Four essential tips for flat roofing straight from the experts

When it comes to repairing your old home, by yourself - you'll be glad to realize that flat roofing is one of the easiest. It's something that you can handle on your own and with minimal fuss, wear and tear. What's more, flat roofing is bound to be inexpensive, as well. You need to understand that your roof tends to be exposed to the elements all year round. So any roof you build must be equally strong. A flat roof is one of the most basic types that you can handle on your own. Just check out these essential tips for flat roofing.

• Remove the old pliers: When it comes to flat roofing in London, the first thing that you need to do is to remove the old pliers with the help of a spade. Thrust the spade into the old roof at a 30 - 40 degree angle, thrust the spade in to remove the old pliers. You need to grip and thrust the spade in and keep at it until you feel the timber support. Now, with the help of the spade, lever it against the timber, felt, and remove chunks of the old roof completely.

• Remove the timber fillets:  When it comes to flat roofing, you’re bound to encounter your fair share of timber fillets as you attempt to remove the old roof. Just remember that you need to copy the same process here as well. Just use the spade in the same manner, dig in and leverage against the fillets. And keep doing so as you feel the timber fillets raise from the roof. Once it is loose, you can then grab it, wrench it and throw it away.

• Using an EPDM roof: One of the new flat roofs that you can install is the EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber roof. The neat thing about this roof is that it is easy to install and one that you would not have to sweat hours over. Make sure that you use a measuring tape to measure the width and length of your roof accurately. Remember to allow for some extra space at each end, just in case. Once you have got the measurements right,  you can purchase an EPDM membrane at any of the hardware shops. Follow the directions listed and make sure that you align the membrane vertically. Remember you cannot install this membrane in peak winter as the average temperature needs to be at least 50F.

• Attaching the EPDM roof: Attaching the roof is quite easy. Make sure that you roll out the membrane vertically, as per the directions listed. Now, roll out the membrane and fold one edge so that it meets the other side, right in the middle. Check and see if the crease in the EPDM roof is vertically aligned with the rest of your roof. Once you have done so, All that is left is for you to apply a strong adhesive with the help of a roller. Just make sure that you apply the adhesive to the EPDM membrane evenly. And make sure that you roll the membrane gently, while the adhesive is still moist enough. This should help the membrane to attach firmly, and soon you should have a brand new roof, in place of the old one.

Remember to allow the membrane to rest in position for at least an hour before you start using it. This should enable the membrane to bend and roll as you start applying it.