Flat Roof Woes: Effective Strategies for Dealing with Leaks, Punctures, and Beyond
Flat roofs are a great option to consider when choosing a residential and commercial roofing company and roof installation, if the architectural structure of the building allows. Flat roofs provide peace of mind with their long-lasting durability and are relatively easy to maintain if you stay on top of them. They are also cost-effective and allow for efficient use of space when installed properly by professional residential and commercial roofers. Because of their mostly level surface, flat roofs are also able to accommodate HVAC units and solar panels, making them ideal for both residential and commercial property buildings in Lewes, DE.
In order to maintain the longevity of a healthy flat roof, diligent care and maintenance are key. Regularly checking to see if there are any signs of a problem will prolong the roof’s life, and keep your building protected from interior damage that can result from potential flat roof issues. The biggest issues that can affect flat roofs are leaks and water ponding due to membrane issues, as well as insufficient insulation.
Identifying Common Flat Roof Problems
If you are regularly maintaining your flat roof, ideally through a residential and commercial roofing company, you should be able to catch any problem areas early on, saving yourself the headache of navigating a total roofing disaster.
The most common problems that affect flat roofs are leaks, water ponding, and insufficient insulation. Keep the structural integrity of your flat roof intact and prevent costly repairs from major damage by having a professional residential and commercial roofing company in the Lewes, DE, area review and maintain your flat roof.
Prevent Disaster, Don’t Ignore Leaks and Ponding
Probably the most common issue is that flat roofs can be prone to leaks. Because they lie horizontally as opposed to traditionally sloped roofs, flat roofs are composed of a roofing membrane instead of roofing shingles. These membranes can be made of different materials but are most commonly either metal roofing (such as steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc), single-ply membranes, modified bitumen, or BUR (built-up roofing).
When this membrane is punctured or otherwise damaged, it leaves your flat roof compromised in its integrity and susceptible to further damage. You’ll notice signs of a membrane puncture if you see blisters or cracks on your roof surface.
All flat roofs are built on a slight slope and have a special drainage system to keep any water from accumulating or standing. If you notice that puddles of water are starting to accumulate on your roof and aren’t draining, this may be an indication that your flat roof may have an issue. Standing water on a roof is known as ponding. Ponding can result from an insufficient slope level on your roof, a clog in the water drainage system, or blister in the membrane that disrupts the normal slope level of the roof.
If you see water damage on a ceiling below your flat roof surface, this is a huge red flag that you have a pervasive leak within your flat roof. You’ll want to call a professional residential and commercial roofer in the Lewes, DE, area right away.
Catch Problems Early With Maintenance By Professional Residential and Commercial Roofers
The simplest and best way to keep your flat roof in good working order is to have it regularly maintained and inspected by a professional residential and commercial roofing company. Residential and Commercial roofers who know the specific ins and outs of flat roofs are best suited to catch any type of issue early, before you face a total disaster.
We recommend regular maintenance by a professional, in addition to regular clean-up of any built-up debris that may collect on your roof. You can also regularly spot-check your roof drainage system to make sure that nothing is clogged and water is flowing off and away from your roof in an appropriate manner.
Here at Platinum Roofs, we are Lewes, DE’s premier roofing company. Our professional residential and commercial roofers have vast experience with flat roofs and know what to look for and when. We provide repair and maintenance as well as regular inspections, keeping your flat roof working for you and your building just as it should. If you have questions about flat roof maintenance or repair, please give us a call today!
