Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

How to properly "tarp" flat metal roof?

Jump to Latest
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
J

jncoln

· Banned
Joined
·
6 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello,

I'm completely new to the construction business and trying to learn right / wrongs as I hear different opinions from people around me.

What are some standard approaches to roof leak when dealing with flat metal & concrete roof?

Unlike shingle roofs (mostly in residential buildings), I don't see any obvious way to nail & install tarps & weather guards on metal / concrete roof (mostly in commercial buildings).

Does it make sense to tape & clip tarps on flat metal / concrete roof as shown below? (especially considering thermal expansion & storms in the south?)

I googled "metal roof tarp" but couldn't find anything specific to flat metal roof, I wonder if using tarp is not even a thing for flat metal / concrete roof at all. (for example, would using a sealant be far more efficient way than placing tarps?)

Image


Thanks.
 
#2 ·
This is not one size fits all issue. There are too many variables to consider to give a reasonable answer. How much damage is there. How big is the leak. How many leaks are there. How long do you need to protect the structure and what are the environmental conditions to be considered. Sometimes it will be a caulking gun, sometimes a bucket of flex seal, sometimes a small tarping in target areas, sometimes a full tarp covering is needed. Way too many options for such a simplistic scenario being described.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#5 ·
Joe Fairplay said:
This is not one size fits all issue. There are too many variables to consider to give a reasonable answer. How much damage is there. How big is the leak. How many leaks are there. How long do you need to protect the structure and what are the environmental conditions to be considered. Sometimes it will be a caulking gun, sometimes a bucket of flex seal, sometimes a small tarping in target areas, sometimes a full tarp covering is needed. Way too many options for such a simplistic scenario being described.
Click to expand...
Wait!!

You can’t learn everything you’ll ever want to know by googling it?!
 
#10 ·
I’ve never tarped flat or metal roofing systems. When we’ve had to install emergency protection for leaks we have hung a heavy mil plastic on the interior ceiling joists. If there is an office or drop ceiling under the area take out the tiles, if they aren’t ruined already they will be and you need access. 12G hanger wire works perfectly and uninstalls easily after the repair.

Pull it fairly tight but leave a bit of slack in the middle.

If it’s leaking like a sieve nothing will be a long term fix except a proper repair, it can only hold so much weight. Buckets/trash cart/barrels underneath to catch runoff in case it gets through and safety cones for, well, safety.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#13 ·
Many roofing contractors will combat roof leaks on a metal and /or concrete flat roof by applying a liquid rubber product. Butyl Liquid Rubber is a one coat application that will take standing water 365 days a year. It water proofs within a couple of hours after application. Once cured it will form a seamless membrane. It is ASTM tested and Energy Star approved.
 
#14 ·
How to properly "tarp" a flat roof.

How to "properly" tarp a flat roof.

Fixed it. No thanks necessary.

My question is, where is it leaking? I'd start there. Other than that, I've used thick mil plastic on the deck and I built teepees around all the penetrations and HVAC units with iso board then covered them with plastic too and duct taped the teepees to the deck. 3500 sq foot roof with parapet walls 4 feet high. One working scupper. Roof filled up like a bathtub but it didn't leak. And yes I was scared as ****. Building owner wouldn't even evacuate the building. I personally knocked on every tenant door and informed them of the issues and told them it would be in their best interest not to be home during this MASSIVE rain we had coming. Even offered to pay for their hotels. I wasn't about to let that roof leak, but the owner had me in a bad spot. Halted construction after we tore it off. It was bs. Long and old story. Anyway. Not a single leak.
 
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
About this Discussion
13 Replies
12 Participants
Last post:
madrina
Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum
posts
3.6M
members
169K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to professional construction and remodeling contractors. Come join the discussion about the industry, trades, safety, projects, finishing, tools, machinery, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Tools & Equipment Business Painting & Finish Work Decks & Fencing