Those used to conventional sloped roofs may find flat roofs to be a significant change of pace, even though they are an exciting and contemporary accent to any house. As a result, a flat roof may provide some issues because of the demand for exceptional care and upkeep.
Here are some essential flat roof maintenance guidelines you need to keep in mind.
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What Are The Most Common Problems With Flat Roofs?
Presence of standing water.
Water tends to pool around the gutters when the roof slope is too low. It is also possible if the roof has started to droop or there is a clog in the drainage system. So, to avoid the roof’s protecting membrane from being damaged, you should address this issue as soon as possible. This may cause water to seep into the rooms underneath the roof or the attic, resulting in mold and mildew. These problems may be solved by reshaping the slope or clearing debris from the drains to guarantee appropriate water drainage.
It tends to shrink
Ethylene propylene diene monomer, sometimes known as EPDM, is a long-lasting synthetic rubber commonly used in roofing membrane covering. Despite its reputation as a strong material, EPDM tends to contract at the edges. As a result, moisture may occasionally seep into the layers beneath, compromising the waterproofing. Repairing little shrinking is doable, but substantial shrinkage may involve replacing the protective membrane, which would be pricey.
It is prone to blistering.
Flat roofs are susceptible to blistering and cracking because of moisture entrapped in between the roof and the covering membrane. This is a problem in locations where it is always hot and humid. Even if it isn’t a severe problem, it’s best to have a professional Dallas and Fort Worth flat roof contractor take care of it immediately to avoid more damage.
Heating and Air Conditioning damage.
The placement of air conditioning units on roofs is common among homeowners and business builders, but the resulting vibration and wear and tear may lead to leaks. However, a regular professional roof check can help avoid this.
How To Maintain Flat Roofs
Keeping a flat roof in a good condition is a relatively straightforward task. Yet, flat roof maintenance requires consistency. So, maintaining a regular eye on the roof is an absolute need. Hence, roof inspections should be performed regularly so that any possible problems may be identified and remedied before they escalate into an expensive and perhaps deadly crisis. Here are a few ways to maintain a flat roof
Keep the eaves clear of any trash or other obstructions.
It’s normal for debris to build up on the surface of a flat roof because of its structure. However, it is vital to routinely collect and clear any waste accumulated on the roof. This is due to factors like trees that line the roadway and the pollution that travels through the air. During the colder months of the year, this is especially crucial. Debris may easily gather beneath snowdrifts in the winter, increasing the weight on the roof and the risk of leaks.
Regularly inspect the drains.
However, flat roofs aren’t flat, despite the term they go by. And due to their incline nature, they enable rainwater from the roof of the house to flow away via gutters or other drainage systems. Despite having this extra element to aid in water drainage, flat roofs fall behind regular sloping roofs in terms of water and snow drainage effectiveness. Hence, regularly inspect the drain to keep it in good working condition.
Always check for leaks.
Keeping your flat roof clean and repairing your drainage system periodically is not enough. Make it a habit to inspect the roofing material regularly for holes or tears. Leaks may occur if the roofing membrane is torn, regardless of the material used.
In most cases, a flat roof’s roofing membrane is built with numerous layers of your selected roofing material for durability. However, it’s still essential to properly inspect the material as the roof matures over time. During the colder months, you must monitor the condition of your roof. This is because the damage caused by the cold weather might lead to leaks if they are not repaired quickly.
Remove any excess weight from the roof.
Sinking is an issue that many flat-roofers overlook because of the ease with which it may occur. This is a common issue with older roofs, particularly those whose materials have degraded over time or whose roofs have been neglected.
However, excessive weight may also cause substantial harm to the seal covering your flat roof. It’s a good idea to examine the possibility of creating ponding on your roof before embarking on an exterior renovation project.
Quickly remove trees and overhanging limbs.
Dallas homeowners with flat roofs need to pay attention to the trees and other types of vegetation that hang over the edge of the roof and the weather. If you don’t keep an eye on the foliage on your roof, it might cause significant problems in the long term.
During harsh weather or natural catastrophes, falling trees and branches may cause substantial damage to a house’s roof and structure. And so, your house may become home to critter nests due to the presence of plants. Nature and overhanging plants constantly accumulate dirt and other organic debris, which may lead to severe drainage or obstruction issues. Also, many serious problems can arise from the accumulation of leaves and other debris in gutters and plants that allow pests to nest on top of your home.
How Frequently Should You Perform Flat Roof Maintenance?
After a heavy rain or blizzard and throughout the autumn and spring seasons, you should undertake monthly inspections to avoid water damage and mold development. In addition, it will give you an idea of how well the roof can withstand extreme weather conditions and if extra roof coating and sealing are required to avoid a leak.