FLAT ROOF MAINTENANCE – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

FLAT ROOF MAINTENANCE

Flat roofs are a common specialty roof that we repair and install across our service area.  Because they have a very minimal slope, water drainage and direct sunlight wear down the flat roof shingles over time. That is why flat roof maintenance is vital to extending the life of your flat roof and preventing interior leaks or shingle damage.

How Long Do Flat Roofs Last?

The lifespan of your flat roof will depend on the type of material used (between PVC, TPO, EPDM rubber, modified bitumen, BUR or built-up roofing, and metal roofing) and your flat roof maintenance routine over the years. That is why you should carefully consider the conditions of your flat roof and keep up with flat roof maintenance.  A flat roof typically lasts about 25 years with proper maintenance.

Common Problems with Flat Roofs

Leaking – Worn or split areas in your flat roof shingles that cause interior water leaks.
Ponding – Large puddles that collect on your flat roof after rain, causing damage to flat roof shingles.
Splitting – Cracks or tears that appear in your flat roof, allowing in water or debris.
Blistering – Direct sunlight causing pockets of air to wrinkle your roof shingles.

The best way to extend the life of your flat roof is roof maintenance.  That is why you should regularly do a personal inspection of your roof and hire a professional roofing contractor for annual inspections.

As a rule, we recommend roof inspections in the spring and autumn.  This is because you want to take care of any potential roofing issues before the worst winter and summer temperatures hit.  However, you should also inspect your roof after harsh weather conditions including storms, strong winds, hail, and snow.  This way, you can clear debris and notice any potential ponding before these issues cause interior problems for your home or business.

Frequent Flat Roof Coatings

To spend less time on flat roof maintenance overall, getting your roof recoated is an important step.  Every 2-4 years, you should have a roofing company coat your flat roof to protect the surface from heat, mold, and water damage.  Choose a roofing company that maintains industry standards with the best roof coating materials.  This will ensure that your flat roof is energy efficient, resistant to weather damage, impact resistant, and more.

Be Careful About the Amount of Weight on Your Flat Roof

One of the most common problems you can encounter with your flat roof is sinking, especially if the roof is older or poorly maintained.  That is why you should be careful about the amount of weight you keep on your roof.  Heavy objects can leave deep compressions or damage the coating of your roof if allowed to sit for an intended time in hot or moist conditions.

Keep Your Gutters and Drains Clear

Water and debris drainage is a vital element of flat roof maintenance.  Because it’s mostly flat surface prevents thorough run off, your gutters and drains have to work harder to keep everything clear.  This is why you need to consistently keep your gutters clear of debris, creating a smooth path for rain and snow to exit the roof.  Some debris can be found on a roof usually after a storm.  Debris can scratch, puncture or cause serious damage to your roof so it needs to be removed immediately.  You should inspect for any visible damage when removing debris.

Repairing Seams & Membranes

Seams are where 2 pieces of roofing material are adjoined.  Both seams and membranes can be vulnerable to leaks, specifically in places on the roof that have accessories built into it such as air vents, skylights and air conditioner units.  The sun’s harsh UV rays can also break down the membrane overtime, causing cracks to form.  Any seam or membrane that is damaged or rendered ineffective needs to be repaired immediately to prevent further problems.

Replacing the Flashings

Flashings are installed into areas of the roof where where two opposing surfaces meet such as parapet walls.  These areas require the extra protection that flashing provides.  They help prevent water from leaking through the vulnerable areas.  Over time, flashings can become loose or deteriorated from excess exposure to moisture and will need to be replaced.

Clearing Clogging

Clogging may occur in drains, vents and scuppers, especially after storms.  Scuppers allow water to run off the roof, directing water to flow from the side of the roof down into a drainage system.  All drains, scuppers or gutters need to be kept clear.

Plumbing Stacks

Plumbing stacks are pipes on the roof that direct air flow into the building’s plumbing system.  Check that they are clear of obstructions and properly sealed.

Look for Blistering

Check for leaks and blistering – blistering is roofing spots that are raised and spongy/soft looking.  They happen when air is trapped between the layers of felt or the felt substrate. If a blister ‘pops’, then water can enter through and damage roofing material.

Check for Ponding

Ponding is standing pools of water that sit on your flat roof and are unable to drain or dry out.  Some ponding that has eventually dried out will leave a concave area with a water mark or dirt ring surrounding it.  If you notice these marks, then it means that your flat roof ponds regularly, and a proper drainage system may need to be installed to prevent further damage.

Check For Splits & Cracks

Splitting and cracking of roofing material can be caused by weather changes, added stress or pressure, ponding or simply poor workmanship.  Any area that is cracking or splitting needs to be filled.

Plan for Replacement

Most flat roofs—no matter how well cared for—have a lifespan of between ten and twenty years.  If repairs become frequent, it may be time to replace that roof.