Blog

RUBBER MEMBRANE ROOFS AND DECKS IN NEW ZEALAND

 

Rubber membrane is a commonly used product applied to many flat roofs and decks throughout New Zealand. You’ll find this surface on many different kinds of buildings, from homes to schools and commercial offices. But what does it do, how long does it last, and how do you know if it has started to break down?

WHAT IS THIS RUBBER MEMBRANE SURFACE?

This particular New Zealand-made product is used on commercial and residential buildings. Essentially it’s a rubber membrane that acts as a waterproof covering to protect surfaces like flat roofs and decks from the elements. It’s particularly common in windy areas like Wellington, where many buildings have flat roofs, and large area commercial structures. This rubber membrane surface is a great product, and does its job well, but like any rubber product it does break down over time.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY RUBBER MEMBRANE SURFACE HAS STARTED TO BREAK DOWN?

If you want to know how your rubber surface is doing, there are a few key signs to look out for. One of the first symptoms of broken-down rubber membrane is chalkiness. If you find a chalky black powder on your feet when you walk over your surface, this is a sign that the rubber membrane isn’t in tip-top condition. Another symptom to look for is ‘bubbling’ – this is where the membrane has started floating off the timber because the glue that should be securing it has broken down. You may also find old nails coming up through, or perhaps you can see some cracks and splits. If your rubber surface is showing any of these signs, it’s time to get it checked by a professional.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FIX MY RUBBER MEMBRANE ROOF OR DECK?

There are a few different ways you can fix your surface. Some companies will suggest replacing the entire roof or deck, but this is a costly and disruptive job that can often be avoided. In many cases the plywood underneath the rubber membrane is still in good condition, so it’s not necessary to do a full replacement. Another remedy is to replace the surface, but this can also be pricey. Don’t forget too, when your new membrane surface is exposed to the same harsh conditions it will end up suffering the same problems in the future.

A more effective, long-term solution (that won’t cost an arm and a leg) is to get DURAPROOF. in, to repair the rubber membrane surface and then coat it with a protective layer of Duraflex to safeguard it against future damage.

REPAIRING A RUBBER MEMBRANE ROOF OR DECK

There are a few common repairs that need to be made to a rubber membrane roof or deck to get it back into good condition. Because in most cases the glue that attaches the rubber membrane to the timber has broken down, one key repair is to re-establish that bond by re-gluing. If your rubber membrane has cracks and splits, then these will need to be mended as well. Any nails that are coming through the surface will also need to be taken out and replaced with stainless steel screws. All these repairs are cost-effective and can be done with very little disturbance to your home, school or business.

LONG-TERM RUBBER MEMBRANE PROTECTION WITH DURAFLEX

Once all the necessary repairs have been made to your surface, it’s time for the final and most important step – adding a protective layer of Duraflex. It is a hard wearing, waterproof coating which is sprayed on top of the rubber membrane surface to add a durable layer of protection. It’s proven to guard against all the elements, and will ensure your rubber membrane roof or deck will have a much greater life expectancy. It also comes with a 15-year guarantee.

If you’d like to find out how DURAPROOF. can help repair and protect your commercial property or home, then please get in touch today.

---