Sun Room Roof

Awhile back (think years, not weeks lol), we had a nasty storm, that took off about half the roofing on my Sun Room.  Amazingly, I survived a winter or two with no leaks, before finally getting around to fixing it.  I would not recommend this approach.  ;-)

As usual, I'm terrible at getting before pics.  I did manage to remember to take a few, once I got all the old roofing off. 

I used a broom to clean off any debris, sanded a couple rough spots, and caulked all the seams.  You need to use an exterior caulk or patch, that will stop leaks, and is flexible (for weather changes).  I used Leak Stopper Clear Roof Patch.  Goes on white, dries clear.  I also recommend using a caulking gun...rather than a squeeze type tube.  It'll go farther, and is much easier to use.

I decided to go with rolled roofing, rather than shingles.  Just seemed easier.  When laying any roofing, you want to start at the bottom, and work your way up.  You also want to go width wise...not length wise.  This allows for rain to roll down the roof, and not under the roofing.  So, next step was to measure the width of the roof, so I would know how long to cut my pieces.

I rolled the roofing out, and cut slightly longer pieces than I needed.  This allows for a margin of error.

Once the pieces were cut, I hauled them to the roof, and began the FUN part.  Tacking down the roofing.  For this, I used Henry Roof Adhesive.  And ruined at least one good pair of pants. This stuff is black, sticky and nasty.  Do NOT wear good clothes.  I knew better...I was just being lazy. 

To apply the adhesive, I'd recommend buying a cheap brush or broom.  They'll usually have a few choices in the roofing aisles.

Me, being me... I just plopped a glop of black goo down, and brushed it out.  I'm sure there's some sort of "professional" way of doing this, but my way worked just fine.  I would advise to go easy on how much you put down.  This stuff will get thinner in the heat...and it could end up running down the sides of your house.  This is not pretty.  I know...because that's what the "professionals" did to my house a few years back.  :-|

Once I had the first roll down, I put in some roofing nails along the top edge (with my borrowed roofing nail gun).  Since the next piece is going to overlap that first one, I needed to get the nails in before I put the next piece on.  Always overlap the next piece.  Again...this allows for water to roll over the roofing, rather than seeping under it.

I added nails along the areas, where I was pretty sure I had studs located.  Best to do this, while you still have roof showing...gives you a better idea where the studs are.  Once you lay the roofing over the wood, no clue where those studs could be.  If you see a seam, chances are, there's a stud there somewhere.  If you see nails in a strait(ish) line, chances are, there's a stud there.  

And, as you can see (above), I did not slather adhesive across the entire roof...only where I was going to lay the next piece.  Keeps you from walking on it and tracking it all over.  And allows you to kneel down above the piece you're installing.

I'm sure a "professional" roofer would say I didn't use enough adhesive, or that I did all kinds of things wrong.  But, I haven't had any issues with it, so far.  And it's been almost a year.  Plus...I didn't have any black crap dripping off my roof...unlike when the "professionals" did it.

Once I got to the top, where the Sun Room meets the rest of the house, I had to peel some of the old house roofing up, and slip the new Sun Room roofing under it.  I believe I later added in some flashing too.  I will have to haul my big butt up there, and get some pictures I guess.

Last, I took a roofing razor, and cut the edges, flush with the roof.  Remember?  I cut all those pieces a bit longer than I needed.  Now I needed to trim them.  Not a big deal.  Just tiresome, after working on the roof all day.  OH...and of course, I had to put my DISH antenna back up.  I couldn't live w/o tv after a day like that!!  ;-)

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POWER TOOLS USED: 

• Roofing Nail Gun (and air compressor)
• Cordless Drill (to remove/replace DISH antenna)

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