EPDM Rubber Roofing › Tonypandy › Guide
People often focus on the membrane, but the deck beneath decides whether an EPDM roof does well. On the small flat roofs that sit behind Tonypandy terraces, kept damp by the hillside and shaded by taller walls, decks are often tired. This is the preparation we carry out first.
Stripping back to the deck
We usually remove the old covering, whether felt, bitumen or another layer, so we can see the boards. Covering up an unknown surface hides problems that will show later. Stripping also lets us see how the roof was built, how it falls and where water has been getting in, which tells us a lot about the repairs the deck needs. We look at each roof on its merits rather than offering a standard answer.
Checking and repairing the boards
We look for rot, soft spots, delamination, movement and loose fixings. Any board that is damaged or damp is cut out and replaced rather than covered over. On older terrace extensions, timbers close to the high back wall are often the first to suffer, as water runs down the wall and soaks into the roof edge. We look at each roof on its merits rather than offering a standard answer.
- Soft or spongy boards cut out and replaced
- Loose boards refixed to the joists
- Damp timber allowed to dry or replaced
- Joists checked for rot and movement
Falls and drainage
Water must run off the roof towards the gutter or outlet. If the deck is flat or dips, water sits in pools, adds weight and shortens the life of any covering. We check the falls and, where needed, correct them with firrings or by adjusting the deck. We also check the outlet and gutter are clear and take water away freely. Ask us if you are unsure and we will talk it through in plain terms.
Insulation and the build-up
A flat roof over a heated room may need insulation, and how it is arranged affects condensation inside the roof. Poor build-up can leave a deck damp from below. We talk through the options, check what is already there and tell you what the roof needs. Insulation and Building Regulations may need checks, and we advise before work starts. The right answer depends on what we find on site.
A clean, dry surface for bonding
EPDM is bonded to the deck with adhesive, so the surface must be clean, dry, smooth and free of nails, splinters and dust. Damp boards or loose debris spoil the bond. In Tonypandy's damp climate we pick our moment carefully, and will not lay on a wet deck. Edge trims, upstands and corners are set out before the membrane is laid. Ask us if you are unsure and we will talk it through in plain terms.
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Common Questions
Do you always strip the old roof first?
Usually. Stripping lets us see the deck, check for rot and correct the falls. There are cases where an existing surface can stay, but we only agree that after looking at what is underneath.
What if the deck boards are rotten?
Rotten boards are cut out and replaced before the membrane goes on, and the joists beneath are checked too. A rubber sheet over a soft deck will not give a lasting roof, so we do not lay over one.
Can EPDM go on in damp weather?
Not onto a wet deck. The adhesive needs a clean, dry surface to bond, so we wait for suitable conditions. In the Rhondda that sometimes means rearranging the job around the weather. We explain what we find on the deck before any membrane is ordered.
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Tell us what the roof is doing in Tonypandy and we will look at it. Call 07766 547309, message us on WhatsApp or use the form below.