Edge of flat roof leaking

[Clive]

Hi,

Water is coming through the edge of the wall and ceiling on an external wall. There is a flat roof with felt that looks in decent condition. I think the rain is coming through a crack in the roof felt as it folds over the edge of the roof. Most of the rain water is going into the gutter but some is running down the fascia board and I think =93creeping=94 back into the room.

Now the question is how do I fix it? I guess the area will be soaking wet and will need to dry out. Also I need to fix the problem.

So how will I best get all this to dry out to avoid later fungi or rot? How do I fix the crack in the edge of the roof felt? I have some of that self-adhesive roll that is sticky on one side and metallic on the other side. Will that adhere to the felt or come off? Is there some =93goo=94 I can put into the crack in the felt?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Clive

[Phil L]

You can use flashband (what you describe above) but don't use any silicone sealant or the flashband won't stick - silicone attacks the bitumen. Get a blowtorch to dry and warm the area first, then warm the piece of flashband and stick it on, then run the torch over the area to ensure it sticks down well.

[Dave Liquorice]

Note warm. A blow torch (unless it has a big burner) may be a bit tricky to just warm a large area. A hot air paint stripper might be a bit more controlable. Also a small roller(*) can be used to ensure good contact between the flashband and underlying material.

(*) Wallpaper seam roller but don't expect to use it for wallpapering again.

[js.b1]

The leak might be tracking from elsewhere. Wickes do a paint on acrylic sealer. It is not cheap, about =A338-45, but it has very good reports.

Remove the source of water, then let it dry out - if it does not dry the leak is not gone.

[Clive]

I had some Everbuild 905 All Weather Roof Coating lying around and the flashband. I filled the cracks using the roof coating and fibreglass (as recommended on the tin). I have applied the flashband and rolled it using a decorating roller. I have coated the exposed edge of the flashband with a liberal dollop of the roof coating. More rain due tomorrow so hopefully it will dry by then (as much as this stuff does dry) and we will see whether I found the cause and have fixed it.

When can one tell a flat roof is due for replacement? Visible bubbles and cracks on the surface? When the ceiling caves in after a heavy downpour? Apart from the "edge cracks" the rest of the roof seems fine and has been down at least 20 (30?) years (I helped my Dad put it down). I am loath to shell out to replace a perfectly good roof but I want to avoid a later ceiling disaster.

Flat roofs in domestic situations? Loath them. Whoever thought they were a sensible idea given British weather?

Thanks for all your suggestions and tips.

Clive