How To Repair Fiberglass Roof? All Answers

Common problems with fiberglass roofs

GRP roof problems occur again and again on GRP flat roofs. This article will take a detailed look at these common problems. Why they occur and how to fix them.

Fiberglass roofs are made of fiberglass reinforced plastic, which is why they are sometimes referred to as GRP roofs. It has become an increasingly popular flat roof system in the UK, particularly for residential properties.

The most common GRP flat roof problems

Cracks in the GRP roof

What Causes a GRP Roof to Crack?

A common problem with a GRP roof is peeling and cracking of the top layer.

The main reason for GRP roof cracking is that the roof is installed poorly.

During the summer months, the heat causes the fiberglass roof to heat up and expand during the day. In the evening, when the roof cools down again, it contracts. This is called thermal expansion. And the movement that occurs with this thermal expansion process can cause the GRP roof to crack open.

This is because there is no clearance between the perimeter edges and the boards. This causes cracks to appear along the surface of the fiberglass roof.

How to repair a cracked GRP roof?

It is best to replace the area affected by the cracking. This involves cutting out the affected area and adding new fiberglass along with resin and a topcoat. It is important to make sure that this is installed correctly this time to avoid having the same problem. The best way to ensure this installation is done correctly is to hire an accredited GRP roofing contractor.

alligator

All roof systems have a life expectancy. When a GRP roofing system reaches the end of its life, the system begins to lose its elasticity. Once this happens, it is common for the roof to appear shriveled and cracked, much like an alligator’s skin, hence the term.

Unfortunately, if your roof is suffering from alligator formation, the solution in almost all cases is a roof replacement.

Pinholes in a fiberglass roof

What are pinholes?

Pinholes are small holes in the surface of the roof. They’re like little pinholes, hence the name. It is difficult to identify pinholes on a GRP roof without looking closely at the roof surface.

What causes pinholes on a GRP roof?

Pinholes occur because not enough top coat was applied to the roof during the installation process.

Why pinholes are a fiberglass roofing problem?

Although pinpricks may seem harmless given their size, they can lead to water ingress in rain and strong winds. This in turn leads to leaks into the property that the GRP roof is designed to seal.

How to fix pinholes?

The problem of pinholes in a GRP flat roof can be fixed by applying fresh resin to the pinholes. This seals them and prevents further problems from arising.

brooding

Ponding is when large puddles of water form on a flat roof. When this happens on a GRP roof it can cause problems such as leaks. You may not spot large puddles of water on your roof, but you can see the telltale signs that they have been there. These signs are patches that are darker or lighter than the rest of your roof, with a dirty ring around them.

If you have a problem with ponds, contact a GRP roofing contractor as soon as possible. This problem cannot be solved simply by applying another layer of GRP coating, as the top layer is too thick and cracks. The solution will be to clad the roof with spruce.

Fiberglass roof leaking

How do leaks form in a fiberglass roof?

Cracks in the roof surface allow water ingress, these cracks appear when the roof is not properly installed.

How are the leaks fixed?

If possible, position yourself or a surveyor on the roof approximately below where the leak is on the property. Once you’re in the right spot, look for any visible cracks or pinholes to confirm where the water is entering from. A good way to pinpoint the entry point is to spray a hose over the potential entry point on the roof and see if the leak extends into the interior of the home. After finding the entry point, the roof area should be sanded down, followed by a resin coating. A top coat must be applied last (this top coat should be the same color as the original roof).

gutters

GRP flat roofs need to be cared for and maintained like any other roof. Like all flat roof systems, gutters are prone to clogging and require regular cleaning. In addition, it is advisable to sweep your roof regularly to remove debris such as leaves and dirt. The reason for this sweeping is to prevent the dirt from trapping water and causing a pool of water that can lead to problems like leaks.

If after cleaning your gutters and sweeping your roof you are still having trouble, it is wise to contact a roofer and see if you need a new gutter system.

Noise issues with a fiberglass roof

What noise can you expect from your fiberglass roof?

Common sounds heard from a fiberglass roof are creaks and pops.

Why are these noises occurring?

The reason why such noises are heard from your fiberglass roof is due to the weather. Temperature is a big factor, especially in the summer months. Thermal expansion of the roof occurs when the roof is heated for many hours during hot summer days and then cools down at night. This process is normal and inevitable with fiberglass roofs.

How do you fix the noise from your fiberglass roof?

Although this is a normal thing within the lifetime of fiberglass roofing. Noise can be reduced with special expansion joints that can be added when the roof is installed. These connections add to the flexibility of the fiberglass, which means the roof doesn’t creak a lot in hot weather because there’s less stress during thermal expansion.

Avoid problems with fiberglass roofs

GRP roofs are an excellent flat roof system. And the above problems only occur due to three reasons:

1. The fiberglass roof has reached the end of its lifespan.

2. The roof has not been properly maintained.

3. The roof has not been installed correctly.

The most important thing you can do to minimize the chance of problems with your fiberglass roof is to ensure that the roof is installed by a specialist GRP roofing specialist (this will prevent problems from occurring and maximize the life expectancy of your roof). And it’s also important to perform regular maintenance such as gutter cleaning and roof sweeping to keep your fiberglass roofing operating at peak efficiency.

If you have any fiberglass roofing issues you would like to discuss or require a GRP roof assessment, please contact one of our friendly GRP expert teams or call us on 0208 702 8063.

If you want to know more about GRP roofs, you will find a lot of information in our blog.

by Colin McCabe

07/21/2016 00:00:00

Help find and insure the best flat roofing material

If your property consists of either a full or partial flat roof, you are aware of the need for ongoing maintenance to prolong its lifespan, as well as the need to replace the cover over time. Materials have evolved and evolved over time, but what is the best option? Here are some details to help you make the most suitable choice for your individual situation and to insure your flat roof after installation.

How many years does a flat roof last?

Most traditional flat roofs are made of either mineral board or asphalt and have a maximum lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. Unfortunately, they get a bad rap for being prone to leaking or being damaged by water build-up. However, if you take good care of a roof, there’s no reason it can’t last much longer. In general, nowadays a flat roof usually lasts around 20 to 30 years and more before it needs to be replaced. With the introduction of plastic and rubber materials this can take even longer, potentially requiring your flat roof replacement up to two to three times during your lifetime depending on how long you are in a property.

What are the options for flat roof materials?

If you’re looking to improve upon these traditional options, consider EDPM or TPO flat roof options. Both EDPM and TPO are types of rubber that tend to have a much longer lifespan than traditional materials. TPO is less common and a relatively new product, but is easier to heat seal. There are also fiberglass, lead, copper and zinc options which are more commonly used and are all considered to be much more durable.

Here’s an overview of some of the most popular options:

Felt roof covering

Bitumen felt roofing is applied in a three-layer system comprising a vapor barrier layer, a reinforced felt layer and a top sheet. These three layers are welded together and hence the material is often referred to as “torch felt”. This type of flat roof should never be attempted by do-it-yourself installation due to the hazards and expertise involved and you should check that your contractor has the proper insurance for working with a hot flame. Most felt roofs come with a 10 to 20 year guarantee, but if treated and cared for well they can last longer.

Felt roofs are the cheapest option when it comes to flat roofing material, but probably not the prettiest. The modern bitumen felt roofing has good expansion and contraction properties but can be damaged if walked on in hot weather or if window cleaners lean ladders on it in hot weather. Felt roofing is easy to repair, but stains are visible, which is why this roofing material is often chosen for invisible and unused areas.

EPDM rubber roof

Depending on the size of the roof area, these rubber roofs can often be laid in one complete layer without joints. EDPM is extremely light, resilient and tough so a well installed rubber roof can be a very good option. Most EDPM roofs are guaranteed for 30+ years, which means they are very hard wearing and can withstand foot traffic due to their incredible ability to expand and contract. Rubber roofing such as EDPM is very durable and waterproof when in good condition, but is easily damaged or vandalized.

Good installation is also required with EDPM to ensure you get a pleasing finish around intricate corners and pipes. Repair work is easy to do, but again looks patchy.

TPO rubber roof

Thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPOs) are two-component elastomer systems consisting of an elastomer (e.g. EPDM – elastometric membranes) finely dispersed in a thermoplastic polyolefin (e.g. polypropylene), with thermoplastic polyolefin usually being the major component is. The expansion in use of this material is due to its superior environmental properties and the fact that it is much more easily heat-weld than EPDM. The lifespan of this material is estimated at 20 years.

Fiberglass roofing

GRP is normally laid seamlessly in one or two layers and can be produced in any colour. Most fiberglass roofs come with a 25 year guarantee, but can last much, much longer if properly cared for. Fiberglass is the most expensive of the options due to the cost of the material, and while it’s not as flexible as rubber, it’s incredibly resistant to damage and repairs are very easy and go almost unnoticed. GRP is extremely weather resistant and poses little risk of leaking or frost damage (GRP is also used for the hulls of some boats to give you an idea of ​​strength). If you can afford the extra expense, it’s well worth the money in terms of both durability and aesthetics.

How to insure your flat roof

If you have problems with your flat roof, such as leaks or other damage, then you should have your roof properly insured. If your flat roof has not been properly maintained it will become more difficult to find an insurer and you will need specialist flat roof insurance as regular home insurance will not cover you. Flat roofs are generally more difficult to insure because they are more susceptible to weather damage, have a shorter lifespan and are more prone to theft.

If you insure a flat roof, your insurer will want to know what percentage of your roof is flat, how old it is, and when it was last serviced. Do not estimate the size of your flat roof, as this can cause problems in the event of damage. Many standard insurance policies only cover a relatively small percentage of flat roofs, so you will likely need to contact a specialist insurance broker.

Also, ignoring the wear and tear of a flat roof is likely to lead to even bigger problems in the future. If you have a mineral flat roof, it is advisable to have it checked by a specialist every two years so that you can do without maintenance and repairs from an insurance point of view.

It’s important to go through a specialist insurance broker like Bluedrop who can advise you and ensure you are fully covered in the event of an issue.

The Bluedrop Services also offer the following business insurance options:

fleet insurance

professional indemnity insurance

liability insurance

landlord insurance

ATLANTA, May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Now that boating season has officially begun, more than 40 million watersports enthusiasts are gearing up for long days on the water. Whether an ugly storm is approaching or your boat unexpectedly leaks, it’s important to be prepared for common boating mishaps. It is estimated that tens of thousands of boats sink each year.* J-B Weld, the leader in consumer epoxy adhesives, provides DIY solutions for repairing common watercraft.

J-B Weld offers more than 15 different types of two-part epoxies, each customized to bond to a specific surface, including aluminum, SMC fiberglass, wood, plastic, glass, ceramic, carpet and more. Personal watercraft users rely on J-B Weld for mechanical boat repairs, bilge pumps, ruptured gaskets and even items inside a boat like tool boxes, fishing rods, radiators and more. But most importantly, J-B Weld even saved many boats from sinking.

“We hear from so many seafarers at this time of year who have experienced leaks while on the water. They were grateful that J-B Weld was on hand to stop the leak and prevent the boat from sinking,” said Chip Hanson, J-B Weld CHAIRMAN. “Whether you’re pre-fixing your boat or just stocking up on boating supplies, I highly recommend adding our wet products to your toolbox. After all, you not only save money with our products, but can also come to your aid.”

J-B Weld makes watercraft repairs easy, no matter what you need to fix. To find your watercraft repair solution, visit the jbweld.com Products section, ask a question on the Facebook page, or call a Customer Service Representative at 903-885-7696 who can provide you with the best product recommendation.

*Depending on how Stuff works

About J-B Weld

J-B Weld, the leader in epoxy adhesives, is based in Sulfur Springs, Texas and has an office in Atlanta, Georgia. For more than 40 years, J-B Weld products have enjoyed a loyal and enthusiastic following of people who take pride in their work. J-B Weld products adhere strongly to a wide variety of surfaces in even the harshest environments, providing cost-effective repair options. The product family includes J-B Weld, J-B Kwik, J-B Stik, WaterWeld, IndustroWeld, MarineWeld, Perm-O-Seal, WoodWeld and ClearWeld. J-B Weld products have always been made in the USA.

J-B Weld products are available at more than 50,000 retail locations in the US, Canada, Mexico and many stores around the world. To find J-B Weld products, please visit jbweld.com/locations. For information, tips and advice, find J-B Weld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or visit jbweld.com.

SOURCE J-B Weld

How To: Six reasons to use epoxy in fiberglass boat repairs

Not sure if epoxy has what it takes to repair your fiberglass boat? “It’s versatile, strong, reliable – and more than a match for polyester resin,” says Hamish Cook, technical guru at Epoxycraft.

Fiberglass boats – like all boats – get damaged. It’s inevitable. Collisions and grounding cause everything from minor nicks to serious structural damage. And longer-term issues like water osmosis, delamination, and blistering can frustrate you and get you out of the water too.

For many years, the automatic answer to many problems was to reach for polyester resin. However, as hulls have become thinner, lighter and more flexible, they are more difficult to repair – especially with polyester resin. Take a step forward epoxy…

Epoxy is a great glue

One reason an epoxy product like WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy is so useful for repairing fiberglass boats is that it is an incredibly effective adhesive. It creates a resilient bond to fiberglass, cured polyester laminates, wood and metals – even if you only use a thin film. Polyester resin struggles in comparison.

Epoxy is ideal for wetting fiberglass

If you’ve ever tried spreading cold butter on a piece of toast, you know roughly what it’s like to coat fiberglass with polyester resin. You have to work hard to get an even, consistent coating – usually with a foam roller, brush, or metal paddle roller. Epoxy is like warm butter – the epoxy does the work for you. Brush the surface you want to wet, leave it and the resin will go to the right places, penetrating directly into the fibers. That means less time at work and more time eating toast.

Epoxy works well as a thin film

Polyester resin is difficult to cure when exposed to air. When used as a thin film it remains tacky and tacky as a higher percentage of the resin used is exposed. It is therefore only suitable to a limited extent if you want to repair well-cured fiberglass laminates with only a thin film. Epoxy doesn’t have the same problem. It also works as a thin film as an adhesive, coating and laminating resin – and develops fewer micro-cracks.

Epoxy works at a range of temperatures

Polyester resin manufacturers normally recommend that you use their products at temperatures of 15ºC or higher, which can be a problem if your workshop falls below this. However, use the correct hardener in your epoxy mix – for example WEST SYSTEM 205 Fast Hardener® – and you can work on repairs in temperatures as low as 5°C by following our guidelines for using epoxy in cold conditions. Epoxy works well in hot conditions too – with WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin® and 209 Extra Slow Hardener® specifically designed for extremely warm and humid conditions.

You can control how fast epoxy cures

By using different hardeners – e.g. B. WEST SYSTEM 205, 206, 207 or 209 Hardener – allows you to adjust how quickly epoxy cures giving you more control over your repair. And while you can add a catalyst like MEKP (methyl ethyl keytone peroxide) to polyester resin to adjust cure times at cold temperatures, using a catalyst results in less effective bonding.

Epoxy shrinks less than polyester

Polyester shrinks as it cures because the styrene molecules evaporate. This is less of an issue for small repairs, but if you’re repairing a large area it can be a big headache. The shrinkage adds stress to the repair before you’ve even towed your boat back into the water, immediately putting extra pressure on the adhesive. Epoxy shrinks much less. So the larger the repair, the more important it is to use epoxy.

Are you still unsure which product is right for you? For expert advice on product selection, email our technical team at: [email protected].

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Two of the most common inquiries we get from property owners are “I’m having trouble with a fiberglass roof” and “I just had a fiberglass roof installed and I think there is a problem, even though the contractor says there is is normal”.

This article attempts to provide answers to both of these questions so that you have enough knowledge to identify problems with your GRP roof. Below we focus on the most common problems with GRP roofs. And what needs to be done to fix the problem.

If you feel you have a GRP roofing issue that needs urgent attention you can call us on 01277 375 511 or contact us by clicking here.

Problems with fiberglass roofs, which are the most common

Below are the most common issues encountered with fiberglass/GRP roofing systems

• Pinholes on the surface of the fiberglass flat roof.

• Cracks on the surface of the GRP flat roof.

• Alligatoring of the GRP top layer (this is where the roof shrivels up).

• Puddles of water sitting on the surface of the GRP roofing (this is known as puddling).

• Leaks through the fiberglass roof.

• Noise problems with a GRP roof.

• Problems with flashing on the fiberglass roof.

• A swollen wooden board causes cracks in the GRP roof.

• Do not use OSB boards.

• Collar details not processed correctly.

• Cracked expansion joint.

• Cracks in the plaster of the wall to which the roof is attached.

• Moss and lichen growth on the roof and capstones.

• Imperfect capstone joints where they meet the wall.

• Faulty guttering.

Pinholes in the fiberglass roof surface

Pinholes are difficult to see from afar. But if you look closely, pinholes are unmistakable on a fiberglass flat roof. As the name suggests, this problem is similar to the roof repeatedly pierced by a needle.

The reason for this problem is that not enough top coat resin was applied during the installation of the flat roof. While it may seem that such small holes cannot damage the roof, they actually can.

These pinholes can create leaks that can cause significant damage. The time when a roof with pinholes is particularly vulnerable is during heavy rain and strong winds. Water ingress is to be expected during this time.

Luckily, if your GRP flat roof has pinholes, you can fix them. It is recommended that you hire a professional flat roof installer with expertise in fiberglass roofing systems to avoid further problems with your roof.

The contractor applies fresh resin to your roof to fill in the holes. While this sounds simple, it is important that both the correct mix of GRP resin is made and the correct amount of resin is applied.

Once this resin has been correctly applied, the pinholes will be sealed and water will not seep through that part of the GRP roof.

Cracks in the fiberglass roof

In most cases, cracks on a fiberglass roof can already be recognized by looking at the flat roof. The roof has either a typical continuous crack or a chipping effect.

The most common reason for a GRP roof to crack is poor installation. Most GRP systems are very rigid, with the exception of UltraFlex (1) . This rigidity means that space must be left between the perimeter edges and the flitches.

If this is not the case, cracks will appear in the surface of the GRP flat roof. The reason for this lies in the thermal movement. Because the roof is exposed to temperature fluctuations during the day, as in summer, and then to cooling at night. The roof expands and then contracts. As this process is repeated, pressure is applied to the GRP surface and cracks will eventually form as no movement is allowed in the boards below.

Cracks can also appear in the surface of a GRP roof if the wrong timber formwork is used. Due to the rigidity of GRP systems, OSB panels (2) should be used. We’ll go into more detail on that later in this article.

Another reason for cracking is if the GRP resin topcoat was applied quickly or to the laminate while it was still wet.

When a roof cracks due to a problem with the top coat, it is best to cut out the affected area and replace it. Once the area suffering from cracks is removed. New resin should be applied by an accredited GRP roofing specialist.

Unfortunately, if there is a problem with the boards, it is possible that the boards will need to be reinstalled. This can be using the right entry or ensuring the right movement. Before making any decision about replacing your roof, it’s a good idea to consult with a GRP specialist to advise you on the most cost effective solution to your problem. You can contact one of our fiberglass flat roof specialists by calling us on 01277 375 511.

Alligator on the GRP top coat

Like any other roof system, a GRP one has a life expectancy. Over time, the elasticity of the roof decreases. Fiberglass is a rigid system from the start, so as soon as the top layer loses its elasticity, the top layer begins to shrink. This shrinking effect literally makes the roof look like the skin of an alligator (that’s obviously where the term alligator derives from).

Once your roof suffers from this alligator effect, the only permanent solution is a complete roof replacement.

Sitting water on GRP roof

When one or more puddles of water form on the surface of your GRP roofing, it is called puddling. If your roof is rated for zero falls, this may not be an issue. However, if your roof isn’t rated for zero falls, then that’s probably a problem. A problem that can lead to water ingress and leaks.

You won’t always spot pools or water on your roof, but you might notice some of the big clues your roof has suffered from puddling. These clues come in the form of dark or light circular spots where the water was present. And often one sees a dirt-stained ring around the perimeter of these spots.

The problem arises from a low point or dip somewhere in the flat roof that prevents water from draining properly. If the roof is intact, this may not pose an immediate hazard, but if there are other problems in the roof, water ingress is likely.

To fix the pooling problem, you can’t just apply more top coat to remove the indentation or bottom. The reason for this is that the GRP top layer becomes too thick and cracks. To fix this, remove the affected area and use firing to build up the area and then reapply the fiberglass mat and top coat.

Fiberglass roof leaking

If you notice your fiberglass roof leaking, the first thing you should do is contain it. The next step is to identify the cause. And the last step is to fix the leak.

Leaks are caused in a fiberglass roof for a variety of reasons. Water ingress has evolved into a leak, this can be caused by a crack in the finish, pinholes, faulty connections or a cracked plaster. You will need a GRP roof specialist to do a roof inspection to find the fault or faults. Once the cause of the leak is diagnosed, the necessary repair work can be carried out.

Problems with fiberglass roof noise

It is common to hear noises coming from your GRP roof. The most commonly reported noises are those that sound like pops or creaks. The reason for these noises coming from a fiberglass roof is due to the rigid nature of a GRP roof system.

Temperature plays a major role in the generation of these sounds. In general, noise occurs more frequently in the summer months due to a large change in temperature from daytime high to nighttime low. This thermal expansion causes the rigid GRP system to expand and contract, resulting in noise.

This noise can be annoying, but it is a completely normal phenomenon with fiberglass roofs. If you want to minimize the noise generated by a fiberglass roof, you must design the roof to allow for maximum movement.

This can be achieved by installing special expansion joints that give the fiberglass more flexibility. Another thing you can do is use a fiberglass roofing system like UltraFlex which is more flexible than the other systems which are more rigid.

With these measures, your GRP roof is better equipped to withstand thermal movements (3) . The result is less sound effects from your roof.

Lightning problems on a fiberglass roof

A common problem on a fiberglass flat roof is that the trim needs to be replaced or reattached. This can have several reasons. One reason is that the surround has cracked and allowed water ingress. In this case the solution is to remove the defective cover and replace it with a new one.

Another problem is that the bezel has come loose from the wall. This in turn creates an opportunity for water ingress. This is usually due to wear or sagging of the grout that attaches the surround to the wall. To fix this problem, the flashing needs to be reattached to the wall.

When you have leaks, erroneous blinking are always the prime suspects as to where the leak is coming from. And even if you don’t have any leaks, a faulty blink will likely develop into a leak over time. If you ever discover a problem with your roof sheet metal, call a roofer and have the necessary flat roof repairs done before it becomes a bigger problem.

A swollen wooden board causes a crack in the GRP roof

A swollen wooden board can cause a crack in a GRP roof. This is usually easy to spot. It is very unsightly and leaves an ugly crack or hole where you can see the wooden board. In the early stages, a swollen plank of wood may not be so easy to spot.

This problem can occur for two reasons. The first is that the roof is poorly constructed and does not allow for ventilation. This leads to trapped moisture that collects in the wood panel, causing it to swell. Once it swells above a certain price, the stress on the fiberglass will be so great that a rupture will occur.

The other reason is water ingress. This can be caused by a number of reasons. Almost every issue listed in this blog post can be the cause of water ingress. No matter how the water ingress develops, the result is the same. A pool of water in the wood panel that eventually swells to a point that puts enough pressure on the GRP top layer to crack it.

Collar details not done correctly

With a GRP roof, water can get in around the collar details. The most common reason for this is incorrect dressing of mastic. Mastic around all the details on the roof should be at least 150 mm high.

To fix this problem, a new mastic dressing must be applied to 150mm. Separation should also be placed in and around all line connections.

Cracks in the plaster of the wall to which the roof is attached

A GRP roof can leak if the plaster (4) of the wall where the roof meets the wall fails. Bad plaster can be recognized by cracks along the plaster surface. What happens here is with high winds and heavy rainwater hitting the wall and penetrating the cracks in the plaster. This moisture then seeps down the wall and under the roof system, eventually causing leaks.

This issue can be fixed by re-rendering the wall in the offending area.

Moss and lichen growth on fiberglass roof and capstones

Moss and lichen growth around capstones or on the GRP roof are indications of moisture or standing water. It is more common to see moss on shady areas and on the north side of a roof. It is important to remove moss and lichen to prevent damage to your roof coating that can take years of the life of your fiberglass roof.

Moss and lichen growth can cause the following problems. Guttering in the gutter will prevent proper water drainage from your roof. This causes water to collect on your roof. Growth into small dents in your roof that can expand with thermal movement. This can cause cracks in the roof system and allow water ingress. If you have a problem with your GRP roof, moss and lichen growth could be the problem. To avoid problems caused by moss and lichen growth, it’s a good idea to have an annual roof maintenance survey.

Faulty capstone joints where they meet the wall

As mentioned above, moss and lichen growth can be the reason for a capstone to fail and allow water to penetrate your GRP roof. However, the most common reason for capstone failure is thermal movement and subsidence. This is where the capstone meets the wall. Due to the movement, the mortar breaks off, leaving the capstone unattached to the wall. This allows water ingress. This can cause the roof system to fail and leak.

Missing gutters

Like any other flat roof system, GRP roofs can fail because of the gutter. If a gutter on a GRP roof becomes clogged, water will collect in the gutter and potentially overflow. Ultimately, this can lead to the need to replace the gutter. Luckily, in most cases, gutter problems are caused by a buildup of debris or leaves. Therefore, it is important to inspect your roof regularly and remove any dirt on your roof or gutters. If a gutter problem is not fixed, it can lead to leaks or the need for a replacement gutter.

Cracking at the expansion joint on a GRP roof

A poorly installed GRP roof can cause cracks along an expansion joint. The reason for this is that no space is left between the perimeter edges and the wooden panel. Another reason for this is with large roofs, if an expansion joint is not installed every 60 square meters of roof area.

No use of OSB board

An OSB panel has a rough surface, which allows the GRP resin to form a good bond during installation that does not come loose. If OSB is not used, the GRP resin may come off. This can lead to failure of the roof system. In this case, the solution is to cut out the faulty area and replace the formwork with an OSB panel and reattach the GRP system.

What is the best way to avoid fiberglass flat roof problems?

Fiberglass is a popular waterproofing system for a flat roof. And for a good reason. Fiberglass flat roofs are generally not problematic when properly installed and maintained. A properly installed and maintained flat roof should only fail because it has reached the end of its useful life.

Therefore, as a homeowner, there are two things you can do to avoid problems with your roof system and to maximize the life of your roof. The two things you can do are as follows.

1) Have your fiberglass flat roof installed by a recognized GRP roofing specialist.

2) Make sure your roof is properly maintained. You can achieve this through an annual maintenance visit and by quickly resolving any roof issues you identify.

These two simple steps will prevent almost every type of fiberglass flat roof problem you may encounter.

Need help with a fiber optic flat roof problem?

We hope this blog post has helped you identify the root cause of your fiber optic flat roof problem. If you need help resolving the issue you have identified or are still unable to identify the source of your issue, you can contact us on 01277 375 511 or contact us via our contact form.

How do you bond fiberglass (also known as GRP or glass fiber reinforced plastic)?

This is a composite material with extremely high structural strength, making it popular for high impact or heavy duty applications.

It is light and there is a strong need for adhesives

for gluing fiberglass, since it cannot be welded, and mechanical fasteners

not only increase component weight, rattle and vibration loosening, but can compromise the structural integrity of the material if it needs to be drilled.

Use of fiberglass

bathtubs

hot tubes

marine

construction

Tool

1. Degrease with Permabond Cleaner A or isopropanol (do not use meths or spirits as these can leave a residue).

2. Sand lightly using one of the following methods

-Wet and dry sandpaper (Carborundum paper) 320 grit recommended.

-Red Scotchbrite pad

3. Degrease again to remove any dirt or loose particles.

It is fine to glue as received, but if you want a consistent glue surface and better mechanical anchoring of the glue, it is recommended to do this surface preparation.

What is the best glue for gluing fiberglass?

Several types of glue stick well. Understanding the desired curing process as well as what the joint must endure will help us select the best adhesive for each carbon fiber application.

Cyanoacrylate – also known as CA Glue, Super Glue, Crazy Glue, Ca Glue, etc. For bonding carbon fiber reinforced polymer, consider a black, hardened grade like low viscosity 735 or medium viscosity 737. For clear bonds, consider Permabond 731.

Two-part epoxies – Permabond two-part epoxies cure at room temperature and provide strong bonds to fiberglass.

Structural Acrylics – MMA grades such as TA4246 are very strong carbon fiber binders.

Polyurethane Adhesives – All Permabond polyurethane adhesives offer high strength, high peel adhesion and good impact resistance.

With so many choices of adhesives for bonding carbon fibers, the desired curing process, desired environmental resistance, and desired temperature resistance are key factors in selecting the best adhesive for each application.

Contact Permabond for an adhesive recommendation for your application.

Glass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), known as fiberglass or glass wool, are thin fibers of polymer (plastic) woven with glass strands. Fiberglass is used in countless consumer and industrial products, from airplanes and automobiles to showers and insulation. When used in a finished product, fiberglass is mixed with a binding material such as epoxy or thermoplastic to shape and reinforce it. There are some health risks associated with handling GRP, especially when sold as glass wool.

Always wear a face mask when working with GRP to avoid inhaling glass particles. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves so the glass threads don’t cut your fingers [source: New York City].

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Fiberglass is fairly easy to repair. Here’s how.

Drill a small hole at each end of the crack. This will prevent the crack from expanding further. examine the crack; If it’s a hairline crack, use an electric or handheld rotary blade to widen the crack a bit. This will make it possible to fill the crack with epoxy. Wipe the tear with a dry rag to make sure it’s clean and dry. If it’s not clean and dry, the epoxy won’t adhere well. Fill the crack with an appropriate amount of fiberglass epoxy using a plastic applicator. Make sure the crack is completely filled. Let the epoxy dry for a day. When the area is dry, smooth the surface with sandpaper.

You may want to apply colored gel coat to the repaired area to make the repair less noticeable. You may be able to get a small amount at a body shop.

[Source: Plastic Genius]

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step 4

Press on the seal and use a rubber roller to apply more pressure by rolling over it in different directions. If the patch is too large, it would be best to replace the entire damaged blade with a new one. Use a hammer to pry the nails out of the damaged sheet metal. Insert the new sheet so that it overlaps the sheets next to it, then nail it in place. Cover the nails with tar or roofing sealant to prevent leakage.