How to Tell When Your Flat Roof Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

Flat roofs can be designed and built with a host of different coverings that deliver weather resistance and allow water to run off them. It should go without saying, but the sooner you pinpoint a problem area with your flat roof the more likely it will be that you can make a sound and effective repair.

By allowing a small problem area to manifest itself, then, over time, more and more of the surface of the roof is going to be affected. With this in mind, damage can then affect the sub structure of the roof which will lead to an awfully costly and possibly unavoidable project that will involve replacing your entire roof! Often, garages, sheds, and some parts of a residence will have flat roof surfaces on them. Unlike their pitched roof counterparts – which permit water to run off naturally - a flat roof has to have the capacity to endure a certain level of exposure to both moisture and sunlight.

When should I inspect my flat roof?

Inspecting your flat roof on a nice sunny day, when the visibility is good might seem like a decent way of doing your checks, and to a point you’d be right. Nevertheless, if you notice any drips coming from underneath the roof, or water runoff in places you would not normally expect, then these are more likely to be spotted when rainy weather is about.

When should I replace my flat roof?

• Multiple external holes on the roof

• Internal leaks developing into the ceiling

• If your flat roof panels have come apart and are unable to be patched up

• When the undercoat has become exposed, particularly the inner layers

• If the roof’s become covered in moss and grasses, and is eating into the roof covering that protects your roof.

What precautions and steps should I take?

We must stress that you should never compromise your own personal safety when it comes to checking your flat roof, and if you feel that you need help, call in a professional who will be able to help and guide you in the right direction.

If you do decide to check yourself, ensure you use a set of steps set onto flat and even ground to gain access to the roof. Avoid climbing onto the roof surface unless it is strong enough to take your weight. Also, avoid skylight areas that won’t be able to support you. If you’re unable to access the roof, use a set of binoculars so you can get an improved look at all the areas of the roof. It’s a good idea to carry out this job with a friend or colleague, if you can.

What Should I Do if I Find a Problem with My Flat Roof?

Should you come across a split in the felting roofing then make arrangements to have it repaired immediately before the wind catches or it’ll be made worse.

If the problem is particularly bad and you find water is coming in through the roofing material in numerous torn places, it’s advisable to replace the entire roof, at which point, you should call a flat roof company, such as ourselves here at D & C Roofing. Even if you do manage to apply a repair, it isn’t going to last forever, so having some foresight and paying for a total replacement may be the most worthwhile solution. For more information on flat roof repairs and replacements, get in touch with us today!

Image: Bryn Pinzgauer under Creative Commons.