Roofers use different materials for flat roof solutions depending on the specifications of the homeowners and needs of each structure. Among the materials used are BUR (Built-up Roof Membrane), Elastomeric/Plastomeric Roof Membranes (which include EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer, Neoprene, PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride, TPO (Flexible Thermo Polyolefin) and Polymer-modified bitumens) and Fluid-applied Roof Membrane.

Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are improved versions of the others. For instance, modified bitumen incorporates modifiers such as APP (tactic polypropylene) and SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) to improve the performance of asphalt.

No matter what material is used for flat roof solutions, deterioration eventually sets in and the roof membrane has to be repaired or replaced to keep the roof in optimum condition. The usual factors that lead to deterioration of flat roofs are as follows:

1. Temperature

Fluctuations in temperature with the accompanying contraction and expansion of roof materials create strain on the roof structure. Flashings could break at the seams, roof material could tear and mortar could crack. All these create entryways for water to seep inside.

2. Sunlight

The volatile components of asphalt or tar on the roof evaporate when exposed to the heat of the sun. The heat also oxidizes asphalt and makes it brittle. The roofing material eventually loses its elasticity and the surface could crack or flake, exposing the felt membrane below the surface.

3. Settlement

Strains are sometimes exerted on flashings after the walls settle. In some cases the roof could settle below the drain pipe level. These occurrences cause floodwater to back up the roof or allow water to seep through the leak on the drain.

4. Roof Traffic

Most roof materials are not designed to withstand constant foot traffic or extra accessories. Walking on top or placing objects on the roof could causes serious damage to the materials and roof deck.

5. Water

Once cracks appear on the surface of the roof, water could seep inside and cause damage to the structure if left unattended. Water or moisture left inside can turn into ice under cold or freezing temperature, which could tear new holes.

6. Wind

Strong winds may push water inside cracks or splits on the surface, particularly at defective seams or joints. They may also tear the roof at its weak spots such as at loosed seams. In addition, storms accompanied by strong winds have been noted to move or sway the roof structure itself.

7. Chemicals

Acids, saturated animal fats and pollutants have the potential to damage roof materials. That is one reason why manufacturers recommend the application of coatings and ballast covering to protect the roof membrane from these harmful chemicals.

The roof is an integral part of your house. It performs a vital function by keeping the elements out of the home’s interior and protecting everything inside. Being constantly exposed to harsh weather, your Orange County roofing will deteriorate in time and need repairs or replacement. Detecting early signs of roof going bad will enable you to fix it, prevent further damage and spending more money.

Here are the most common signs of a problematic Orange County roofing:

1. Uneven or Damaged Shingles

Conduct a visual inspection and look at the shingles on your roof. Do they look flat or uneven? If they look like the latter, it may indicate damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Inspecting your roof after a storm or severe weather condition is advisable. Shingles may be damaged from strong winds, snow or hail. Delaying the repair of your roof could lead to serious damage later and cost you more.

2. Higher Electric Bills

We use power to cool our homes during the hot summer months and to heat them during the cold winter months. A good roofing system helps insulate your home against drastic temperature fluctuations by maintaining relatively uniform temperatures inside. If you suddenly find your monthly electric bills going up without your having bought or use new appliances or equipment that could explain the increase in power consumption, you might be losing cold or heat through your roof.

3. Spots on Ceilings and Walls

Water leak on the roof is the usual culprit when you see spots on these areas. Molds grow on damp places and indicate the something is wrong with your roof. Mold may also be caused by poor ventilation or damaged shingles. A professional is the best person to determine the problem.

4. Cracked or Peeled Paint

Paint is a good indicator of the roof’s condition. A cracked or peeled paint on the exterior or underside may indicate rust or other issues with the roof. An inadequate or impaired attic ventilation is one of the common causes of peeling paint.

5. Old Roofs

Roofs are built to last for decades depending on the material type used for the roof. Metal roofs generally last longer but cost more. If your roof has been protecting your home for years and has reached its estimated service life, it may be time to consider making a replacement. A proactive approach to roof maintenance means checking your roof and replacing parts before a real problem arises. Proactive maintenance could save you money in the long run.

These early warning signs of a roof going bad should alert you to take remedial actions to prevent further roof deterioration.

A leaky roof is a common problem. Each one of us has experienced it to varying degrees in our lives. In fact, roof leak is one of the most common problems for houses and buildings.

Leaky roofs occur because of different causes. Sometimes all it takes is a simple visual inspection of your roof to identify the cause; at other times, you have to call the services of a professional roofer just to determine the source of the problem.

To help you easily identify the causes of the problem, we listed below its six most common causes to make your roof leak detection easier:

1. Clogged Gutters

You can easily verify if your gutter is clogged when it is raining, and no water is trickling out of the downspout. Leaves, dirt and debris are the most common culprits of a clogged gutter. Regular inspection and maintenance cleaning will prevent this from happening.

2. Damaged Shingles

Shingles eventually degrade through time and constant exposure to harsh elements. The time will come when they finally crack, erode, sustain damage or be blown off the roof. Identifying broken or missing shingles is easy though since they are the exterior layer of the roof and can easily be seen.

3. Damaged Skylights

Skylights enhance the aesthetic appeal of your house and allow sunlight to penetrate the interior of the house for more natural lighting. They are, however, a common cause of leaks due to improper installation or damage sustained over time. Observing a regular maintenance schedule helps prevent this problem.

4. Cracked Flashing

Flashing is used to provide water protection to the roof and usually placed on joints, seams and other transition points. Since flashing is made of metal, it is susceptible to corrosion, rust, dent and bending from strong winds, accidental bumping or shift in structure. Damaged flashing could lead to tricky water leaks that only professional contractors could identify and repair.

5. Cracked Chimneys

One of the places first inspected for leaks are chimneys. Whether your chimney is made from brick, stone or metal, the material deteriorates with time and could sustain cracks, corrosion or swelling making it susceptible to water leaks.

6. Ventilation and Plumbing Leaks

Some houses have their plumbing and ventilation systems run through their roofs. While this is not advisable, it is a fact that many houses have such setup. If you experience a leak on your roof, and you have hoses and pipes used for plumbing and ventilation situated near it, the likely cause of the leak is from the ventilation or plumbing system.

With so many products to choose from when it comes to roof repair, homeowners are sometimes confused which ones are effective and which ones are not. There are also products suited for specific types of roof while others are more versatile because they can be used for a wide variety of roofing materials.

UBW425 Quick Roof Ultra Bond

In this article, we examine one of the better-known products in the market that claims not only to patch up your roof and effectively stop leaks but to do its work quickly and without fuss. This is the Cofair UBW425 Quick Roof Ultra Bond with Steel-Loc Adhesive.

Quick Roof Ultra Bond is available as a roll type adhesive that is marketed to permanently repair leaks on different roofing materials, including EPDM, metal, PVC, modified asphalt, wood, tile, TPO, vinyl and fiberglass. The product is self-adhesive and may be applied to damp or even wet surfaces.

What the Product Says

Its manufacturer guarantees the product will not crack, shrink or harden when properly applied. Quick Roof Ultra Bond may be used not only on cracked and leaky roofs but also on other parts of the house such as flashings, gutters and skylights. In fact, because of its form—an adhesive roll—it may also be used on mobile homes and RVs, trucks and trailers, tarps and garden sheds.

What the Customers Say

Most customers who bought the UBW425 Quick Roof Ultra Bond are satisfied with its performance. They particularly praised the adhesive strength of the product to stick to the surface. People who bought it used the product to repair different surfaces, including car trailers, asphalt roof, RV roof and rubber membrane flat roof.

Another positive quality of the product that customers rave about is the convenience and ease in which it can be used. Most customers were literally surprised how easy it was to use the adhesive tape.

Quick Roof Ultra Bond was used on different surfaces and under various circumstances. Some cleaned first the old materials used on the roof before using the product. Others applied additional liquid sealers on top of the adhesive. One customer used it on joints between the roof and metal flashings. Its positive performance was overwhelmingly recognized after customers noted the absence of leaks after heavy rains.

Some users suggest additional steps to further improve the performance of the product:

• Apply a primer first over the surface before using Quick Roof Ultra. The stick factor is apparently increased by the primer.
• Cut the tape in manageable lengths, especially if you are working alone since it could twist up and become unusable.
• Use a roller to flatten the tape and improve its adhesion process.

Gaskets play an important role in a mechanical assembly. They act primarily as the seal between two attached parts so that no leak occurs between them. To function as they are designed to, gaskets must produce an initial seal and maintain this seal over a period of time. Once the time comes, they must also be easily removed and replaced.

Gasket Materials

Gaskets are usually made from flexible and soft materials such as rubber and often utilized as seals to prevent leaks in pipes. They have other purposes, however, such as dampening vibrations and as mounting.

Rubber gaskets are preferred because they are soft and have inherent properties based on the kind of materials used. One of the most popular types of rubber gasket is EPDM gasket because of its desirable qualities.

EPDM Gasket

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic elastomer rubber with a wide range of industrial and commercial uses. This substance is used for seals (in those times when silicon is unwanted), electrical insulation, solar panels, belts, tubing, radiators, garden hose, washers and electrical insulation.

Qualities of EPDM Gasket

Its main properties include its exceptional resistance to heat, ozone and weather. The product is also well-known for its electrical insulating properties and resistance to ordinary diluted acids, alkaline and ketones.

EPDM gasket is, in fact, one of the most widely-used sealants for its superior performance even in extreme weather conditions. It maintains stability at temperatures range of -50°C to 150°C.

The product does not leave stains on PVC window frames.

It is compatible with hot and cold water and fireproof hydraulic fluids.

Compared to gaskets manufactured from different materials, EPDM gasket is resistant to extreme weather, ageing, wear, oxygen, ozone and UV light. That is why it is ideal for exposed applications.

Common Uses and Application

EPDM gasket’s most common use is in the automotive industry where they are widely applied in automobiles as window seals, trunk seals, door seals and hood seals.

It is also a popular choice among contractors and roofers as roofing membrane. A desirable quality of the product is that it does not contaminate rainwater, an ideal situation for rainwater harvesting.

EPDM granules are combined with polyurethane binders and sprayed on asphalt, concrete, wood, bricks to produce soft and non-slip safety surface for wet areas such as pool decks.

Another useful application of the product is its use as safety surface for playground equipment to lessen injuries from falls.

There was a time when homeowners avoided flat roofs because of the negative reputation associated with this type of roof. Water ponding and leaks are the most common problems for flat roofs. Water tends to pool on the roofs, which ultimately cause water to seep into the interior of the house and ruin furniture and valuable materials inside.

The usual cause of leaks is damaged or improperly-installed waterproofing layers at the top of the roof. Damaged or cracked concrete tiles may also be the cause. Flat roof solutions, however, are available to patch up these cracked and leaky roofs. Just follow these steps in identifying and ultimately solving the problem.

1. Locate Leak Source

Homeowners normally fail to notice problems on their roofs until a leak occurs. A wet spot on the carpet or floor does not indicate that the leak occurred directly above. Water has the tendency to zigzag as it winds down various layers of the roof. Better to go up and inspect the roof and look for occurrence of ponding, where water gathers in one area of the roof. Once you identified the exact location of the crack, you are ready to fix the problem.

2. Check Weather Forecast

Check what the weather will be in the coming days before performing any actual work. Repairing cracked roofs require dry weather for the sealants, paints, cements and adhesives to properly stick to the surface. Furthermore, allow for a few days of dry and sunny weather before commencing work to make sure the roof is dry.

3. Replace Damaged Tiles

The first thing you have to do is check the condition of the concrete tiles, which tend to break with the passage of time. They may also be damaged by hail and ice or through human intervention, as when people repairing other areas of the roof inadvertently stepped on and damaged weak tiles. The best way to fix the problem is to replace the cracked tiles with new ones. A common source of leakage often overlooked by homeowners is exposed nails. Re-caulking them should solve the problem.

4. Use Sealant or Roof Cement

If cracks appear on the flat concrete roof itself, just apply roof sealant on the cracked portion. The sealant has waterproofing qualities that effectively eliminates the seepage of water. This method works best if the cracks are small and isolated. However, if the cracks are larger and the gaps wider, the application of roofing cement or mortar on the cracks is advisable before coating them with elastomeric sealant.