Membrane Puncture Repair

Punctures happen from foot traffic (especially repeated traffic in one spot, like a path to an HVAC unit), fallen branches or debris, dropped tools during other roof work, or animal activity. Unlike seam or flashing failures, punctures are usually easy to pinpoint since the damage is visible at the surface.

The size and material determine the repair approach: small punctures on single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM) are typically patched with a compatible material piece, welded or bonded over the damaged area with clean overlap on all sides. Larger punctures or ones that have gone through to the insulation layer may need the insulation itself assessed for water intrusion before patching, since a wet substrate under a new patch can cause the patch to fail.

Punctures are also one of the easier problems to prevent: if your roof gets regular foot traffic (for HVAC maintenance or solar panel access, for example), walkway pads or designated paths reduce the concentrated wear that leads to punctures over time.