Hi!
We need to waterproof a flat roof over our front porch that also serves as a balcony. All the local contractors quoted us for epdm, but a contractor on a forum said he used to use epdm but has switched to liquid applied roofing such as Sika or Kemper, because it has no seams and it can accommodate "afterthoughts and penetrations." I haven't found any contractors locally who do that, but a sales rep from Sika explained how we could apply the products with a roller, using their primer, two layers of base coat 710, and two layers of 735 (detailed steps below). He said it's as easy as applying a coat of paint. I'm drawn to trying this but haven't found many examples of a residential use like ours and would love to know any experience people have with this or something similar. It would allow us to walk on the balcony versus with the epdm we would have to build a floating deck on top. The Sika supplies are expensive, about $1850, but if we rolled it on ourselves I think we would actually spend less then having the EPDM installed, not even counting the expense of building the deck on top.
The recommendation was:
1. Apply edging as you would for EPDM (he wasn't clear on if we would flash where the flat roof meets the outer wall of the house).
2. Put 3/4-in plywood floor down, using screws instead of nails, because nails could back out with weather flexing the wood and puncture the waterproofing.
3. Use Sika Flex 1A caulk in seams of plywood.
4. Apply 1 coat of Sikalastic 1 component primer
5. Apply 2 layers Sika 710 base coat, 13 mills per layer.
6. Apply a layer of Zika 735. Once you can walk on it, toss sand up into the air to create a textured non-slip surface. Apply a second layer.
I'm in Connecticut, in case anyone is aware of pros in this area who are experienced with this process.
Thanks for any advice!
Allison