Rubber roofing is an alternative to asphalt roofing.  This is hardier and is guaranteed to last a lifetime unlike asphalt roofing, which start leaking after five years.  Rubber roofing is a mix of recycled car tires, slate dust, and saw dust.  To sum it up, rubber roofing is eco-friendly.

Rubber Roofing Tools

If you are planning to install rubber roofing for your home, how about doing the job yourself?  Installing rubber roofing is way easier and quicker than repairing slate or asphalt shingles.  The chances of a leaking rubber roof is there but then it may take about thirty to forty years before this can happen; rubber roofing is tough and can withstand tough weather conditions.  Because rubber roofing is lighter than shingles or asphalt roofing, hoisting rubber roofing from the ground up won’t be difficult.

Rip Claw Hammer

Stripping off the existing roof to its wood base, removing nails, and sweeping away the debris are done before installing the rubber roofing.  The basic rip claw hammer and a push broom will do for the job.  To prepare the roofing surface, all loose boards should be nailed down with penny nails.  When everything is set, it is time to install the drip edges and flashings.  These are installed along areas where there will roof penetration.

Seam Probe Tool

This is a tool used to check rubber membrane that is no longer holding on together.  Roofers need this tool to lift material at the seams, and for repairing rubber roofs.  When the roof installation is done, the tool is used to double check if the work is okay.  The tool can be ordered online for $15 or less.

Silicon Hand Roller

This looks like your small rolling pin and works much the same way.  When adhesives are applied, the rolling pin is rolled over the seam to remove bubbles and to secure the adhesive.  This is applied with pressure.  These pins come in different widths to match different seam tapes.  You can get this from your local hardware or roofing supply stores for $10 or more.

Electric Staple Gun

When attaching tar paper, use a heavy duty electric staple gun with a long cord.  Depending on the number of rubber sheets you one that can attach the most number of tar paper.  More work can be done with an electric staple gun so that saves you time.  You can buy this or rent this from a local tools rental shop.

EPDM Seam Adhesive

Ethylene-propylene rubber adhesive is similar to caulk.  This is applied to sections of rubber roofing membrane on the seam tape’s undersides.  Without this, rubber roofing won’t adhere tightly to the rubber membrane.  Choose higher quality EDPM seam adhesive to create water-tight sealing.

Membrane Adhesive

A very strong adhesive is used to keep the rubber roofing on the roof.  Before it is applied this is stirred for five minutes before application.  The bonding agent is stimulated with the stirring action.  This is applied on the substrate and back of the rubber membrane to make it water-tight and secure.