As a homeowner, you probably know your flat roof is more prone to structural problems than sloped roofs. Think of water pooling and leaking into your roof structure. Still, we love them for their cost-effectiveness, easy construction, and much more perks that pitched roofs don’t offer.
Even better, the proper maintenance enables you to enjoy those perks for a long time without worrying about the above downsides.
So, contact a roofing contractor like Viking Contractors LLC, and we’ll conduct regular flat roof maintenance to ensure your roof’s longevity. Get your quote today!
Why Maintain Your Flat Roof
You know that flat roofs come with their fair share of structural risks, which may cut their lifespans short. Luckily, with the needed maintenance, you don’t have to worry about any of the following:
- Splitting: Without sufficient maintenance, the flat roof can’t withstand pressure or stress, instead splitting.
- Blistering: It starts with warm air trapped between the felt layers of your roof. The air may puncture your roof, creating blisters and even splits. If that happens on a joint, the opening will permit water in.
- Water Pooling: Flat roofs may not drain away or dry out water, causing water pooling and, by extension, moisture damage.
Flat Roof Maintenance Measures
To implement a well-rounded maintenance project, you should incorporate the following measures and consider these roof maintenance tips.
Inspecting the Roof
It may be long before water seeping into your roof finds a way through your ceiling, causing visible damage. By then, it would’ve caused significant damage, costing you hefty flat roof repair bills.
A professional roofer has the trained eye you need to spot even the most minute signs of damage and hard-to-detect leaks and problems. They can check the siding, gutters, and rooftop so nothing will go unnoticed, including:
- Roof cracks
- Peaking, creasing, or pulling up
- Seam blisters
- Insulation problems
- Loose seams
- Cracks or gaps in the flashing, which can permit water in
- Dipping or sagging
- Water accumulation in low spots on your flat roof
- Mildew and mold growth
- Discoloration in patches of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof, which is originally white
We recommend conducting routine inspections twice a year (in spring and fall if possible) and after particularly bad weather and stormy weather (snow storms, heavy storms, heavy snowfall, and natural disasters).
Conducting Repairs
It follows that after spotting any damage, experts will make the necessary repairs, addressing the issue before matters further escalate and cost you hefty repair bills.
That could look like patching up a damaged spot with the same roofing material as the flat roof, which could be PVC, TPO, or else.
Some will do with a patch of roofing cement, but other roofing materials are tricky and need to be properly sealed. Some leaks will make it difficult for you to track their sources. For those reasons and more, you should leave it to the professionals.
Additionally, they can maintain your flashing, which acts as a waterproof barrier around roof penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights). They check to see if it’s damaged or loose, replace damaged and missing flashing, and properly seal them. Not to mention, they’ll help you choose between roof repair and roof replacement, depending on what’s in your best interest.
Clearing Out the Drainage System
Your drainage system should allow water to exit your roof, preventing pooling water, leaks, and water damage. However, that isn’t possible if leaves, twigs, dirt, bird nests, pest infestations, or debris accumulation of any kind are blocking these openings.
Clearing the drains and downspouts every month or a couple of months, especially during fall when leaves fall frequently, is necessary. We recommend hiring professional gutter cleaning services for a thorough job.
Pruning Tree Branches
Speaking of leaves, you can become proactive about leaves and twigs falling. In other words, you can prune overhanging tree branches from surrounding trees so that they maintain a safe distance from the roof and can’t block your drainage holes.
More importantly, you can protect your roof against the possible scratches, holes, and damage that a tree branch can leave if a storm breaks it and drops it on its surface.
Installing Extra Drains
With time, it’s normal for a flat roof to dip, which results in standing water. If your roof can’t drain out water even after 48 hours of rainfall, you can install drains or create tapered areas on your roof for enhanced drainage or water flow.
Removing Snow and Ice
Do you live somewhere with a cold climate? If so, snow and ice removal should be part of your roof’s maintenance routine. Otherwise, they’ll weigh down your flat roof, which can cause it to collapse. For this task, climb up your roof safely and clear it of any snow without scratching or scraping the roof surface.
Flat Roof Maintenance Costs
We urge you to set aside a budget for proper upkeep. This budget, however, may vary, as there’s no one-size-fits-all price for all regular maintenance projects.
After all, the size of your roof, the type of roofing material and supplies required, and the extent of services needed (which can be anything from cleaning debris to making repairs and replacements) will affect the costs of maintaining your roof.
We recommend consulting with a professional roofing contractor to get a precise and personalized quote.
Final Thoughts
Although flat roofs have their upsides, your enjoyment of them will only go as far as your maintenance goes. By hiring professionals to regularly inspect your roof, you can be sure they’ll detect any damage source before the problem aggravates. Then, they’ll conduct the needed repairs and take proactive measures to avoid potential damage.
Without flat roof maintenance, you’ll have to deal with leaks, structural damage, and a shortened lifespan—who wants that?
Instead, have one of the contractors at Viking Contractors LLC conduct the maintenance and full-service repairs your residential or commercial roof needs. Contact us now and get a free roof inspection.
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