How to Maintain a Flat Roof

Flat roofs are becoming more popular today as they are on trend with many of the modern home builds.  They also continue to be a popular choice for businesses and commercial purposes.

With that in mind, we will go through some of the most important maintenance aspects of these roofs as they do differ from the regular sloping variety.

HAVE IT CHECKED PERIODICALLY
Many home and business owners neglect to inspect their roofs as often as they should. You should inspect your flat roof at least three times every year. If you have trees nearby, check it even more often. Inspect your roof after a heavy snowfall in the winter and rainfall during the summer. Keep an eye out for pooling water, blisters, holes, soft areas (damaged insulation), and cracks. If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional roofing contractor. Your roof may be able to be repaired, or it may be time to replace it. Note: If you can't inspect your roof safely on your own, call a professional to do it for you.

CLEANLINESS
Because debris more easily collects on flat roofs than on slanted roofs, it’s imperative to keep up on regular maintenance. Fortunately, flat roofs are easier and safer to walk on than slanted roofs, making the chore of clearing debris pretty simple. Make sure you don’t damage your roof as you walk on it, however. Before and after winter are great times to get this job done, gently clearing leaves, dirt, and anything else on the roof with a broom.

TREE TRIM
If you have trees with branches that hang over or touch your roof, trim them back. You don’t want any branches to fall onto or rub up against and scrape your roof. Moss can also make its way from a nearby tree onto your roof and begin to spread, harming your roof.

DEAL WITH LEAKS RIGHT AWAY
If your flat roof has a crack or is leaking somewhere, call in a professional to evaluate the situation and perform the necessary repairs. As with any roof leaks, they should be taken care of immediately to prevent further damage. Leaks in flat roofs typically occur around flashing and in seams.

WATCH THE WEIGHT.
If too much snow and ice build up on your roof, the weight could become excessive. If your roof was installed properly, this is unlikely (but not impossible). In an extreme situation, excessive weight could cause a roof to collapse. Generally, flat roofs are built strong enough to hold the weight necessary in particular locations. To be safe, make sure you are aware of how much weight your roof can safely manage.

GOOD DRAINAGE 
If you notice pooling water on your roof, your roof drainage system may be insufficient. It may need to be altered or cleared of blockage. 

Overview
The most common reason for flat roof issues is negligence on the commercial or residential building owner’s part; the majority of the time, serious issues can be avoided.

Most flat roofs typically last only 10-20 years before they need to be replaced. If you begin to have frequent issues with your flat roof, it may be nearing the end of its useful life.
 
The best way to maintain your commercial flat roof is to invest in routine inspection and maintenance services. Some issues are difficult to spot without experience working with flat roofs and that's where the pros come in.

At Class Eh! Roofing we have installed and repaired many flat roofs and would be happy to assist you with yours.  It's as easy as a phone call or email to get us on site and get a free estimate.

Call us as at: 289-687-6924 or fill out the form here and we will get back to you right away!
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