What Supplies Do You Need to Fix a Roof Leak?

If you think your flat roof is leaking, you need to ensure you have the right supplies to fix it. It’s important to remember that different roof types require different supplies. Applying the wrong items to your roof might not only fail to fix the leak, but it could even make it worse. 

In this blog, we’ll cover which supplies you need to fix an EPDM flat roof leak, before it becomes a bigger, more costly problem that could even lead to health hazards.

As the largest EPDM rubber roofing suppliers in Bradford, we offer only the highest quality and most cost-effective flat roofing supplies here at Alvadac.  

How to tell if my roof is leaking

Identifying that you have a roof leak is the first step. Other than visible water, typical signs include ceiling stains, bubbling paint, and musty smells. However, to find an EPDM roof leak, you should start by checking the highest-probability failure points on the roof, such as:

• Seams where sheets overlap
• Flashing around vents, skylights, HVAC units, and pipes
• Roof edges and parapet walls
• Old patches
• Drains and scuppers
• Areas with standing water

From here, look out for visible signs of a leak, such as cracks or tears, open seams, loose flashing, wrinkles or bubbles, missing lap sealant, or even sharp objects or debris embedded in the membrane. 

What supplies do you need to fix a flat roof leak?

A range of different flat roofing supplies are used to fix a roof leak. Some are more essential than others, but all play their own unique role in providing the vital repair you need for your roof. 

EPDM cleaner

EPDM cleaner, also known as splice wash, is a solvent- or alcohol-based solution designed to clean and degrease EPDM surfaces. It’s vital that you prepare your EPDM flat roof surface with this before applying primers, tapes, or sealants for your repair. It works by removing contaminants in order to facilitate a strong bond.

There are two types of EPDM cleaner for membrane preparation; here’s what you need to know before you buy: 

• Alcohol-based/fast-evaporating degreasers – used for regular repairs to wipe down membranes before taping or joining, leaving no residue.
• Heavy-duty/activators – used for repairs on more weathered, older roofs, often in combination with pressure washers, to remove heavy debris.

EPDM primer

EPDM primer is a solvent-based liquid used in EPDM rubber roofing. It prepares the roof surface for repair by cleaning and activating the surface of the membrane. This is a crucial step before applying adhesives, patches, or tape. EPDM naturally resists sticking to other materials, therefore, the primer conditions the surface to enable a strong, permanent bond. 

EPDM primer is typically used for cleaning and activating surfaces before:

• Applying adhesives to join EPDM sheets together or patch damages. 
• Installing pre-formed pipe boots, walkway pads, and drain details.
• Bonding EPDM adhesives to other materials like wood, metal, plastic, and masonry. 

EPDM patch membrane

An EPDM patch membrane is a durable rubber adhesive patch. It is used to cover the damaged area and is specially designed to instantly seal punctures, tears, and failing seams on EPDM rubber roofs. These patches are highly effective on flat roofs, as they provide a permanent, weather-resistant, and highly elastic waterproof barrier.

EPDM patch membrane is typically used to fix or reinforce the following:

• Damages – physical punctures from objects that get embedded in the membrane, tools or objects that tear the membrane, or structural shifts. 
• Seams – water ingress at overlapping joins between larger EPDM sheets.
• Flashing – corners, pipes, vents, and roof edges where water typically creeps in. 

EPDM seam tape 

EPDM seam tape, also known as cover tape, is a highly durable tape that often comes in self-adhesive rolls. It is fully resistant to all weathers, including UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and most importantly for roof leaks – moisture. This makes it effective and versatile for fixing roof leaks on both domestic and commercial flat roofs. 

As well as being an effective seam tape for sealing overlaps and edges in EPDM rubber roofing, it’s typically used to:  

• Prevent drafts, water ingress, and heat loss in windows and doors.
• Mount the insulating glass cleanly and keep out water and dust.
• Absorb vibrations, reduce rattles, and provide acoustic insulation in HVAC ducting and electrical enclosures.   

EPDM adhesive

EPDM adhesive is a specialised bonding agent used to attach EPDM membranes on flat roofs to various substrates. It helps create a water-tight seal that is both highly durable and weather-resistant, which makes it effective for repairing roof leaks. EPDM adhesive is often used alongside or instead of tape, depending on the type of damage that needs repairing. 

There are two different types of EPDM adhesive out there, so it’s useful to know which one is right for your needs:

• Water-based – eco-friendly and cost-effective, it’s easy to apply but dries slowly and has moderate bond strength. Best for securing the central field of a flat roof.
• Solvent-based – immediate, quick-drying, high-strength bond. Best for demanding weather conditions and securing high-stress areas like corners, edges, and vertical surfaces.

All-in-one EPDM patch kit

Hopefully, your flat roof leak simply requires a small seam to be secured or a small puncture to be covered. For these eventualities, all-in-one EPDM patch kits are useful to have around. A convenient alternative to buying items separately, these kits are designed for everyday repairs, including everything you need to fix a minor roof leak, before it gets worse. 

These pre-packaged kits typically contain:

• Scrub pad
• EPDM primer
• EPDM patch and/or seam/cover tape
• Application tool

Roofing for every property at Alvadac

When it comes to flat roofing, nobody excels in cost, quality, and customer service like us here at Alvadac. We’re a family business with Yorkshire values that permeate through every job we do, whether that’s providing, installing, or fixing a flat rubber roof. 

We get that leaks and damage can happen to anyone, but with an Alvadac flat roof, you can be sure of a durable, long-term performance, built to last using the highest quality materials and installation practices. 

Get in touch today for friendly advice about our roofing solutions; we’d be happy to help.