Workshop roof repair suggestions

[harrbca]

Hi there everyone,

I have an old building (built in the 70's) on my property which used to be the previous owners residence. I'm converting this building to be a workshop but have a problem with a leaking roof.

The building is a single story structure with no basement, with walls made of cinder block supporting a low slope roof. The roof is made of concrete slabs approximately 35' x 4' in dimensions ( maybe 6" to 8" thick ) covered in tar and gravel. When it rains, or snow melts in the spring, water leaks between the concrete slab joints.

The nearby city is going through a housing boom, so finding any roofing company willing to take on a repair job outside of the city is almost impossible ( I called a few this year and never got any responses). So, I'm looking for possible DIY repair suggestions.

I've thought about installing a metal roof on top of the existing tar/gravel roof, but I'm not sure how to anchor the strapping to the existing roof, or even if I can install metal onto a low slope.

So, any ideas? If this was your building, what would you do?

Thanks.

 

[JD 4520]

How many sections of roof are you talking about? In other words, if there is few sections and therefore few joints, that's one thing, if there are many, that could be different. I assume few based on the structure.

You can re tar the whole roof. You want a hot tar roofer. Shouldn't be difficult, in fact normal process. If it were me, I would fix what you have and definitely not put on metal.

 

[harrbca]

I totally forgot to include overall dimensions! The entire building is about 2000sf. The leaking is happening in a section that occupies 35' x 30'. There are about 6 joints in that area that leak. Because of the slope of the roof, when water leaks through, it tends to follow the joint to the low side at the wall and then I end up with a puddle in the room.

I had removed all interior walls in the spring, so the entire building is wide open ( really makes me wonder what is holding up that concrete roof ).

I take it I would need to remove the gravel, and then spread tar all over the roof ? Is the hot tar roofer something a person could rent for a day or two?

Thanks.

Brad

 

[JD 4520]

The structure should not be an issue. These sections have a tongue and grove type connection. You probably have a great structure so now it is proper maintenance.

I do 95% of stuff; I consider myself a good DIY that was raised that way. Something's I leave to those that know more and hot tar is one of them. I don't believe it is difficult but not sure if you can rent hot tar or not. I will be surprised if you don't get lots of good ideas or advice here. I would also suggest you check locally by just asking about who, what and how.

Good luck.

 

[pat32rf]

Are there layers of insulation between the gravel and concrete to contend with as well? I'd keep searching for a roofing company. Look for one that does hot tar or flat roofs.
Joe Small & Company probably will be no help as they are busy doing the smaller homeowner.