How to prepare and repair mobile roof

You have figured out that there is a need for repairing your mobile home roof. In fact you have done your research on all that is available in the market to repair the roof. Now it is all about getting started.

Safety First

Before you start repairing your roof, its important that you know it can take your weight, so follow these simple instructions to avoid your roof buckling under your weight:

• If repairs are small and on seams, try working from the ladder.

• If you have to climb up on the roof, step on the trusses (rafters), generally placed at 12 to 24 “ distance.

• For extensive work and for convenience, use a board about ½” thick, 2 ft wide and 4 feet long to work upon. Place this board such that it is across the rafters.

Patch that hole

If your assessment says that it is just a hole in the roof that needs a repair, then the task is not so daunting.

•  Inspect the area; if the surrounding roof is also damaged plan to do a wider area of repair.

•  Clean the area; scrap the dirt off the roof. Demarcate by applying a butyl tape around the area to be repaired.

•  Cover the hole with a galvanized metal sheath over the butyl tape and drill screws. Ensure these are at a distance of about two inches. DO NOT screw into trusses.

•  Seal around the patch with calk and then use a roof coating.

Seal the seams

Called membraning, this method is intended to cover parted roof seams and narrow cracks; it is not recommended for repairing larger defects.

•  Clean the area as recommended above, with the help of a putty knife.

•  Coat the defect with aluminum base roof coating covering some area beyond the seam.

•  Before the coat dries up completely cover it with asphalt impregnated, glass membrane fabric. The fabric should overlap the seam by at least two inches beyond.

•  Put another layer of roof coat on top.

Replace it all

If the damage is extensive, it is advisable to do up the entire roof, than do several patches.

•  Clean the area; remove clogged water, check the attic, replace damaged insulation and rafters.

•  Loosen the J-rail to enable you to put the new roofing. It need not be completely removed.

•  The new sheet to be put in the damaged area should be wider that the actual area.

•  Put butyl tape along the length of the damaged area and then the new sheet, slide these under the J-rail. Now put tape along the edges.

•  Put screws through all of these layers, same distance and no rafters please.

•  Seal on all sides with a metal roof coating.

As a parting shot, some insight into the types of mobile roof repair estimates. The traditional asphalt products cost approximately $31 for a 5-gallon can, and each gallon covers 60-90 square feet. Whereas the elastometric coating available costs around $57 for a 5-gallon pail and covers 80-100 square feet per gallon.