Flat roofs, which you can see on both commercial and residential buildings, have their own undeniable benefits. They usually cost less than other types of roofs in most cases, they are quite durable and what is more, some flat roofs can be converted into a terrace or outdoor patio.
Another advantage of flat roofs is that they require zero or minimal maintenance. However, it does not mean that they do not require repairs, both seasonal or even urgent.
Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Repair
1. The most common symptom is leaks. Leaks can seriously damage roof structures and the interior of a home and that is why you need to repair flat roofs ASAP. Water pooling on the roof surface, even if you don't see any signs of leaks in the attic, ceiling or walls, is also an alarming symptom.
2. Physical damage to the roofing material or seams, including massive tears, uplifted shingles and pulled away flashings, cracks and rips, is another clear sign that it's time to repair a flat roof.
3. Blistering and bubbling is one more symptom you may see on old roofs or on flat roofs that have been installed incorrectly.
4. At first glance, mold, moss or algae may not seem like a serious problem, but they not only ruin the appearance of the roof, but can also cause damage to the roofing or roof frame after some time.
Experts recommend periodically checking the condition of the flat roof of your home. If your region does not experience heavy rains every week, it is enough to check the roof 1-2 times a season.
It's also a good idea to check for leaks and damage just after hurricanes and hail, especially if you notice debris near the building.
If you are unsure if your roof needs repair, call your local roofing company. They will send a roofer to check the roof and offer repair solutions.
How Flat Roofs Are Usually Repaired
The timing, cost, and method of flat roof repair depends on several factors, including:
- type of roofing material (bitumen, EPDM, BUR, PVC membrane, metal);
- cause and nature of the problem (improper drainage, old, damaged or leaking material, old or damaged underlayment, insulation, frame and so on);
- area to be repaired or renovated;
- additional roofing elements to repair (dormer windows, gutters, chimneys, drip edges, flashings);
Depending on the type of roofing material, the nature and extent of damage, roofers choose the appropriate tactics.
1. Patching. This option is valid for repairing small areas of damaged roofing material.
2. Resealing. This approach is suitable for solving problems with minor damage to the roof surface, as well as for repairing flashings and seams. Patching and resealing are temporary measures.
3. Partial replacement of roofing material and underlayment. This type of repair is needed if patching and resealing no longer help, if damage and leaks are noticed over a large area.
4. Complete replacement of the roof - the most extensive type of flat roofing repair, involving the not only replacement of the covering material, but also checking the strength of the roof frame, the reliability and tightness of the base and insulation layer. This approach is the only way to deal with really old houses and unprofessional installed new roofs.
Flat Roof Repair: Do It Yourself or Call the Roofers
Roof repairs can be expensive, which is why many homeowners think of doing all the work themselves, saving a few hundred bucks.
If you have construction skills and the right tools, if you know and follow the safety rules when working at height, then you can do small repairs yourself. For example, you can clean the surface of the roof from debris or clean the gutters, find the place of the leak and even attach the patch. Repairing of a flat roof with minor problems can be easy indeed.
On the other hand, serious roof repairs, including replacement of material over a large area due to shrinkage, massive holes, sagging or cracks, require the participation of professionals. We strongly recommend that you call the experts if, in addition to the roofing material, you need to repair the roof frame and underlayment.
