Rubber Roof Replacement Help

[YettiStyle]

Buddy of mine bought a used Ice Castle over the winter and the roof is getting soft in some spots.  Not sure if there is a problem with the current rubber membrane leaking or if there is some framing/plywood issues in the ceiling.  If the reason for the soft spots isn't due to punctures to the membrane is it possible to salvage it and re-use it?  How hard is it to tear it off it Ice Castle used glue?

 

If reusing the membrane is a lost cause what do you guys recommend for a new membrane? 

 

Thanks!

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Are you sure it's an Ice Castle?  I thought they always used the galvanized steel roof, but maybe the older ones used rubber at some point.  

[bken]

I wouldn't think you could save the rubber roofing. See if you could heat it up with a heat gun and pull it up.

[PurpleFloyd]

A heat gun will loosen up the adhesive. Peeling it up enough to get some acetone under it will pop the glue loose as well. 

 

Is there any visible water damage on the walls or ceilings?

 

The rubber should not be reused and if it's leaking you don't want to anyway.

 

If you find one or two small spots where the membrane is punctured they do sell patching kits for that but obviously if the lid is spongy you are past that option.

[1lessdog]

I

[Hoey]

....or the softness is due to trapped moisture on the interior rotting out due to poor ventilation in the summer and has nothing to do with the roof.  Always a possibility.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I have heard about guys adding a new membrane over the old, but I wouldn't go that route.  It shouldn't be too hard to pull off with a heat gun.

 

Fleet Farm sells it off the roll by the foot.  Really good pricing. 

[PurpleFloyd]

There are also different thicknesses of rubber. The thicker costs more but will last longer and be less likely to leak or give you trouble.