Common Roofing Issues: Roof Membrane Tearing
Work With the Best Roofing Contractors in Central Texas


Quality is at the heart of our Austin roofing company in every project we take on. Contact our experienced Central Texas roofers for a same-day, pressure-free inspection. Call 512-375-3654 to book your free inspection.
If you need a new roof installed, LOA is the roofing company to call! Our roofing experts are known for providing quality workmanship at a fair price. If you own a house or business in Central Texas you can't afford to work with another roofer.
Find out how much roof replacement will cost in Austin, Texas and the surrounding areas.
Finding and Fixing Roof Membrane Tears Before the Damage Gets Worse
When the roofing membrane begins tearing and flapping loose there are obviously some problems to address. And when it happens to a flat roof it's really problematic because roofs with lower slopes are more susceptible to leaks.
The roof membrane is a waterproof layer that is used with some types of roofing systems to prevent roof leaks from happening. It's primarily used in commercial roofing systems rather than residential roofing like asphalt shingles.
If the roof membrane were to tear and start flapping loose it needs to be looked at immediately. Without a solid membrane your roof is highly vulnerable to further damage.
Has your roof membrane started tearing and flapping loose?
Contact Our Team For a Free Roof Inspection to Evaluate the Membrane
Problems Related to Roof Membrane Tearing and Flapping
A wide variety of issues can cause membrane tearing in a flat roofing system. Not all of the issues can be prevented, but you can be prepared for them.
Excessive Foot Traffic
Walking across any type of roof should be minimized to reduce the chance of damage. Roofing materials are durable, but they aren't meant to be used as flooring. Walking across the roof can damage the seams of the membrane and create pressure that leads to tearing.Wear and Tear Over Time
You may have had a durable roof installed properly - 20 years ago. All materials wear out over time, and the roofing membrane could tear when it happens. It's often an issue of the membrane material becoming more rigid with age.Severe Weather Conditions
From flying debris to high winds to hail, there are a lot of ways that severe weather conditions can quickly damage a roof. In the case of TPO, modified bitumen and EPDM, a puncture can lead to a full tear.Materials That Aren't Installed Properly
A roofing contractor that doesn't know what they are doing can cause a lot of roof problems down the line. When materials are installed incorrectly it leaves the roof vulnerable and unable to perform properly.Debris Buildup and Damage
A buildup of debris can harm any type of roofing. Those tree branches may not seem like a big deal, but they can cause damaged shingles and scratch the surface of metal roofing. When you have a flat roof with a membrane debris can puncture the surface, which eventually can cause a tear.

Correcting Damage From Roof Membrane Tearing
A membrane tear requires roof repair. You won't need an entire roof replacement, but the tear will need to be patched. If the problem isn't addressed there's a good chance you'll have a roof leak to fix as well.
Inspect the Roof to Find the Tear
The first step in repairing a roof membrane tear is finding it. A professional roofer can inspect the entire roof to determine where the membrane tear is and if there are any other tears or contributing factors that need to be fixed.
Repair and Patch the Tear
Exactly how the tear is repaired depends on the roofing material. It's important to always consult with the material manufacturer and only work with a roofer that's experienced using the material. The basic process is to:
- Get a new piece of membrane that's slightly larger than the tear.
- Apply adhesive and carefully lay the piece of membrane over the tear.
- Create a watertight seal along the edge of the patch.
- Test the patch to ensure there are no water leaks.
Monitor and Maintain
After the repairs are made, keep an eye on the area. Look for signs of a leaking roof, like water stains on the ceiling. Given that one tear has already happened, roof maintenance is more important than ever. Regular roof inspections and maintenance measures will help catch problems before they turn into a major tear.
LOA has roofing solutions for roof membrane tearing and flapping. If you need those solutions in the Austin, TX area, give us a call at 512-375-3654.
