The builder and repairer in the group of roof repair Morristown NJ provide the numerous residential and commercial structures have flat or low-pitched roof structures, and many of these structures utilize asphalt-based roof systems. These built-up roof systems might have a smooth or gravel surface to help protect them from the elements. As these roof systems age and deteriorate, cracks and splits may form around the perimeter, in the flashings, and the roof’s overall field. To maintain these roof systems and extend the life of the roof, patch leaks immediately.
Ascertaining the Type of Roof
Confirming that your low-sloped built-up roof system is indeed asphalt-based is a critical step in completing an effective repair. The following technique of repair is only applicable to asphalt-based roof systems. If your roof assembly is made up of a single-ply membrane, such as EPDM or TPO, applying asphalt repair material to the membrane’s surface might cause the membrane to deteriorate, necessitating a significantly bigger patch or possibly complete replacement.
Considerations for Safety
Before beginning this job, you should be completely comfortable working at a height, understand how to securely set up and utilize ladders, and feel secure walking on rooftop surfaces. Additionally, you should be able to securely utilize hand tools while on a roof or ladder. If any of these factors make you feel uneasy, consider hiring a professional to perform the work for you.
Construct the Roof
Cleaning the roof surface is the first step in restoring your built-up asphalt roof system. This is a key step because it ensures that your patch sticks to the surface properly and not to the dirt or stone that is on or embedded in the roof’s surface.
This stage becomes more difficult if the roof’s surface is coated in gravel. If this is the case, the gravel must be removed before patching. Gravel surfacing is intended to enable water to flow through and between the gravel, and if the patch is put to the gravel without first removing it, water may flow beneath the patch, enabling the leak to persist.
Prepare the Area for Repair
Once the patch area’s surface is completely clear of dust, debris, and moisture, use a brush or roller to apply the liquid asphalt primer to the roof surface. Additionally, there are treatments available in a spray can form that function effectively.
Eliminate the Fabric Patch
After the primer has dry, cut your asphalt-impregnated cotton cloth to stretch at least three inches beyond the patched area’s edge. The patch should be installed in a two-layer application. The patch’s initial layer should be a 4-inch wide cloth, and the second layer should be 6-inch wide. Utilize a straight-blade utility knife or a pair of scissors to measure and cut the cloth.
Affix the Patch
Apply a bead of asphalt flashing cement to the roof’s surface using the trowel. Apply the flashing cement evenly over the patch area, extending beyond the area to which the cotton fabric will be attached. After applying the flashing cement, insert the 4 inches of cotton cloth into the cement and embed it with the trowel.
Add a Second Coat
Extend the 4-inch patch with an extra coat of asphalt flashing cement. Overlay the patch with a single piece of 6-inch cotton fabric, ensuring that it goes beyond the 4-inch patch in all directions. Utilize the trowel to completely embed the patch in the flashing cement.
Complete the look with Asphalt Mastic.
After installing both layers of fabric, seal the Morristown Roofers with an asphalt mastic finish coat. If the patch is being placed on a gravel-surfaced roof system, the area should be reset with gravel to disguise the repair and retain the roof’s consistent appearance.