Ask the Experts: How to Waterproof a Plywood Roof

‘How to waterproof a plywood roof’ is our speciality here at PermaRoof UK and we’re happy to give our customers all the support they need. From the very start, we offer advice about measurements, preparation and installation of your roofing membranes, in addition to a high quality range of products and complete roof kits for DIY.

Preparing for your DIY waterproofing project

As with any DIY project, preparation is key to everything running smoothly. Whether you’re working on a brand new plywood shed roof deck or replacing existing material on the extension, you’ll need to start by measuring accurately and making sure you’ve got everything you need.

We recommend EPDM membranes, as they’re fast and easy to install over plywood typically in a single sheet, making them ideal for DIY. They also have a reputation for longevity and high performance with a life expectancy of over 50 years and 100% reliability. We also offer a range of liquid roofing systems – if that’s a route you’re interested in taking, head to our liquid roofing page to find out more.

Ordering EPDM is straightforward too, as long as you’ve measured accurately. Standard projects, such as waterproofing a plywood shed or garage roof, can be handled by ordering a complete EPDM kit, which includes everything you need.

We’ve produced some guides in PDF format with all the basics to help you prepare for installing membrane.

Further reading:

Waterproofing a new plywood roof

Waterproofing a brand new plywood roof deck can be fast and easy, with minimal preparation time. Make sure the measurements are accurate and do measure at least twice to double-check.

Replacing existing roof covering

Preparing to install existing roof covering involves a fair amount of work. First, you will need to strip back the old covering and inspect the deck to ensure it is in good condition before installing membrane (see our roof preparation guide for full details and the tools you’ll need for installation).

If you’re unsure about the condition of the plywood roof deck, you may need to call in a professional roofer or surveyor to take a look. Installing membrane over a damaged plywood deck will simply waste time and money in the long run.

We can help you connect with a reliable, professional tradesperson in your area via our EPDM Installer Network if you need assistance or feel that DIY might not be for you at any point.

How to install RubberCover EPDM

Installing RubberCover EPDM over a fully prepared or new plywood deck is fast and straightforward for a confident DIYer with skills. We have a wide range of free, step-by-step EPDM installation guides and video tutorials to help you through.

Resources:

Where to buy EPDM membranes

At PermaRoof UK, we stock a range of EPDM membranes and accessories and roof kits in standard sizes. We sell EPDM by the roll or per linear metre and can custom-cut RubberCover EPDM in sheets up to 15.24m x 60m to suit non-standard projects of all sizes.

Related products to buy online:

Installing an EPDM flat roof

Installing EPDM rubber on a flat plywood roof deck is a straightforward process. Watch the video below to see for yourself…

Video guide: How to install an EPDM flat roof:

We hope we have helped you with how to waterproof a plywood roof yourself. If you have a further question about installation, products or any other aspect of your flat roof project, give our expert team a call on 01773 608 839, use the live chat for a quick query or visit our Get Help page here.

Other articles about flat roofs:

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