Even though they might not be the most exciting topic of conversation, it is important to remember that your roof is the shield for your building. They protect us from rain, snow, and other weather-related challenges. But sometimes, even your roof needs a little bit of help in the form of flat roof repairs. Think of it as a visit to the doctor for a check up.
It’s important to identify any problems early because maintaining the safety of your building greatly depends on how sturdy your roof is. In this blog post, we will discuss flat roof repair in more detail and why maintaining your roof is important.
Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Repairs
If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call a professional roofing company for flat roof repairs.
#1. Cracks or Splits in the Roof Membrane
Damage to a flat roof’s covering can cause numerous problems for the roof. Factors such as weather-related events, aging, and exposure to harsh environments like intense heat or direct sunlight, can cause fractures and cracks in the roof membrane. In addition, drainage issues and improper installation can weaken the roof membrane and increase the likelihood of leaks and water getting in.
Protecting the strength of the roof and avoiding further issues requires quick replacement or repair of the damaged membrane. Minor cracks can be repaired with simple methods such as roof patches and roofing cement. However, major damage may require a full replacement to ensure long term roof functionality and prevent further harm. Stopping leaks and potential damage requires regular roof inspections and prompt repair of any issues found.
#2. Blisters or Bubbles on the Roof’s Surface
On a flat roof, the presence of bubbles or blisters could mean trapped moisture. This happens when condensation or air becomes trapped between the layers of the roof.
Ignoring these bubbles could cause them to expand and possibly break, allowing more water to enter the roof. This can lead to a great deal of issues, including the growth of mold and mildew and interior damage. These bubbles may also lead to leaks and increased water intrusion, weakening the roof’s structure.
Fixing bubbles and blisters quickly can stop these problems and ensure the roof continues to function properly. It is an easy process that involves cutting the bubble to release the air and patching the damaged section. To ensure that patch does not leak, overlay the new material by a minimum of six inches over the existing layer.
#3. Ponding Water
When large amounts of water stays on a flat roof for a long period of time, typically 12 to 36 hours after it rains, it is considered ponding. Ponding water can be a major issue and seriously harm the building’s roof.
It can lead to:
- Structural damage: The weight of the water can be too much for the roof, making it weaker over time.
- Leaks: Ponding water makes the roofing membrane weaker, leading to water infiltration.
- Premature Aging: Being wet for long periods of time makes the roof materials age faster, causing them to wear out prematurely.
- Plants and Mold Growth: Ponding water can provide the perfect conditions for plant and mold growth. This can block drains, leading to more damage to the roof.
It’s crucial to identify the cause of the ponding, such as the age of the building, poor construction, or clogged gutters and drains. Once this is understood, different steps can be taken, such as clearing out the gutters, expanding the number of drains, using special materials to direct water towards drains, or increasing the roof’s pitch. In certain situations, replacing the roof membrane or altering the roof’s layout may be necessary to improve water drainage.
Ignoring ponding water can lead to serious issues that are expensive to resolve. That’s why it’s important to address ponding water as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage and maintain the strength of the roof.
#4. Sagging or Uneven Roof Surface
If there are areas of your flat roof that are uneven or sinking, there’s likely an issue. Water damage, weakened roof layers, an aging roof, added weight from snow and ice, poor construction, low quality roofing materials, and shifted or sunken foundations are some of the reasons for this.
Ignoring a sagging roof can seriously damage the structure of the building. Over time, the weight of the roofing materials may make the supports bend or bow inwards, potentially causing a collapse. Moreover, it may make it more difficult for water to drain off the roof, which could result in leaks and interior water damage.
Preserving the strength of the roof and preventing further damage require immediate attention to sinking areas. It’s best to have a professional roofer inspect the roof to determine the cause of the sagging. Adding supports to the weak areas or replacing the entire roof are possible fixes, depending on the extent of the damage.
#5. Age of the Roof (Typically Over 15 or 20 years)
The lifespan of most flat roofing materials is around 15 to 20 years, and the age of your flat roof can contribute to its deterioration in several ways:
- Materials Getting Weaker: The roofing materials, like TPO, PVC, and EPDM membranes, can wear out over time. This makes them more susceptible to leaks and damage.
- Weather Exposure: Constant exposure to the sun, wind, and rain can make the roofing materials age faster. This can lead to splits, cracks and other kinds of damage.
- Poor Maintenance: If you don’t perform regular maintenance, like inspecting for damage and removing debris, your roof will likely age quicker.
Knowing your flat roof’s age is essential for preventing future problems and maintaining its effectiveness. The roof can last longer if routine maintenance is performed, such as scheduling inspections, clearing the gutters, and removing debris. But, ignoring a flat roof’s age can also lead to serious issues like leaks, structural damage, and even premature replacement.
#6. Water Damage and Leaks Inside The Building
Leaks on a flat roof can show up in a variety of ways, such as seeping water from the ceiling, stains on the wall, and the growth of mold or mildew. For the roof to remain strong and prevent further damage, leaks must be fixed quickly.
Leaks can cause other problems, like:
- Weakening the Roofing Materials: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken roofing materials, leading to further damage.
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments and roof leaks can create the perfect conditions for their growth, both inside the building and on the roof.
Good drainage systems can prevent leaks by channeling water away from the roof’s surface. Regular maintenance and repairs can guarantee that these drainage systems work properly and prevent water damage.
Resolving leaks quickly and ensuring proper drainage systems can extend the life of the roof, prevent major repairs, and safeguard the structure.
#7. Failed Seams
A flat roof’s failing seams are an obvious sign that repairs are required. When two sections of the roofing materials meet at a seam, the adhesives holding them together may fail, allowing water to get in. This is a common issue with flat roofs, particularly in cases where the membrane is improperly sealed. Since joints and seams are naturally weaker points, it’s critical to inspect them at least twice a year to avoid any issues.
Visually inspect the roofing material to look for failed seams. If the materials are pulling away from the roof deck or there are gaps, the area needs to be repaired. It’s important to fix failed seams immediately to stop additional roof damage. It could be time to replace the membrane entirely if the roof is old and shows signs of numerous failed seams.
#8. Damaged Flashing or Roof Edges
Damage to a flat roof’s flashing or edges can weaken the whole structure of the roof and allow water to enter. The flashing of a flat roof may crack or become loose as it ages due to normal wear and tear, neglect, and other factors.
Fixing damaged flashing or roof edges promptly is important to stop leaks and other problems. Some signs that the flashing or edges are damaged include:
- Rust or Broken Seals: This can let water into the building, causing leaks and damage.
- Loose or Missing Flashing: If the flashing isn’t in place, it cannot protect against water intrusion.
- Cracks and Splits: These in the roof can make it hard for water to go away, leading to leaks and water getting inside.
Frequent inspections and repairs can help identify problems early and prevent further harm. If the damaged flashing is beyond repair, it may need to be replaced. Small cracks along the edges of the roof can be repaired with roof patching materials.
Who To Call For Flat Roof Repair
When it comes to flat roof repairs, it’s important to choose a reliable contractor who has years of experience working with the type of flat roof you have installed. They will understand common problems your roof may face, what to look for during a roof inspection, and the best ways to repair any damage.
Trustworthy contractors, like Prestige Roofing LLC, provide in-depth assessments and customized solutions according to your unique needs. To find the right contractor for your project, do thorough research about companies in your area. Look into their reviews, past projects, and ratings on platforms like Google and Angi.
Conclusion
Simply put, your roof requires your support, which is why it is crucial to address flat roof issues as soon as possible. Be proactive and put your trust in experts to repair your flat roof. If you live in Green Bay, WI, or the surrounding areas, Prestige Roofing LLC is here to help!
Choose Prestige Roofing LLC For Your Flat Roof Repair Needs
When you choose Prestige Roofing LLC for your flat roof repairs, you get reliable services backed by years of industry experience. We are committed to quality, and even offer a 10-year workmanship warranty on all our completed work. Get in touch with us today at (920) 791-0414.