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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.

 

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR FLAT ROOF

Properly maintaining a flat roof is essential to prevent damage to your home and keep those living under the roof safe.  It’s extremely important to make sure that the roof system functions properly.  As a result, flat roofs often require more roof repairs and roof replacements than other options.  The most common concerns for flat roofs are leaks, water collection and debris buildup.  There is also a concern for wear and tear of the roof membrane material that could potentially buckle and blister for homes with flat roofing.

How to maintain a flat roof

Maintaining a flat roof is relatively simple.  The best method for flat roof maintenance is consistency.  Constantly inspecting the roof is an essential part of your maintenance plan.  Regular roof inspections empower you to nip any potential issues in the bud that would otherwise become a costly and possibly dangerous issue over time.

Keep debris off the roof

Due to the structure of a flat roof, it’s common for debris to accumulate on the surface of the home.  Between trees lining the street to the pollution that makes its way through the air, it’s essential to consistently collect and remove any debris that has gathered on the roof.  This is particularly important to do during the colder months of the year.  During the winter, it’s easy for debris to accumulate under piles of snow, causing further damage to the roof due to increased weight.

Check the drainage regularly

Despite the name, flat roofs are not actually flat.  They are built at a slight angle to allow water to drain off the top of the home through a gutter system or other centralized draining system.  While they have this additional feature to help with water drainage, flat roofs lag behind in the efficiency of water and snow drainage compared to traditional sloped roofs.

Inspect for leaks and fix promptly

Keeping your flat roof clean and regularly maintaining your drainage system is only one piece of the puzzle.  Make sure to consistently check the roofing material for any punctures or rips.  While roofing material will vary, a tear in the roofing membrane can result in leaks.  Typically, the roofing membrane of a flat roof is installed with multiple layers of your chosen roofing material for longevity, but it’s still important to thoroughly monitor the material as the roof ages over time.  It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your roof during the colder months.  Winter damage is a common occurrence that results in leaks unless promptly fixed.

Keep unnecessary weight off the roof

A common problem that many homeowners with flat roofs neglect to consider is sinking.  This is a typical problem for older roofs with materials that have weakened over time and roofs that have not been properly maintained.  However, excess weight can also result in significant damage to the seal coating of your flat roof. Before bombarding the top of your home with a full outdoor renovation, make sure that you consider the weight of heavier objects, as these are likely to create depressions or ponding in the roof over time.

Remove trees/overhang promptly

In addition to being mindful of weather conditions, homeowners with flat roofs need to be cognizant of trees and other foliage that overhang the roof.  While the greenery might contribute to your rooftop space, if left unchecked, it can result in serious issues in the long run.

Knocked-down trees and fallen branches can cause significant damage to exposed areas of the roof and home structure, especially during extreme weather or natural disasters.  Plants can also result in some critter nests that may or may not be welcome in or around your home.  Moreover, overhanging plants and nature will leave a consistent buildup of dirt and other organic matter that can result in critical drainage or blockage problems.  Leaves can clog your gutters, plants provide easy access for pests to nest on top of your home and numerous other serious problems should be considered.

Inspect the flashing

Flashing protects plumbing stacks, roof vents and other protrusions to prevent leaks.  Look for cracks or gaps that could allow water to seep in. Repair and cracks with roofing caulk.

How hard is it to maintain a flat roof, and are they expensive?

While flat roofs may require a bit more attention than traditional pitched roofs, this type of roofing system is not difficult to maintain as long as it’s kept in shape with regular maintenance and proper care.  Also, climbing up onto a flat roof is easier than a traditional pitched roof, thanks to its accessible design.

Flat roofs are one of the most affordable roofing options available due to the cost-efficiency and the extreme durability of flat roof installation materials, like wood, timber, steel, concrete and insulated panels.  Rubber, in particular, is resistant to cracking, splitting and rotting, making for a long-lasting roofing material for flat roofs. And without a slope like those found on traditional roofs, flat roofs are usually pretty easy to install and maintain.

Since flat roofs are easier to access, maintenance becomes a less tedious task.  That being said, it can be beneficial to seek roofing services should you need any flat roof repairs that require expertise that extend beyond a DIY issue.

What is the best thing to put on a flat roof?

Flat roofs need to be maintained in order to stave off damage and the need for a replacement.  A key way to maintain a flat roof is to have it coated with a waterproofing material. This is much more cost-effective than replacing it altogether.  When choosing which roofing material to use for your flat roof, it’s important to consider the cost, ease of installation, maintenance and durability of your options.  One popular roofing material is Modified bitumen, which has one of the best price points on the market and a life span of around 20 years.

You may wonder what you can put on top of your flat roof.  Thanks to its multi-purposeful design, flat roofs can be customized to anything you want.  Typically, the dimensions of a flat roof are equivalent to the square footage of the entire floor of the home.  That’s a whole lot of space just waiting to be maximized.

The Lifespan of a Flat Roof

A flat roof left unmaintained will typically last about 10 years.  It’s a good idea to plan for a new coating every five years to ensure its integrity and continued performance.  If your flat roof is less than five years old but you’ve noticed the presence of cracks or pooling water, then you’ll want to go ahead and have it coated.  Those cracks and pooling water can lead to more extensive damage, the repairs of which may cost far more than a new coating.  And, if your flat roof is more than a decade old, even if there are no cracks or pooling water, do your house a favor and have it coated.

How often should you do flat roof maintenance?

It’s important to have your flat roof inspected regularly for common concerns like debris, cracks, drain issues, etc.  Ideally, it’s best to inspect your flat roof every few months and, at the very least, three times a year. If your neighborhood has a lot of trees, check it even more frequently.

You should especially conduct regular checks after a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, as well during the fall and spring seasons to prevent water damage or the growth of mold.  It’ll also help you gauge how the roof handles harsher weather climates and if any additional roof coating and sealing are needed to prevent a roof leak.