Replace or Repair Rubber Roof
#1
06-26-15, 08:25 AM
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Replace or Repair Rubber Roof
I have a 18 year old Firestone rubber roof that we have been having some leakage issues with. For many years we have had leakage issues due to water blowing in ridge vents that are sitting flush on the rubber. Everyone we talk with says that they were improperly installed and a vent like that is not meant for that application.
Over the winter we had a guy come and patch an area that was leaking and he suggested that we replace the whole thing. We just got a quote from him and it would be using a PVC type material instead of rubber for about $5000. We wanted to get another opinion so we had a few other roofers come over. One showed us that the overlap of the rubber sections is approx 6" and only 1" is peeling up. He proposed that we have him go around and reseal all the seams, replace a section of metal flashing that is rusted and take the ridge vents off/wrap rubber over the edge to seal the vented area off. His price was about $900.
Based on the information I gave you what would you recommend? Would my roof have much life left or is 18 years a lot for rubber?
Ridge vent where it leaks in. You can see debris in there from water pushing in.
Over the winter we had a guy come and patch an area that was leaking and he suggested that we replace the whole thing. We just got a quote from him and it would be using a PVC type material instead of rubber for about $5000. We wanted to get another opinion so we had a few other roofers come over. One showed us that the overlap of the rubber sections is approx 6" and only 1" is peeling up. He proposed that we have him go around and reseal all the seams, replace a section of metal flashing that is rusted and take the ridge vents off/wrap rubber over the edge to seal the vented area off. His price was about $900.
Based on the information I gave you what would you recommend? Would my roof have much life left or is 18 years a lot for rubber?
Ridge vent where it leaks in. You can see debris in there from water pushing in.
#2
06-27-15, 09:54 AM
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#3
06-27-15, 01:53 PM
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Not a roof pro but, IMO a flat rubber roof is not a good idea in any residential home. I would agree that the vent does not look like a good application.
I have been on many commercial rubber roofs, and by the pictures, yours does appear to be in good condition so repairing it sounds like a good option. When the vent is removed, will he install some new vents on the shingled side of the roof?
I have been on many commercial rubber roofs, and by the pictures, yours does appear to be in good condition so repairing it sounds like a good option. When the vent is removed, will he install some new vents on the shingled side of the roof?
#4
06-27-15, 02:21 PM
Member
The rubberized roofs I have been on had a rubber collar that went up around the shaft of the vent pipe so that it was held above the base level. It then had the same square flat pad that was attached that was welded to the deck material. Yours just seems to have a hole cut out of it. If the rubber is still flexible, then it is repairable IMO. If it was dry and brittle, then look to replace.
Is there any other way to vent the roof other than the ridge vent? Which, BTW, makes no sense on a flat roof.
Is there any other way to vent the roof other than the ridge vent? Which, BTW, makes no sense on a flat roof.
#5
06-27-15, 07:42 PM
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Thanks for the replies! The roofer said he would remove the vents and then wrap rubber over onto the sloped roof and put shingles on top of it. I believe he would eliminate the ridge vent in those areas.
We had a reputable company install everything and I questioned those vents but they said it would be fine. Now it's leaking and they won't do anything about it.
We had a reputable company install everything and I questioned those vents but they said it would be fine. Now it's leaking and they won't do anything about it.
