How to repair an EPDM rubber roof with Supraseal® tape
EPDM rubber roofs are tough, but they still get punctured by dropped tools, split at stressed corners, and leak at laps that have lifted over time. The good news is that most EPDM repairs don't need hot works or a specialist liquid system. A butyl tape like Supraseal® bonds to EPDM and seals the damage cold, in minutes.
Common EPDM problems tape can fix
- Punctures and small tears from foot traffic or dropped fixings
- Splits at corners, upstands and outlets
- Lifted or failed lap seams
- Leaks around pipes and other penetrations
Watch the technique
Step 1: Find the leak
Water can travel under a membrane before it shows inside, so check the area around and upslope of the drip. Mark every defect you find; it's often quicker to cover nearby damage with one patch.
Step 2: Clean the EPDM properly
EPDM picks up dirt and develops a chalky surface as it ages, and tape won't bond reliably to it. Clean well beyond the area the tape will cover with a suitable membrane cleaner, then let it dry completely.
Step 3: Pick the width and cut the patch
Allow at least 50mm of overlap beyond the defect on every side. 100mm suits small punctures, 200mm suits splits, laps and upstands, and 300mm suits larger patches (see our width guide). Round the corners of the patch so they're less likely to lift.
Step 4: Apply and roll
Position the tape centrally, press it down from the middle outwards to push out air, and avoid stretching it. Then roll the whole patch firmly with a seam roller, concentrating on the edges.
Step 5: Check and finish
Run a finger round every edge and re-roll anything that's lifting. On external corners and other high-stress spots, add a second layer for extra protection.
Why butyl rather than bitumen tape?
Bitumen tapes don't suit every modern membrane and can stain. Supraseal® is butyl based and bitumen free, UV stable, and backed by a 10-year warranty, so it's a better match for EPDM and other single-ply membranes.