[l1r]

So I've been battling my leaking roof for over a year, and couple weeks ago, during yet another patch, dug a little deeper and realized that there were two layers of tar and gravel (yes, they did not bother removing old layer of gravel, just tarred right over it second time). Well, the bottom layer of gravel was moist and moldy in couple of places. That makes me think that there could be leaks anywhere on the roof where water gets in, and it just travels through layers and eventually makes it into my house.

I see no other long term solution for me, but to replace a roof. It's a 1/12 pitch, so I was looking for flat roof solutions they have out there. Came up with EPDM (of course) and TPO self adhesive (recommended by a friend, who is a roofer). I was wondering if anyone can give suggestions on which one to go with. Price wise they seem to be fairly close - $.50/sqft for TPO and around $.40/sqft for 45mil EPDM (this one will need adhesive). I will be redoing 2000 sqft.

I talked to inspectors for the city I live in and they are indifferent what I put on there. Still insist of mid-roof inspection though.

I'm in Denver, Colorado, doesn't get too too cold (-20, maybe). I will be attempting to do it myself (long story), as well as tearing off old stuff myself...

Thank in advance for response. I will have lots more questions once I figure out which material I'm going with.

 

[l1r]

OK, got it more or less figured out:
I will be using Polyglass Self adhering 2 ply (base and cap) SBS modified bitumen. Water and Ice around the edges. Replace all flashings. Got my roll off scheduled for Monday, and start to tear off old roof tomorrow. Got a little framing to do to eliminate puddling in one spot.
Any words of wisdom and advice are appreciated.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Be ready to replace some decking if needed
My last house had 5 layers of roofing
Have a tarp ready to cover the roof

Are the rafters 16" OC?
Any sagging - just the puddle area yopu mentioned?

 

[l1r]

Yeah, I know several places need decking replaced. I'm prepared for that.
It's 16" oc. 2x8 rafters. No attic.
I know this one has 2 or 3 layers with gravel from previous layer NOT removed... It will suck...
The puddle area is where they joined two roofs sloping towards each other. Kinda like \/. I'm gonna build it up in the middle and give it slope to both sides. I'm not aware of any more sagging, I'm sure [email protected] will come up once I tear it off though.
Thanks! :thumbup:

 

[l1r]

Quick update while eating lunch... started tearing it yesterday. There are 3 layers of tar and gravel with first layer applied directly to plywood. I can clean everything but the last 1/16 or 1/8 of it, but it does give me fairly smooth surface. I should be able to just apply base sheet for SBS directly over that right? I got the base sheet that is to be mechanically fastened.
Also, on a portion of the roof decking is 1/4 inch plywood with 16" oc joists. Doesn't seem to be very durable to me. I think I might have to overlay it with another layer of 1/2 of 5/8, which eliminates need to clean that tar perfectly. Any suggestion on that?
Thanks.