A flat roof isn’t 100% flat – they slant slightly to ensure that rainwater can run off. Some so-called roofers know about slanting roofs but they have little experience in flat roof installation. Flat roofs should always be installed by certified and experienced flat roof professionals.
Unfortunately, the slight slope of a flat roof can hold water and snow longer than your pitched roof. Roofers have had to come up with a material that can remain watertight against such an onslaught of moisture.
Flat roofs are a popular choice simply because they are reasonably priced, they are durable, provides options for using a variety of materials and they’re not complicated to repair. There are also 5 good tips that can be followed to ensure your flat roof give you as little trouble as possible.
- Remove debris
It’s not necessary to cut down that beautiful big tree near your flat roof. If someone is fit and healthy in your family, they can climb up onto the flat roof and clear it of debris.
Debris can damage the roof but also cause rainwater to pool. If you do have branches hanging over your roof, have them trimmed by a professional arborist. Wash bird droppings off too as they are acidic and can damage flat roofs.
- Flat roof servicing
If you aren’t skilled to check your flat roof over for possible problems, have someone to do it for you. Hire a flat roof professional to come out once a year to inspect your flat roof and see if there are any potential issues.
Such a person can point out issues that may pose a problem in the future so that you can get it seen to as soon as possible. Unfortunately, if you haven’t been doing roof maintenance, then there is the possibility that even bigger problems are just waiting to happen.
- Vulnerable spots
There are some areas on your roof that are more vulnerable to damage and leaks than others and the seams, for instance, will need special care. The seam is where two parts of roofing such as membrane meet.
The areas are sealed but are vulnerable to leaks. Also, proper sealing of the top coat and underlayer is important to the flat roof’s integrity. If you need any kind of flat roof repairs, certified, licensed roofing Austin TX experts do a thorough inspection and repair your flat roof quickly and as affordably as possible.
- Waterproof your flat roof
Waterproofing is important for a flat roof. Too much exposure to rain and the elements can lead to decay and reduce the lifespan of the roof and ultimately lead to costly repairs.
Asphalt is porous, and this encourages mold and moisture damage. A waterproof sealant can protect your roof. Your roof must be totally dry before applying the sealant. Roof coatings can be for all kinds of roof issues, so you need to specifically look for a water-resistant sealant.
- Check your flashings
Flashings are also installed where two areas of the roof join together. They are metal pieces that prevent water from leaking through a vulnerable area. The flashing is fastened to the surrounding brickwork to create a seal around edges and when it comes away from the wall, you’ll be sitting with a leak. It is easily repaired by replacing the damaged section.
It is important to keep flashings in proper working order and to also ensure that fungus growth in moist areas isn’t causing the flashings to lift.
Flat roof problems don’t need to spell disaster if you take steps to maintain your roof and also call in roofing experts quickly as opposed to allowing a problem to fester.