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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.

 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FLAT ROOFS

If you have a flat roof, you want to know about the longevity of this style roof.  These roofs are different from peaked roofs, and they have specific needs to help maintain them.

What is a Flat Roof?

A flat roof provides a level surface to your home.  Many homeowners have concerns about the increased chance of standing water and damage.  However, your flat roof will have a membrane at the top of your home or building.  The membrane can consist of several types of waterproof materials.  Most flat roofs will use roofing felt as a base to the structure.  The membrane will be placed on a structural base, and it stays put between the deck and flat roof.  This material is also used as a vapor barrier.

You will need the vapor barrier to prevent any moisture from developing between the layers of the flat roof.  If you are worried about moisture, there are a few components that can seal the edges of your roof, such as metal flashing.  With the flashing, the water is moved away from the roof and directed into the gutter. All the excess water proceeds off the roof as you stay protected in your house.

The Longevity of Your Roof

For the most part, your flat roof should last about a decade.  However, that time frame will depend on how well you have maintained the roof.  Even with the best maintenance, there will be a time when you need to replace your roof.  Flat roofs that have an expired warranty are probably ready for a replacement.  Those newer flat roofs might need to be replaced if there is damage to the structure.

Causes of Flat Roof Leaks

Your flat roof can leak due to a variety of factors.  You should repair your flat roof if you find visible damage, you have a roof leak, your energy bills increase, or you have an older roof.  If your roof is old, some areas may have deteriorated and will likely fail, allowing rainwater to infiltrate your home.  In most cases, flat roofs leak around vents and plumbing stacks or at the edge of the roof.

Other common causes of leaks on flat roofs include:

• Ponding water – When water remains on your roof for more than 48 hours after precipitation, it can lead to damaging leaks.

• Damaged Membrane – If your flat roof is made of a single-ply membrane, it can be susceptible to damage due to ponding water or roof traffic.  A compromised membrane allows water to enter the insulation, causing more serious leaks.

• Roof Structures – Just like sloped shingle roofs, flat roofs are vulnerable to leaks around areas where a structure rises up through the roof’s surface.  These structures may include plumbing vents, gas lines, pipes, and other building elements.

• In many cases, flat roofs can leak when debris is left on the roof for long.  It can block water from flowing down your roof or redirect it to other areas.  Make sure you regularly clean your flat roof without pushing debris down the drains.

• You may also want to inspect the drainage system for clogging preventing water from draining off your roof.  Knock on the metal drain pipes using your knuckles and listen. If the pipe sounds dull, then there is some debris stuck inside.

Replacing a Flat Roof

Once you and your professional examine your roof and decide it’s time to replace your flat roof, you’ll be in for an extended replacement process.  During the replacement process the old roofing membrane is removed.  Then the roofers will clean the entire roofing system underneath the membrane, including flashing, vents, and wood areas.  Any damaged materials like rotted plywood will be removed and replaced.  Install new roofing membrane.  Then your roofing contractor will install new perimeter flashings and fascia caps.

Alternatives to Flat Roof Replacement

Just because you have a damaged roof doesn’t mean your roof must be replaced.  Many times, small areas of damage can be repaired. And you have a few different alternatives. Some of your repair options are:

• Patching – In some cases, patching a small damaged area can work.  However, patching a portion of your roof is only effective if moisture damage hasn’t spread to the underlying roof deck or surrounding areas.  So, if you have an active leak, patching may not be your best option.

• Re-Covering – Recovering is the process of adding a second membrane (like EPDM or TPO) over the top of your existing flat roof without removing the damaged materials first.  Roof re-covering works better in situations where the roof isn’t leaking or severely damaged but the roof is showing signs of aging or minor deterioration.

• Roof Coating – The roof coating process uses a thin liquid membrane on top of your existing roof.  Usually, this is a proactive measure you can take if your roof isn’t already showing extensive signs of damage.  Roof coating may also give your roof membrane additional heat and UV protection.  Roof coating is best when there are no insulation issues and no underlying structural issues.

Several Types of Flat Roofs

There are several types of flat roofing options for your home.  One of the most common is roll asphalt.  This roof uses organic or fiberglass felt that is soaked with asphalt.  This combination of materials can be applied over the base of the roof.  The roofing company will use nails and asphalt cement to seal off the remaining portion of the roof. At the end of the process, the roof is topped with mineral granules.

Built-up membranes use several layers of structured or coated roof felt, and they are installed in combination with asphalt.  The roof is topped off with a layer of roofing sheeting or granules to help protect it from weathering. In some cases, the built-up membrane can last for over 30 years.

Single-ply membranes are gaining in popularity.  This type of roof utilizes a single layer of material to help waterproof the roof.  Many roofing companies will use this element as an alternative to the heavy built-up membranes.

A flat-seam metal roof takes small pieces of sheet metal and solders them to form a flat surface.  Lead-coated copper or galvanized metal are the most common materials used for this roof.

Care Tips for Your New Roof

If you have an older flat roof, it may be time for a replacement.  You should start the search for a roofing company that specializes in flat roof installations.  Once the roof is installed, you want to take a few steps to ensure the longevity of your new purchase.  Many roofing companies recommend that you add a layer of protective coating, such as polyvinyl.  This type of material protects your roof from heavy rains and other weather events.

For those who want to extend the life of their flat roofs, you need regular maintenance for your structure.  With the right care, you can keep it in excellent shape throughout the years.  Flat roofs are prone to standing water.  If the water is not removed after three days, then you could have permanent damage to your roof.  For those extra-large roofs, you might want to install a roof pump.  These machines can help to automatically pump water off your roof.

Flat Roofs Have Their Advantages

A flat roof is a great alternative to those peaked roofs around your neighborhood.  You want to take care of this unique type of roof.  Not only will your roof continue to look great, but you can help it have better durability and a longer lifespan for years to come.