Emergency Flat Roof Repair? What you can do

Handling an emergency flat roof repair quickly is crucial to minimising the damage, both to the roof timbers and the interior of the property. Whether you’ve had an obvious deluge or have just noticed the first small signs of a leak, acting fast is key. We’re here to help with some practical tips to guide you through.
 
An important note about safety

First, things first, safety! If you think there may be structural damage to your flat roof, if the weather is bad or you feel unsafe or unsure at any point don’t climb up there. Call in a professional straightaway if there is any risk to your safety and stay away from the damaged area.

Mitigate internal damage

If you can see water coming in from the ceiling, use containers to catch the drips and move valuables and soft furnishings out of the way. If you have plastic sheeting, you can use this to protect furniture or flooring.

Trace and assess the leak

If you can get up onto the flat roof, tracing the leak is the first important task. Remove any debris and look for obvious signs of damage – lifted roofing materials, tears, cracks or holes. Look around any extrusions, flue pipes or upstands and document damage if possible, for repair or even insurance purposes later.

If it is still raining or there is more rain expected, use a tarp or plastic sheet to cover the damage and minimise the water ingress from the outside. Weigh it down at the roof edges temporarily and leave it in situ until you carry out the repair or a professional arrives to assess the leak.

Carrying out an emergency flat roof repair yourself

Minor damage to flat roofing can often be repaired quickly and easily with no need for professional assistance. This might be patching a small hole or crack in a membrane, resealing a seam or an extrusion, for instance. There are a couple of quick fixes that you can make yourself:

Liquid emergency flat roof repair

Emergency flat roof repair liquid is perfect for sealing holes and cracks on a wide range of roofing materials. Suitable for almost any substrate, this acrylic-based product is simply stirred and applied directly to the affected area with a paint brush. Visit YouTube to watch the video or visit this page to view our step by step install guide.

It cures quickly to form a membrane-like finish and can be used as a long-term fix, as part of maintenance to prevent a leak or a temporary repair while you wait for a professional – depending on the type and extent of the damage. 

Emergency patch roof repair

Small repairs to EPDM or other rubber roofing membranes can be done quickly using the patching method. An appropriately sized patch is applied with primer, adhesive and a sealant, which creates an effective seal. EPDM roofing systems are hard to damage, but easy to repair using this method.

If you find you have major damage

If you have major damage to the roofing, you may be able to stop the leak temporarily to minimise the impact, but to ensure the integrity of the building, seek professional guidance as quickly as possible.