How to Fix My Roof Leaks: Repair Tapes Are the Solution for Commercial Roof Repairs
Author: Lee Polevoi | April 13, 2020
No building owner wants to see water gushing from the ceiling. Whether due to poor drainage, broken seams or loose metal edging, roof leaks happen. If a commercial building owner calls you up after frantically Googling "how to fix my roof leaks," one quick-fix option you might offer them is repair tape. If you've never used repair tape before, read on for a quick rundown, including the best times to use it and the benefits of offering it as a repair choice.
What Is Repair Tape?
Repair tape is a self-adhesive product with no gluing or hot welding needed to apply it that stops roof leaks immediately. Just choose an appropriate width (rolls are available in 4-inch, 6-inch and 12-inch widths), unroll the tape and smooth it across the surface you are repairing. The tape is pressure-sensitive, which makes it quick and easy to apply during a roof repair call.
Roof repair tape is made of thermoplastic elastomers (stretchy, rubber-like polymers) that are waterproof and durable. When you use the tape, you can rest assured that the leak will be properly sealed for a long time.
Why Use Repair Tape?
Roof repair tape can be an ideal material to fix certain types of roofs, such as granule cap, smooth built-up roofs, APP and SBS modified bitumen and metal roof systems. Besides patching a leak, it's sometimes simply good reinforcement.
If you're working on a metal roof, you might choose to apply repair tape to the vertical seams between panels, even if there isn't a leak. The tape acts as an extra barrier, sealing the roof and preventing future water problems.
Another instance when you might want to use repair tape is if there is damage to the metal edge on a built-up, modified bitumen or granule cap system. The tape can seal the edge, preventing leaks.
If a roof has a drain, repair tape can keep water from seeping in from around it. The tape can also help repair a cracked drain on a roof.
How to Fix My Roof Leaks With Repair Tape
Although you might think of repair tape as an instant fix, some technique is required to use it properly. First, you'll need to clean the surface you are repairing.
The best cleaning method depends on the material and area you're working on. If you're using tape to reinforce vertical seams on a metal roof, you'll want to power wash the roof first. If you're using the tape around a roof drain, use a wire brush to clean the bowl and lip of the drain. A clean surface allows the tape to properly adhere to the roof. Along with cleaning the roof, you might need to prime the surface if you're working in very cold temperatures.
Once the roof is clean and primed, cut the tape in short lengths (less than 4 feet) that are easier to work with. Remove the backing from the tape and smooth it into place. You can press the tape with your hands, or use a small roller to get the best adhesion. Since you can't peel the tape off and re-apply it, it's a good idea to measure and position the tape with the backing still on it first to make sure it's the right size.
If you're not currently using a tape option like TRI-BUILT's Roof X Tender Repair Tape to help fix leaks or prevent them from happening in the first place, adding it to your company's toolbox is a smart move. Repair tape lets you quickly fix problems so that your customers can keep living under a leak-free roof.
