Did you know that a flat roof is not actually flat? Every roof has to have some gradient. The average slope of a flat roof is between a quarter and a half of an inch per linear foot; because of this, some people call flat roofs “low-slope” roofs.
The popularity of flat roofs is rising, and it’s simple to understand why. It’s not surprising that these roofs are a popular alternative to sloped roofs, given their own attractiveness and energy-saving advantages. And to boot, an additional outdoor area?
While that’s great, flat roof owners must exercise greater caution to avoid damage, roof leaks, and other issues. However, the vast majority of these issues can be avoided.
Having flat roofing might present challenges. Learn how to prevent or fix the most frequent flat roof problems.
Clean Flat Roof Gutters Regularly
Your flat roof’s drainage system can easily get clogged up by debris blown around by the wind, especially in the middle of autumn when leaves fall quickly. Placing a leaf guard on gutters will help.
If you have a flat-roofed house or commercial building, you’ll need to check the roof’s drainage system often to ensure water flows where it should.
Clean the roof of leaves and dirt often. It has been known that a stray tree seed takes root on a flat roof, which can cause structural damage. You can prevent this problem by giving your flat roof a quick sweep, making it look better.
Have Regular Roof Inspections
What may seem like a minor issue on a sloped roof might have significant repercussions for owners of flat roofs. As a result, roofing experts often advise having a flat roof inspection more frequently, ideally twice a year.
Inspecting should take place once in the summertime and once in the wintertime. Why so often?
No matter how your flat roof was built, you should check it twice a year. As wintertime is the period when property damage is most likely to happen, it’s best to do these checks:
- At the end of fall, make sure the house is protected from wind and water before the weather gets freezing and wet
- At the beginning of spring, check for any damage that might have happened over the cold season and fix it as soon as possible
Little faults are frequently rather simple, but they won’t stay small for long. Identifying these problems early before they cause bigger damage to your house is preferable.
Give Your Flat Roof a Waterproof Coating
A flat roof’s waterproofing is a key component and one of the most significant ways to maintain a healthy roof. Protecting your roof from water damage is a crucial step in extending its lifespan and ensuring your peace of mind.
The decking of a flat roof may deteriorate due to exposure to these factors. Subsequently, this decaying and rotting away will shorten the life of your flat roof. Waterproofing requires careful consideration.
Firstly you should take environmental factors such as industrial pollution into consideration. Secondly, different waterproofing methods work better for residential properties, and others work better for commercial properties. Also, pricing is a big factor as products vary in price, so you have to choose the one that fits your budget.
Waterproofing Methods for Your Flat Roof
If left unattended for a long time, the water and debris that accumulate on flat roofs can sit and rot your roof and lead to pooling, eventually damaging the roof. You can select a waterproofing approach depending on your preferences and a method that works for your building.
There are three main methods to waterproof your flat roof. These include:
- Waterproofing paint or coatings
- Bitumen membranes
- Single-ply sheet membrane
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as applying a roof sealant and moving on. Poor sealing or an irregular coating can do more harm than good.
It’s also important to scrub the roof before applying the sealant so that dust and dirt don’t get mixed in. Additionally, the roof should be completely dry; sealing when the roof is not completely dry might lead to damage and mold growth under the coating.
Waterproofing a roof without first having a qualified roof inspector look it over is risky. Additionally, a professional knowledgeable in the process should also perform the waterproofing.
They can firstly assist you in choosing the right product as you must specifically look for a water-resistant sealant because roof coatings can prevent all typical flat roof problems, from insulation damage to UV damage.
Again, pinholes and tiny cracks could occur if the seal is not placed in a smooth and uniform coat, allowing water to seep in. For these reasons, hiring a professional roofing contractor for waterproofing is usually best.
Repair Flat Roof Cracks Immediately
While no owner should ignore a roof crack, it’s especially crucial to fix small splits and cracks straight away when you have a flat roof. Large cracks should, of course, be checked by a professional, but little defects can be fixed by the homeowner using wire roof mesh and roof adhesive.
Especially look for crack formation around any raised ridges. These flaws often show up on flat roofs over time because they are exposed to water.
Getting professional assistance for bigger or more complicated jobs is always advisable. You can keep your roof in pristine, leak-free shape by providing the necessary care.
A Little Attention Goes a Long Way!
Waterproofing is crucial since it extends the lifespan of your flat roof and protects the inside of your building. Ultimately, it guarantees a comfortable and stress-free lifestyle because you won’t have to worry about ongoing roof care and repair.
If your flat roof ever develops problems, you should call a professional roofer for assistance rather than trying to fix it yourself. If you don’t have the proper skills, you could risk making things worse by repairing the wrong section.
Are you within a 20-mile radius of Effingham and looking for residential or commercial roofing services? Contact Mid-State Roofing today to get a free estimate and roof inspection.