How do I fix a leak on a flat Tar roof?

Question

Hi I have a section in my house that is a family room downstairs and a balcony on top with a flat tar floor. This has been leaking for years and its not getting any better after multiple tries of patching it up. Should I put rubber on top of the entire thing? Tar all over? I was planning on putting a wood deck but need to take care of this problem first.. Help..

Answer 1

Sometimes you can repair this type of problem with a liquid tar product. It comes in the same type of container as the thick "bully" type tar, but penetrates better. Pour it liberally over the affected area, then stay off until it sets. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

They should be outlawed,I would completely cover with a pond liner one piece,make sure it has a lead or equivelent flashing where it meets the house then cover with decking make completely sure not to damage the liner

Answer 3

Hi.............I would guess you don't want to hear this....but here goes...........If it has been leaking it's time to take the whole thing off and take a look for rot......then fix it correctly.....and yes you can patch it.........You can take rolled roofing and cold application tar.....put a dry layer down then tar it, then a other layer right into the soft tar and then tar the top of that layer....I used to do cold application tar roofs........and it's quite common for them to go 20years easy.......all the directions are on the rolled roofing, for laying it.......You can also get what they call "split sheet" or half lap......paper.....the secret is in the tar and lapping of the sheets........no exposed nails.  Hope this helps.......it isnt that hard to do..........just need tar and tar brush w/5' handle.......the tar has a chemical reaction with the paper and melts them together.......then you can set you deck right on the top with some sleepers layed down before.doing deck..........good luck

Answer 4

Yes, rubber is a good choice for under your deck, but tear off the old roofing first so you can repair any rotten lumber.

Rubber comes in 10' wide rolls.  You can go to your local roofing supply and get whatever length of rubber you want, and ask them for installation advice.

Make sure there are no nails or sharp objects protruding, put a layer of #30 felt and then the rubber membrane. Don't put  any nails through the top when you are installing the deck. Should last for many years.