Flat roofs are common throughout the country, particularly on garages in residential areas and huge commercial and industrial facilities. Selecting a flat roof offers numerous advantages, particularly for those seeking to economize on time and expenses during building and upkeep. The dreaded roof leak, however, is a problem that flat roofs frequently face.
There are several possible causes of flat roof leaks, some of which might not be immediately apparent. If you have a leaky flat roof, you should inspect it thoroughly to find the source of the issue and have it corrected. Not acting swiftly enough could result in a variety of problems, such as mold growth, dampness, rotting wood, flooding, and more.
We’ll break down the causes of your flat roof leakage in this post and offer advice on how to handle it so you can decide whether to replace or repair your roofing system.
Flat Roof Leak Warning Signs
There are several warning indicators you should look out for long before a flat roof leak happens.
- Damp, dark brown patches on the ceiling signal that moisture is seeping through your roof, which might become a severe problem if not addressed immediately.
- You might observe your flat roof dipping or sagging if your garage or addition has a flat roof and is very old and exposed to the weather. This suggests that the wood is starting to deteriorate and will soon give way, necessitating the replacement of the entire flat roof.
- On your flat roof, pay attention to any low areas where water may collect. This can put extra strain on the structure below and cause the chipboard decking to deteriorate over time due to exposure to too much moisture.
Locating A Leak On A Flat Roof
Finding the leak’s source on a flat roof is typically easier than on a sloped or shingled roof. Nevertheless, any type of roof leak can be trickier to fix than it first appears, particularly if you’re a novice attempting do-it-yourself roof repairs.
There are a number of reasons for this, beginning with the possibility that the location of the leak may not be where you first notice water entering your interior rooms. If water penetrates the membrane of your roof and finds its way to a seam in the sheathing or roof deck, skylight, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing penetration, it may drip or seep into the inside of your home. Pay close attention to the roofing membrane until you find the source of the leak.
A flat roof should ideally be inspected for leaks in the evening after it has been dry for at least 72 hours. This is because when it becomes colder, heat from below will cause the source of your flat roof to leak gently steam. Look for low areas that have a ring of earth around them, as this indicates that there used to be a place where water used to pool.
After locating the probable source of the roof leak, lightly wash the area with a hosepipe before going back down to see if the leak still exists. You might have to wait a little while as the water has to find its way through several layers of your flat roofing system. Although it takes time, and you might not discover the ideal position on your first try, this strategy is really successful. Make sure nothing is causing future problems, such as leaks in the roof, by giving the entire structure a thorough inspection while you’re up on the roof.
If you don’t know how to detect leaks, leave it to the roofer. It’s possible that you are mishandling it or underestimating the issue.
Fix A Flat Roof
Fixing a leak on a flat roof can be as easy as doing it yourself or as complex as hiring professionals. Examining your roof and ceiling thoroughly to identify potential leak sources is the first step in determining which you may be dealing with. You might need to remove some water and debris from the surface of your roof in order to accomplish this.
It’s time to decide what to do once you’re confident that you have located the leak in your flat roof. Occasionally, going with a temporary solution could be the best course of action because it will allow you to plan, save money for a complete replacement of your flat roof, or get help from qualified roofers. You can apply roofing cement or bitumen primer to the damaged membrane using a towel or any suitable equipment. In addition to stopping the leak, this repairs the membrane and keeps it from getting much worse. However, if the membrane is beyond repair, you might want to think about obtaining a new roof altogether.
Different Ways to Prevent Flat Roof Leaks
There are numerous ways to stop your flat roof from leaking in the first place, which can save you money, time, and stress!
Regularly inspect your flat roof. If you inspect your roof at least twice a year, mostly during spring and fall, you may find most issues before they develop into scary leaks.
Examine your roof after any severe weather. This covers storms, a lot of rain, wind, and snowfall in particular. Make sure to remove any ponding water or debris as soon as possible.
Make sure your gutter system is free of obstructions and other problems that could keep it from functioning by inspecting it.
Hire WABO Roofing to Protect Your Entire Roof
The key to doing a flat roof repair is durability. Hiring an expert who will use proper, cutting-edge tactics is the only way to accomplish it. Don’t forget to let the roofer do a thorough roofing inspection prior to doing any repairs.
At WABO Roofing, we offer reasonably priced, comprehensive flat roof repair and installation services that will ensure your property is shielded from the natural elements. You are in good hands with WABO Roofing because of their extensive roofing experience.
