such a neglected state that local repairs do not help. Then it is worth considering other options, which are based on the removal and replacement of the old roofing carpet. The estimate for the repair of a soft roof in this case increases significantly, and the work itself is called capital. The activities are carried out in a certain order, but it is worth noting that the appropriateness of some stages is assessed by the masters on the spot. In the case of a good condition of any layer of the "roofing cake", some work may be skipped.
The overhaul of a soft roof is a certain sequence of works
The complete list includes:
- Dismantling of the old roof;
- Dismantling of the cement screed and removal of the heat-insulating layer;
- Restoration of the vapor barrier layer;
- Putting in order the internal drain;
- Installation of thermal insulation;
- Carrying out demolition when using sand;
- Installation of funnels for internal drainage;
- Installation of cement screed;
- Primer screed;
- Installation of the roof, taking into account all technological features;
- Roof coating with fire retardant or reflective composition.
If you have to perform all of the above work, then the cost of repairs may exceed the amount of the cost of a conventional installation. It will not be possible to avoid this, since in any case the work will be associated with dismantling and removal of construction debris.
Important ! The simplest overhaul includes: a complete replacement of a soft roof with a partial repair of the base, as well as revision and partial replacement of some elements of the roof.
Checking the quality of work
The main question that confronts the owner of the house after the repair of the roofing: how to check the quality of work. There is no single line of conduct, but you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Visual inspection of the repaired roof. Rolls of material should lie flat, without visible distortions, excessive overlaps and intersections.
- Assessment of the state of the edges. They must be perfectly melted and fit snugly to the base, otherwise the sheets can be torn off during the first bad weather and strong winds.
- The behavior of the roof 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 handyman working for hire must provide.
Soft roof after a quality repair
In general, when accepting work, you can focus on the requirements of SNiPs and SPs, since in any case they should serve as a theoretical basis for any serious repair. Even if a roofing material not specified in them is used, the installation requirements remain unchanged for a long time.
Winter work
Repairing a soft roof in winter is a separate topic for conversation. 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 an increased level of safety.
In winter, it is worth doing the restoration of the roofing if:
- the roof of the house was seriously damaged (due to a snowstorm or when a large and heavy object fell);
- the amount of snow that has fallen has caused the roof to sag;
- the thaw led to the formation of leaks.
Clearing a 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 restore the roof immediately, especially since this can be done at almost any air temperature.
Like any other complex repair, winter activities must be carried out in compliance with certain rules:
- The choice of roofing material. Low temperatures are bad for many types of coatings, so it is very important to choose an option that will not break in the cold.
- Among the materials recommended for repair, it is worth noting: soft tiles, corrugated board, metal tiles. For work, it is better to choose frost-resistant sealants that react neutrally to sub-zero temperatures.
- It gets dark quickly in winter, so you should think about lighting the roof in advance, otherwise you can interrupt work immediately after dismantling the roof at the site of damage.
- Safety. It is worth considering in advance the clothes and shoes for work. In addition, you need to take with you everything you need to protect yourself from bad weather.
- Snow must be removed from the roof before repairs can begin. To do this, use a scraper with a rubberized surface.
- The patch material must be kept warm until the very last moment.
- Roof repair in winter should be entrusted to professionals, since in 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 shouldn't do this on your own. You can still install a new roof yourself, but it is advisable to call professionals for repairs. Only in this case, you can be sure that the assessment of the condition of the roof will be carried out correctly, the estimate is drawn up taking into account all the features of the repair, the necessary materials have been purchased and all work has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documentation.
Our article is devoted to the description of such an issue as the overhaul of a soft roof and its technology. This topic is of great interest among people seeking to repair the roof on their own, therefore here we will touch on the topic of types of repairs and the features of its implementation.
There are several ways to repair a soft roof, and they all depend on the amount of damage to the roof and the level of their complexity.
There are two types of repairs:
- Current. This is when roofing failures are less than 40% of the total roof size.
- Capital. When the total component percentage of errors from the roof area is more than 40%.
It may seem strange, but the main reason for the leakage of a roof consisting of soft roll material is the destruction of the bituminous layer. It is he who provides protection for this material with the help of its waterproofing properties.
Experienced experts advise every two or three years to check the roof for various cracks and blisters, and not at all (as many do!) Moisture seeps into the room. If you adhere to this rule, then you will not have to make major repairs to the soft roof for a long time. By checking and detecting problems in time, you can limit yourself to the usual “micro-repairs” and in this way save both time and waste.
As for the process of repairing soft roofs, it is not so complicated in its implementation. Of course, if there is a need to repair the roof of the house on your own, then the technology for repairing a soft roof will be somewhat more complicated and will require more of your time and effort than repairing a roof, for example, a garage.
And a few words about the material: the most simple in terms of installation (especially with your own hands) are considered to be rolled roofing, since they just do not require special skills and installation equipment.
Roofing materials and their device
We found out that the repair of a soft roof begins with determining the amount of damage to the roof. To do this, you need to do a simple thing - go up to the roof and carefully inspect the entire coating.
By doing this, you can find the following problems:
- Delaminations located at the junctions of the material webs, as well as in overlaps.
- Various pits and depressions in which water is retained.
- Rotting of material in places of water accumulations.
- Moss and fungus (in the same water places).
- Penetration of moisture. You will find out about this if you find swellings on the surface of the roof cover.
- Visible mechanical problems: tears, cracks, abrasions.
So the inspection was done. Now we draw conclusions and determine what type of repair the roof of the house needs.
Then we move on to the next stage - budgeting. An estimate for the repair of a soft roof does not have to be drawn up by specialists. This can be done on your own, but only if you are completely confident in the correctness of your roof repair decisions.
What does the estimate include
We will provide a list of works that are compiled by specialists in the repair of soft roofs and which must be completed first:
- Completely or partially remove the old roof.
- Prepare the surface for the installation of the roof covering.
- Carry out work on the installation of the top layer and coat the seams of the roof.
- Consider the cost of the top waterproofing layer.
- Prepare combustible materials for the burner.
- Consider consumables for repairs and their delivery.
If you decide to do the repairs yourself, then the estimate for the repair of a soft roof may include only the price and delivery of the material that you plan to use.
If you are in doubt whether to do the repair yourself or hire workers, there is a third option - contact a roof repair company.
How much will the repair cost?
This question occupies those who wish to repair a soft roof with their own hands no less than the correct way to repair the roof itself. The information provided will help you find out approximately how much you will need to spend on repairing a soft roof.
The first is drawing up a roof plan with its exact dimensions. This is necessary in order to calculate the amount of material required.
The second is to find out the parameters (length, thickness, height) of the parapets and adjoining walls, as well as the length of the cornice overhangs.
If there are shafts on the roof, then you need to find out their number and their size. The same actions apply to pipes and other various elements, if they are present on the roof.
Another point is to find out the condition of the roof and it is desirable to take photographs at the same time.
To calculate the funds spent on repairs, you also need to draw up an approximate list of work required for repairs.
And the last - part of the costs depends on what kind of material you will use for repairs.
Overhaul stages
In order to repair a soft roof with their own hands, masters with experience advise you to learn a few immutable rules that many self-taught masters do not follow and, as a result, regret about it. But it's not always their fault. The fact is that most of the rules for SNiP, which are observed during the repair of roofs, were developed in Soviet times. But, as you may have guessed, a lot has changed since that time - new materials have appeared, modern technologies have been developed.
And therefore, we hasten to assure you that if you have knowledge and confidence in what you are doing, these rules will not be useful to you at all. And if the repair is carried out by specialists, then it will be completed efficiently and quickly without peeping into the “cheat sheet” of SNiP.
So, repairs, as well as the installation of a soft roof from scratch, must begin with the preparation of the base, since the material will be laid on it.
The current repair has several options. It is possible to perform partial replacement (patches) and repairs "in the old way", when one or a couple of layers of new material are laid on the old cover.
In the case of using patches, it is necessary to remove all defects in the places where they fit. After the surface is cleaned of dust, debris and filled with sealant or bituminous mastic.
Remember: the dimensions of the material must be larger than the dimensions of the surface to be repaired.
The edges must be well smeared with bituminous mastic.
It is worth saying that this method does not give a very high-quality result. But the repair "in the old way" is much more in demand among developers.
Repair of a soft roof, the technology of which consists in laying the material according to the old method, is easier - without removing the old cover.
Here you need to remember that the presence of two more layers will increase the load on the roof, so first you need to find out if the floor and wall supports are able to bear such a weight!
Example: the average mass of modern materials is 4-5 kg / m2, with a roof area of 1000 m2, the load on it will increase by 5 tons.
Soft roof: repair
First, the roof is cleaned of debris, dirt, etc. The new layer is covered in the usual way. But remember that this method is best not to use in case of severe damage to the old cover or if there are already more than eight layers of material on the roof.
Capital repairs of a soft roof include the following processes:
- Replacement of roofing material.
- Repair of parapets, foundations (screeds).
- Replacement of cornice overhangs.
- Replacement of aprons adjoining and fencing.
- Repair and revision of drains and water intakes.
And if the roof of the house is too neglected, then you will not be limited only to repairs. It will have to be built practically from scratch, which in one way or another will affect the cost of the work.
Here's what the overhaul looks like:
- Removal (removal) of the old coating.
- Foundation repair.
- Waterproofing installation.
- Execution of a screed.
- Laying material intended for roofing.
- Laying a protective layer.
And here is a list of things that will be needed to complete these works:
- Gas-burner.
- Roofing material.
- Mastic bituminous or sealant.
- Knife (to cut roofing material).
- Broom (to clean the surface).
- Cement (for screed).
- Insulation.
- Overalls.
Do not confuse a gas burner with a blowtorch! According to professionals, using a blowtorch to heat the material, you will spend significantly more time than using a burner.
Now consider the overhaul of a soft roof in more detail.
To perform the first stage - the removal of the old coating - you can use special equipment that removes and immediately rolls the coating into a roll.
Another option is an ax, where the wooden handle is replaced with a metal one. At the same time, its length determines the growth of a particular person.
After cleaning the surface, you need to check the base for dents, cracks, etc. If they are absent, the screed does not need to be poured.
In some cases, the screed is preceded by a heat-insulating layer, such as foam or gravel.
When the cement has hardened, we proceed to laying the material for the roof. Despite the differences in the composition of the soft roof, it is better to use fiberglass materials. Unlike cardboard coverings, materials based on fiberglass are more durable and have high technical qualities.
Start laying from the bottom edge of the roof. Each next row is overlapped - from 10 cm. The amount of overlap will depend on the angle of the roof slope.
Then the seams must be treated with bituminous mastic. After waiting a while, you can proceed to the next layer. It is laid in such a way that the seam of the previous coating layer does not coincide with the seam of the next one.
Ruberoid, glassine and roofing paper also require the installation of a protective cover, which is made from bituminous mastic. After it is sprinkled with crumbs of stone and rolled with a skating rink.
It is better, of course, to resort to materials of a new generation, which are already covered with protective dressing and allow you to refuse to coat the seams between the rows. Thus, less material is wasted.
Here, in principle, is the whole technology of repairing a soft roof - as you can see, it is not difficult. Two people can easily perform this work, and the choice of material for coating is completely up to you.
And one more thing - remember that the revision of the roof cover (at least once every three years) and the removal of minor errors will save you from problems such as complete overlapping of the roof, roof leakage during the rainy season, as well as from such an undesirable circumstance as urgent repairs soft roof in winter. Good luck to you!
When a roof covered with soft roofing materials begins to leak, there is an urgent need for sanitation. Sometimes you can get by with a patch repair, which comes down to gluing joints or patching up cracks. And sometimes only laborious and thorough will help.
Before repair, it is necessary to carefully examine the roof and determine in which places it is necessary to repair. Particular attention should be paid to such defects:
- small cracks, delamination at the places of gluing panels;
- depressions and pits in which moisture accumulates;
- dampness, rotting of the coating, fouling of the roof with fungus or moss;
- swelling of the coating occurs after penetration of moisture;
- large abrasions and tears from mechanical impact.
After a thorough inspection of the roof, you can determine whether major or minor repairs need to be carried out.
What materials to use?
The modern market offers a huge range of roofing roll materials. The most common:
- welded fiberglass;
- bicrost;
- membranes;
- bitumen;
- ruberoid.
Methods for minor repairs of a soft roof
Current repairs are carried out when the roof has small cracks, open joints, scuffs and tears. The patch method of repairing the coating is usually used. Cracks, abrasions and breaks are removed as follows:
- the place of damage is filled with bitumen;
- ruberoid or other material is glued on top of the mastic, pre-cut to the size of the damaged coating;
- the patch is fixed with a layer of bituminous mastic, evenly distributed by a roller over the roof surface.
The divergent joints are eliminated in the following sequence:
- lift and dry the peeled surface of the material with a gas burner;
- apply bituminous mastic with a roller;
- lower the dried material;
- re-treat the joint with bitumen.
Overhaul
Repair of a roof from cloths should be made after careful survey. If there are multiple areas on the roof in which water collects, there are deep scratches, chips of the roll coating. Tools that may be needed when repairing the roof:
- gas burner for heating panels;
- sheets of roofing material;
- knife for removing defective areas;
- sealant and waterproofing bituminous mastic;
- broom for cleaning;
- heater if necessary;
- reinforcing mesh and cement for screed.
Advice! It is recommended to use a gas burner as heating equipment, as it will allow the soft bitumen sheet to heat up faster. This greatly simplifies the installation of the cover.
produced in several stages:
- Dismantling of the defective coating layer.
- Cleaning of debris, dirt and water.
- Roof and roof repairs.
- Basic laying.
- Installation of insulation is carried out if necessary.
- Cement screed primed with bitumen.
- Soft covering.
- Application of special protection from bituminous mastic.
- The dismantling of the old roofing material is carried out very carefully so as not to damage the base of the roof.
- and ventilation pipes protruding to the roof surface are treated with a single roll of bituminous coating, and not in pieces to prevent water from flowing at the joints.
- Additional protection against moisture of the protruding areas will be non-woven lavsan-viscose materials impregnated with bituminous mastic.
- When servicing the roof in the winter season, it is recommended to remove the snow with a wooden shovel so as not to damage the surface of the flexible roof. It is recommended to leave a small layer of snow - up to 5 cm.
Built-up roof - device and installation methods
Repair of built-up roofing is carried out using polymer-bitumen roll coatings and gas burners. Roofs covered with built-up materials are practical and affordable. They are monolithic waterproofing panels. The device of built-up roofing includes the following advantages:
- lightweight material, resistant to ultraviolet, temperature extremes and deformation;
- simple installation without the use of special equipment;
- ease of maintenance;
- high waterproofing and soundproofing properties;
- has an elastic flexible structure;
- environmentally friendly and durable.
The modern coating of welded roll roofing is made of polyester, fiberglass, fiberglass and bituminous modifiers.
Repair of a soft roof with built-up materials
Features of membrane coatings
Repair work to restore a flexible roof is extremely rare. After all, the warranty period of membrane roofing is 35 years. The biggest advantage of this material is its resistance to sudden changes in temperature. The roofing membrane is a polymer that consists of fiberglass, plasticizer and modified bitumen.
Membrane roof device
To date, the following methods for the production of a flexible membrane are used:
- Reinforced with polyester mesh plasticized polyvinyl chloride. The installation of this material is carried out by welding individual sheets into a single coating using hot air.
Important!Advantages: UV resistance, flame retardant.Disadvantages: the color fades, the material is unstable to oils, solvents and bituminous components.
- Glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic olefins. Not elastic plates, therefore inconvenient in laying. During installation, the panels are welded into a single coating. This is the most durable material with a service life of 60 years.
- Polyester mesh reinforced synthetic rubber. Very elastic material. The installation of the canvas is made on glue. Joints can peel off over time and allow water to pass through. Cheaper than analogues.
Methods of installation and roofing from membranes
Membrane roof repair is carried out in one of the following ways:
- Mechanical - for roofs with an angle of inclination of more than 10 degrees. Installation is carried out with fasteners.
- Ballast - for roofs with a slope of less than 10 degrees.
- Adhesive mounting is used on the roofs of buildings with increased wind load.
Seams are repaired by welding, however, it is rather problematic to weld old and new material without special equipment. Therefore, when repairing, it is recommended to use a chemical method of connecting membranes. This method of connecting the canvases allows you to carry out repair work at any time of the year.
Methods of repair and installation of bituminous roofing
Repair of a bituminous roof is carried out in the following stages:
- Roof preparation. Cleaning of the old coating, dirt and debris. Repair of minor defects: exfoliated, swollen and wrinkled areas are cut out and filled with mastic.
- Cleaning and drying of the roof surface is carried out with a stiff brush. The surfaces are carefully degreased with the help of special cleaning agents.
- With the help of a polymer fabric or polypropylene tape and a base layer of mastic, it is necessary to strengthen the areas freed from the coating.
- After strengthening all repaired areas with a flexible reinforcing fabric, it is necessary to apply a finishing layer of bituminous mastic.
Mounting methods and installation of a roofing roof
Repair of a roof from roofing material is made seasonally. This material is most often used in the construction of buildings and structures with flat roofs that require constant inspection by technical personnel, which leads to additional wear. Ruberoid roofing is repaired in spring or summer. In winter, it is impossible to replace the roll material. Capital is made in the spring, since after the winter season all damage and leaks are noticeable. Specialists carefully inspect it, find places of damage, carefully clean the surface of the old coating and proceed with the installation of a new roll material.
Methods, device and roof covering with bikrost
Bikrost consists of fiberglass, on top and bottom of which a bituminous composition is applied. Bicrost is good to protect the roof from moisture. Bikrost also allows you to replace another roofing material during repairs. The roof is covered with bikrost from the bottom up. Often it is used as a waterproofing material for bituminous or membrane roofing. Just like a bituminous sheet, the roof covering with bikrost takes place in several stages. The service life of this material is 5 years.
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