Tips for maintaining your flat roof

If you are the proud owner of flat roof, then having it looking its best and maintaining its value is absolutely essential. Having a regular checkup and maintenance schedule will ensure that your roof will withstand the harsh environmental changes from season to season, and will slow the overall aging process. Not only will a regular maintenance schedule provide you and your loved ones with a greater degree of safety and peace of mind, but it will also protect the investment that you have made in your home. The following are a few pointers on how to best maintain your flat roof, and keep it lasting for years.


Ponding on Your Roof

Flat roofs are at particular risk of Ponding. This occurs when water accumulates in pools on the roof, and the roof in turn becomes saturated. This is a serious structural condition that can lead to leaks and water damage, and should be dealt with swiftly and correctly. It may even be the leading cause of your roof collapsing, creating further damage to the interior of your home. The only corrective measure for this issue is to install tampered installations.


Splitting in Roofing Materials

While inspecting your roof top, keep an eye out for splits or long cracks. If they are present they will be visible parallel joints of your installation, and will often appear spongy. These types of cracks are often caused by poor workmanship, freeze-thaw conditions, or surface stresses. Surfaces where ponding occurs will have a similarly spongy feel.


Roof Material Blistering

Blistering is another thing to look out for when conducting your roof inspection. Blistering develops in the felt layers and substrate, from air that has been trapped, creating a separation in the felt layers. If you happen to find roofing spots that are raised and spongy-looking, they are more often than not a sign of blistering.


Roof Material Ridging

Ridging usually occurs in bituminous roofs between the insulation joints, and is due to moisture that condenses under the felt. Ridges may appear as long and narrow cracks, and are more often than not the result of the roof membrane being poorly attached.


Membrane Fasteners

Fasteners become loose if they are either not long enough, or have been compromised due to water saturation. If your roof uses a fastener system, it should be thoroughly checked for loosed fasteners.
 

Felt Movement

Felt layers can come loose for a number of reasons, the most common of them being exposure to excessive heat, or if the wrong bitumen is used on your roof. These issues could cause all or some of the felt layers on your roof to shift or move over time.


Snow Removal
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Heavy snowfall is a real danger to flat roof home owners, putting enormous amounts of pressure on your roof, and possibly endangering your family’s lives. An accumulation of 12 inches of snow or more, and it will be time to get it removed. It is best to hire someone that has the relevant equipment and experience as removing snow from your roof can be quite a dangerous assignment.

I am sure that these flat roof maintenance tips are going to help save you money, and prolong the life of your precious roof. Remember to do regular checks and inspections on your roof, and take care to practice the highest safety measures to ensure your continued good health. of the roof.  It would also be advisable to have a local roofing contractor come in to inspect the roof on a yearly basis or sooner if you see fit.  Good luck.

​Up Next – What to do when a tree falls on your roof.