EPDM Rubber Roofing › Swansea › Guide
When an EPDM roof fails early, the cause is usually underneath, not on top. The membrane is bonded straight to the deck, so any weakness in that surface shows through. On Swansea's older extensions and garages, the old covering and deck often need real attention before a new sheet goes down.
Dealing with the old covering
First we decide what to do with what is already there. Sometimes the old felt can stay as a base if it is dry and well bonded, but more often it is stripped back to the deck. Old layers can hide damp, soft boards and rot, and a bond to a failing surface will not hold. Stripping is messy, but it is the only way to be sure what the deck is really like.
Checking the deck for damp and rot
Once the deck is exposed, we check every board. Soft, stained or sagging areas tell us where water has been getting in. On older Sketty and Killay garages and Victorian rear additions we often find rotten timbers along the edges and around outlets. Those boards come out and are replaced before anything else.
Joists below are checked as well, since a new deck on weak timbers will sag again. Where an extension has settled, we look at whether packing or new firring is needed to bring the roof back to a proper shape.
- Press and probe boards for softness or movement.
- Look for staining, fungus or damp insulation.
- Replace damaged boards and check supporting joists.
Getting the surface flat and clean
EPDM is bonded with adhesive, so the deck has to be smooth, dry and free of dust, nails and splinters. Plywood or similar boarding is laid flat and fixed firmly. Any raised edges or gaps are dealt with, because they would show through the rubber and wear it from underneath. A few minutes spent smoothing the surface saves a leak later.
Falls and drainage
A flat roof is never truly flat. It needs a fall so water runs off to the gutter, and ponding is a common reason for early problems. If the roof sits level or dips, we correct the falls with tapered boards or firring strips. We also check the gutter and outlet are sized and clear.
Insulation and the finishing details
Where the roof is insulated, the insulation type, position and vapour control must suit the deck, and damp insulation is removed. Edges, upstands and drips are set up before the sheet is laid. A hillside or coastal site gets particular attention to the edges. Our Flat Roofing South Wales section covers other systems. We explain each of these steps before the sheet is laid, so nothing under the rubber is a surprise to you.
Need epdm rubber roofing in Swansea? See our epdm rubber roofing in Swansea page, or call 07766 547309.
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Common Questions
Can EPDM go over an old felt roof in Swansea?
Sometimes, if the felt is dry, flat and firmly bonded, but we usually prefer to strip back to the deck so we can check it. We look on site and explain which approach makes sense.
What happens if the deck is damp?
It has to be dealt with before the membrane goes on. Trapped damp rots the timber and weakens the bond. We find the source, dry or replace the affected deck and insulation, and only then lay the sheet.
Does the roof need a fall for EPDM?
Yes. Water must run off to a gutter or outlet, and standing water speeds up wear. If the existing fall is too small or has been lost, we correct it with tapered boards or firrings.
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