Flat Roofing Guide:

Flat Roof Repair
Should you fix or replace your old flat roof? See why repairing that roof is MORE EXPENSIVE than getting a new IB's lifetime roof.

Single Ply Roofing:
Benefits of Single Ply Roofing Systems vs. the old asphalt, BUR, modified bitumen roof.

Solar PV Guide:
Principles of how Solar PV works, and ways to get Free Electricity / Speed up the pay-off period!

Green Roofs: Roof top garden design, benefits and price guide. Green roofing creates healthier cities and makes a roof last much longer, when built correctly.

Knowledge Guides:

Roofing - Learning center contains Do-it-yourself roofing projects that show steps to repair flat and low slope roofs. Detail roofing guides help you solve common roof problems. Homeowners guide to roofing explains benefits of different roof materials and technology.

Flat Roof Decks and Patios

Many homes in New England have a walk-on flat roof decks with living space under them, and 90 percent of these deck roofs leak, ruining your rooms. Stains on sheet-rock ceilings, popping hardwood flooring, wet carpets and rotted framing are just some of the damages that you may sustain as a result of these leaks. Destroyed personal property such as beds, book shelves, computers, TVs and other electronic equipment can also be considered in cases of severe roof leaks.

All these items are very expensive to fix and even more expensive to replace. Yet you can easily solve these problems in a fairly cheap way (when compared to costs of replacing and repairs you have to incur if you let the leaks continue) with IB's life-time roofing product. With IB Roof, you will never have to worry about roof leaks again and you could finally regain full use of your roof deck or patio.

Creating a leak-free Roof Deck with IB roofing systems

We offer two different solutions for you to permanently solve your roof deck leaks. Both ways utilize IB's time-proven CPA membranes featuring hot-air welded seam. The main difference between the two methods is the product you choose to use, and aesthetics you desire.

Method 1: IB DeckShield - a fully integrated waterproofing membrane system designed for use on walk-out roof decks. DeckShield as highly slip-resistant that Complies and exceeds ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. Download DeckShield brochure

Method 2: IB PVC membrane with a wood deck installed over it - a more traditional way of roof deck construction, features an IB Lifetime single-ply membrane with fusion-welded seams. This method will ensure permanent water-tightness of your roof deck combined with a deck and railings system built with your choice of wood and pattern. Download IB Roof brochure

IB 80-mil PVC roofing membrane with composition board deck assembly create this beautiful patio

Why roof decks leak?

Most roof decks in existence today, use a flat roofing material that were created over a century ago and were not designed for use as roofing for residential homes and living area. Another reason is original design flaw implemented by architects and/or builders, who were not qualified in flat roofing and did not have appropriate roofing technology to use.

Ponding Water leaks:

Very often you can find ponding water accumulating on these deck roofs. Majority of flat roofing system existing today cannot sustain constant ponding water and as a result water enters your house, and destroys your possessions and property.

Wood Deck and Railing leaks:

Often there is a wood deck installed on top of a flat roof or some sort of a railing system. To make these railings securely attached to the roof, builders often create roof penetration for every railing post on the roof. The only way to "seal" these penetrations for most builders, is to use roof cement or pitch-pockets - both of these methods are considered unacceptable by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Yet most builders don't have the appropriate products, expertise and many times, don't care enough to make these penetrations water-tight.

This, results in more leaks - usually these leaks don't appear inside your home for years, but the hidden damages can cost thousands of dollars to fix. Water slowly enters your home and rots the beams and studs. While unnoticed for a long period of time, such leaks my sometimes result in partial or complete re-framing of your roof and/or support walls.

Leaking Flat Roof Deck

Details of roof deck construction using IB Membranes and DeckShield

IB DeckShield roof / deck assembly and installation:

DeckShield is easiest to use in new construction, however it can be easily adopted for retrofit use on existing homes. IB Deck Shield is installed as a fully-adhered application on top of Dens Deck - a fiber-cement type board that is 1/4 of an inch thick, or over plywood.

The surface for installing IB DeckShield must be clean, smooth and flat. That is why in some retrofit applications use of DeckShield may be difficult or impossible. When you have an uneven surface it is best to use the regular IB Roofing Membrane with a wooden deck over it. If you still want to use Deck Shield for a retrofit roof deck project, expect the additional costs of making your roof surface even.

DeckShield can be used for a small balcony as well as a large roof deck, and for everything in between. Hot-air welded seams make IB DeckShield a long-lasting waterproofing solution that is both eye-pleasing and safe to walk on when it is wet. Expect many compliments from your family and friends when they get to see your new roof patio with IB DeckShield.

DeckShield colors and texture:

DeckShield has a look and texture of tiny pebbles - something similar to a floor in a swimming pool. You can choose between two distinct colors - Tan and Grey - both look great and will compliment your home.

Since IB DeckShield is made from the same material as other IB membranes, it is easy to accommodate for any roof penetrations such as Railing System and Roof-Wall detail. This will ensure that your roof will be water-tight and you can take full advantage of your deck or patio once again and will not have to worry about leaks. Invite your friends and family for a cookout, enjoy a cocktail or watch the stars.