Getting Started on Your Flat Roof Project
In this paper, we aim to investigate the best way to get started on a flat roof project with EPDM rubber roofing. We will look at the four main areas that require consideration before the project begins.
Permaroof UK Ltd offer roofing tips and advice for both trade and DIY roofing projects. With more than 20 experience working with EPDM, we’re perfectly placed to help you get the job done.
Professional roofers take every step of the installation process seriously, from initial planning and quotation, to safety and risk assessment and everything else in between.
When it comes to EPDM rubber roofing there are four main areas that require close attention before you start working:
- Planning
- Materials
- Preparation
- Safety
Let’s look at each one in more detail…
Planning
Taking time to plan an EPDM rubber roofing project is arguably one of the most important steps, just like any DIY home improvement project. Homeowners tackling DIY rubber roofing not only need to make sure that the scope is workable, but also the materials and tools are in place in advance.
Part of the initial planning should include ensuring that homeowners have the skills required to see the project to completion. It is important for DIY roofers to realise their capabilities and assess their skillset for a successful project.
There is a world of information available to DIY flat roofers for free at Permaroof, to assist with installation, including:
- Videos – short, detailed visual guides to all aspects of EPDM roofing.
- PDF Installation guides – downloadable, printable guides with photos.
- Safety data sheets – useful safety information about certain EPDM products.
- Useful articles – advice from professional EPDM roofers and suppliers.
One of the most important things for DIY projects is to make sure you allow enough time to complete the project properly. Rushing is never going to deliver the results that you hope for and it can lead to often costly mistakes.
In terms of budgeting – once the project has been costed accurately, allow a contingency of approximately 30% to cover any potential issues. Many homeowners overlook this aspect of DIY home improvements and can find overrun in budgeting hard to handle.
Note
When tackling a complex flat roof project such as green roofing, once the planning is completed it will be important to check with the local authority to establish whether planning permission will be required. Permaroof can help homeowners plan green roofing projects.
Planning permission
Some types of flat roof projects will require building or planning permission.
Tackling this potential issue during the planning stages is crucial, particularly if you are planning a green roofing installation, using an EPDM membrane as the base, waterproofing layer.
A simple replacement of the flat roof covering will not usually require planning permission, but these rules are not steadfast and can vary regionally.
Check ahead of works to ensure the project does not come under scrutiny once works are going ahead. If you are using a professional EPDM installer, ask them if permission will be required.
If you do need to apply for planning permission, ensure you have carried out the planning meticulously and take all the prepared plans with you.
Many local government planning departments allow permission applications online.
Checking the roofing integrity and carrying out repairs
Checking the integrity of the roof deck is critical as a first step. A visual inspection initially, will give an indication of potential issue – check for signs of damp in the woodwork, or rot.
Damp patches should be evident in the underside of the roof deck, inside the building and are often easy-to-spot. This will be the same for any sagging, bubbling, cracks or water ponding on the external deck.
Should any potential issues be identified, call in a buildings inspector or surveyor to carry out a full survey. This is an important step.
Recovering a failed flat roof deck will result in continued damage and an ultimate waste of money and resources. This is why it is important to tackle any repairs or roof deck replacements in advance of any rubber roofing works.
Materials
The next thing to think about when it comes to installing an EPDM rubber roof, is making sure that you have all the materials and tools that you need to complete it in advance.
The great thing about choosing EPDM over other roofing materials is that you don’t need an array of specialist tools. It is easy to install and is something that you can do with minimal fuss and cost.
The EPDM membrane is typically installed in a single sheet, adhered to the roof deck with a water-based contact adhesive and a further bonding adhesive. This is one of the rubber roofing advantages and makes it the ideal system for DIY.
You should also make sure that you have some basic tools such as rollers to apply the glue and to press the EPDM into corners, a Stanley knife or scissors to trim excess EPDM and gloves and eye protection as required.
EPDM systems are made easier for DIY roofing in the form of a pre-prepared, standard sized or bespoke flat roof kit. A flat roof kit is ideal forsimple roofing projects such as shed, garage or home extensions, as they are available in a range of standard sizes and include everything needed to complete the rubber roof replacement.
Further benefits can be realised for larger projects or tailored designs using a calculator tool to work out how much you are going to need to cover your roof.
The Permaroof Kit Builder App has been designed to make roofing quotes and materials list-building simple.
Details can be inputted to the app in four stages, including roofing trims and allowing for adjoining buildings or upstanding walls.
The Permaroof Kit Builder App is used by trade roofing professionals to build EPDM rubber roofing kits all over the UK and is the perfect tool to assist with ordering the correct quantities.
The app can prove to be a valuable asset in the planning stages and completed kit lists can be forwarded to Permaroof for quotation purposes or printed out and saved within the planning pack.
Preparation
Preparation is the key to success when it comes to finishing a flat roof project to a good standard. Not only can it make sure that you finish it with ease, but also contributes to a smooth, professional-looking finish.
The first step is to remove the existing roof covering. In some cases, EPDM membrane can be applied over existing roofing, but for a smooth finish and the best effect, it is always best to remove it altogether.
If you are applying EPDM over existing roofing, then take care to remove any loose materials and cut away damaged parts to ensure it is as flat as possible.
It is important, when installing EPDM to an existing roof, that you make sure that the roof deck is adequately prepared. You need to clean it, removing any debris, dirt and dust that will have built up over time. The best way to do this is with a domestic, softbristled broom or brush which will remove everything that you need and leave you with a clear surface to work upon.
Removing grease or oil spots is also an important step to ensure an even adhesion of the EPDM is achieved across the entire roof surface. Use a non-detergent based stain remover for the best results.
Making sure all the materials are ready to use before beginning the installation process is a useful step, which also gives a nod to safety in terms of climbing ladders unnecessarily.
It is also key that you let your EPDM rest before you attach it to the roof. This is because it can expand or contract during packaging and transportation. Lay the membrane out on a clean surface or over the roof and allow to rest for around an hour. This should be enough for any transportation creases to dissipate.
Safety
One of the most important things to keep in mind, not only for a flat roof project but for any DIY project is your safety. No matter how small the task may seem, there is always an element of risk and it seems that this is the most overlooked thing for many at home DIY fans.
Falls from roofing is one of the most common accidents at home in the UK:
- Using ladders and stepladders incorrectly
Overstretching from ladders - Balancing ladders on other objects to make them longer
Professional roofers are legally obligated to adhere to strict safety measures regarding the use of ladders. Homeowners are not. This does not, however, mean that regulations should be ignored.
If ladders are not long enough, or you’re working on a flat roof at more than single-storey height, consider hiring scaffolding or a platform to strengthen safety.
Safety is not only important, but it is surprisingly straightforward and easy to put in place. If you are planning a DIY roofing project of your own, here are some of the ways that you can make sure that you stay safe.
Only use good quality ladders
A ladder is going to need to be able to hold your weight. You should look at each rung and make sure that it is sturdy that it isn’t going to break when you climb it.
Make sure someone else holds the ladder
Having someone else there to hold the ladder for you is an important safety aspect for DIY and trade roofers.
Not only can they make sure that the ladder is sturdy whilst you are climbing up it, but they can also keep an eye on you too, making sure that you don’t fall or encounter any problems.
Most domestic ladders today have rubber non-slip feet, but this is not always reliable.
Don’t do it if you have an issue with balance
If you are taking any medication that can make you dizzy, or you suffer a disorder that can affect your balance, it really isn’t a good idea for you to be scaling a roof.
Know your limits
Not everyone is going to be comfortable scaling a ladder and working on a roof. If you are not sure that you feel 100% confident in getting to work up there, then you probably shouldn’t take the chance. It might seem like a cop out getting a professional to do it for you, but it is going to be much safer for you.
Permaroof can help homeowners find reliable, recommended trade rubber roofing professionals via our network of partners and trade roofers across the UK. Should confidence in DIY skills be lost at any point during the roofing project, contact a professional EPDM installer to finish it for you.
Always use the right tools and materials
We may have already covered tools and materials, but we really cannot express how important this is if you are working on a roof. Without the right tools and materials, you may not only ruin your end result, but you could also end up putting yourself and others around you in danger too.
Check the roof before you get to work
You should always make sure that you inspect your roof deck before you climb up. After all, if it is not in the best condition and you put your weight on it, you could find yourself in trouble. If you are not sure that it is going to be able to hold your weight, or you notice what looks like damage, then don’t risk it. Get in a surveyor to assess the roof deck for you first.
Wear the right clothes
For any DIY project, it is important to make sure that you wear suitable clothing. This should include footwear that fits well and has good grip as well as protective headwear (hard hat), gloves and eye protection too. You really cannot be too cautious when it comes to your safety.
As you can see, whilst a flat roof project is simple when you use EPDM, that doesn’t mean that you should ever just jump right in. Take the time to think about what needs to be done, weigh up your options and don’t rush.
Following our simple guidelines about how to get started on your flat roof project can ensure that the project can be completed to a good standard. DIY rubber roofing is possible with Permaroof behind you.
You can download a comprehensive installation guide and individual tutorials in the resources section of our site.
