Leaking garage roof

[Booldawg]

I've been on top of the roof and can't see any visible cracks or splits in the felt. Its a flat roof and not very well laid as puddles are collecting in certain areas.

I think the rain is leaking through the patchwork of joints near the back. Its soaking right through the chipboard roof and dripping onto the garage floor.

I've seen a product that is basically bitumin paint in a tin which is applied via a trowel (too thick for a paintbrush). Does this stuff work well? Its got to be easier and cheaper than re-felting the whole roof.

[beejay1124]

bolddawg
that bitumous paint can work ok--make sure the area you are doing is cleaned and dried --but be warned -if the chipboard is getting water it will quickly rot the chipboard and it would be a lot cheaper to get a cap sheet layer of felt on the roof rather than waiting too long and needing new sheets of ply as well as this would mean taking all the felt and sheeting off( even worse if youleave it so long as to need joists replaced also)

[buildersmate]

Depends on how long you are planning on staying there. If more than 5yrs, probably better to redo the roof. Patching doesn't put off the inevitable for ever.

[Booldawg]

thanks for the info. I'm hoping to get up there on saturday, If the paint doesnt do the job I'll have to patch it up with enough felt to cover the joins and seal the edges with the paint. Need dry days really!