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 Tips
Flat roofs last approximately between 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. How can your flat roof to last 20 years ? You need to regularly maintain it. Your flat roof can have a much longer life span provided you look after it through regular maintenance (removing debris, fixing leaks and ponding, etc). Maintaining a roof will involve some costs, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run because it will last longer.
What Is Roof Maintenance?
It refers to any kind of work done on a residential or commercial roof in order to prevent wear and tear. Flat roof inspections need to occur twice a year or after a big storm to determine if anything needs to be fixed or replaced.
A general flat roof inspection and maintenance should include the following:
1. Look for Debris
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.
2. 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.
3. 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 provided by flashing. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Check For Splits & Crack
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.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
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.
