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Rubber Roof Maintenance

Hand wearing orange glove repairing rubber roof near section of brick.

What’s not to love about rubber roofs? They are affordable, long-lasting, energy efficient, and fire resistant. In addition, rubber roof maintenance and repair is fairly easy. For these reasons and more, rubber roofs are found on many flat commercial buildings. Familiarize yourself with how to keep your rubber roof in the best shape possible to protect your building from water damage.

 

Rubber Roof Maintenance

Get Regular Cleanings

Ideally, you should hire a professional to clean your rubber roof four times a year. From ice in the winter to leaves in the fall, each season presents its own set of challenges to your rubber roof. In fact, some rubber roof manufacturers set warranty requirements surrounding cleaning frequency. We don’t recommend that you DIY rubber roof cleaning. Climbing on your roof is dangerous enough, but when you add a slippery cleaning agent to the mix, you will be presented with a serious falling hazard. Before your contractor starts cleaning your roof, make sure he or she covers your nearby shrubs and plants. Certain cleaning agents can kill plants. Professionals normally use brooms to sweep away debris on your roof, and then clean it with a mop. The process is actually very similar to cleaning the floors in your home.

The Repair Process

During each routine cleaning, ask your contractor to check for any tears or damages on your rubber roof. Swelling, loose areas, and uneven thickness are all signs that your rubber roof is in need of repair. Frequently checking for problem spots on the exterior of your roof can prevent problems from showing up as interior water leaks. Luckily, rubber roof repairs are generally pretty affordable and quick. In most cases, the only material your contractor will need is a tube of liquid rubber to patch up the hole or tear. If the damage is bigger, it might require rubber repair tape.

If you are having a new rubber roof installed, go with a durable rubber material, like EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing. The higher the quality of the rubber, the less often it will need repairs. EPDM roofs can be tricky to install, so make sure you partner with a contractor who has experience with this material.

Painting a Rubber Roof

For some, a major drawback of a rubber roof is the appearance. However, you can actually have a professional paint your rubber roof. If you choose to go this route, just keep in mind that you’ll need to have it repainted about every decade to maintain its appearance. Painting your rubber roof white can actually make your building more energy efficient in the summer months by reflecting light rays. However, if your building is in a colder climate, consider leaving it black. A black roof will attract the heat from the sun to your building.

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Rubber roofs are long lasting and reliable, and you don’t have to own a commercial building to rake in the benefits. In fact, you can even have a rubber roof installed on an RV or a midcentury modern house with a flat roof.

Is your rubber roof in need of some repairs? Work with a company that specializes in rubber roof maintenance. If you live in southern Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!

Fully licensed and insured, Taylor-Made Roofing is ready to take care of your roof.
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