Different Problems With Flat And Sloped Roofs
Although they seem to be easier to maintain than shingle or metal roofs, there are a number of problems which flat roofs can cause to its owner. They are made out of materials which are considered to last less when compared to metal roofs.
Asphalt or tarpaper can only last between ten to twelve years, whereas asphalt shingles can survive for thirty five years. On the other hand, a slate or metal roof can be used for a hundred to a hundred and fifty years when they are well-made.
As flat roofs are in hard-to-get-to positions, such as between sections of sloped roofs or the tops of towers, regular maintenance is therefore more difficult, especially if drains need to be cleared.
To carry out work on flat roofs, this requires a high level of craft, especially where the edges join the masonry walls. Otherwise known as flashing, the metal detail in this particular area requires a professional touch. This is because different parts of the roof will need to move whilst being watertight at the same time. If joints are not sealed with roofing tar or cement, this usually shows substandard craftsmanship. If this isn’t carried out, the cement could crack or become brittle. So, what can you do?
Regular inspection
Making sure that a roof is properly installed should be your first port of call. If it is, inspecting and maintaining it is vital. Looking at your roof on three separate occasions every year is recommended, although this should be more regular if leaves and debris could clog up your drains.
During colder periods of the year, flat roofs are more prone to damage courtesy of thawing snow or excessive rain fall. If this water is not checked, it could block the drains. If there is any standing water, this could show signs of low areas which are filled with debris. By having these spots built up with both rigid insulation and a new insulation, a decent flow of water will occur.
Other tips for when inspecting a roof
It is recommended to look out for unsteady sections of the roof and also blisters. Blisters occur after water penetrates areas of a roof which have started to cause damage. This damage may need to be removed and replaced with new materials. Also, you should look at the edges of the roof. If there are any small gaps in the flashing, it could cause other damage such as leaks.
It is also recommended that you look at the entirety of the roof surface. If there are signs of any cracks, a new application of roofing tar might be required. One very helpful tip which will extend the life of a roof is to apply a coating of reflective aluminium paint. Thanks to this paint, it will prevent sunlight from breaking down the roofing material. It can also help to heat up the building as well.
There’s only so much you can do. For further help, call in a professional roofing company.
Despite your best efforts, there might be nothing that you can do to resolve your roofing problems and a professional company is needed. Their team will be able to offer their expertise so that the flat roof is restored to its former glory.
There are many types of flat roof systems and four in particular are very popular. These are roll asphalt, single-ply membrane, multiple-ply or built-up and flat-seamed metal.
Asphalt roll roofing normally consists of one layer of asphalt-saturated organic or fiberglass base felts. It is applied over roof felt with nails and cold asphalt cement, with this then covered with a granular mineral surface. Seams are normally covered with a roofing compound and, in all, roll asphalt lasts about ten years. Minor maintenance can be carried out by leading building firms, especially as they have extensive experience with completing this type of work.
The second type of flat roof system is single-ply membrane roofing. Often used for replacing multiple-ply roofs, there are a considerable number of proprietary products on the market. This includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets, modified bitumen rubberised asphalt and elastomeric membranes such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Either self-adhered or installed by heating the underside of the sheet with a propane torch, other devices can also be used too. Warranties for this type of roofing are around ten to twelve years, although it is highly recommended that using a leading company is chosen to install it. Furthermore, maintaining it is also vital as well.
Composed of overlapping rolls of saturated or coated felts or mats which is interspersed with layers of bitumen, multiple-ply or built-up roofing (BUR) is surfaced with a granular roofing sheet, ballast or tile pavers. By doing this, underlying materials are protected from weathering. Designed to last for ten to thirty years, this depends on the materials which are used. Also called aggregate, Ballast consists of crushed stone or water-worn gravel which is then embedded in a coating of asphalt or coal tar. Since the ballast or tile pavers cover the membrane, maintaining and inspecting the seams of the roof can be tricky.
Made from small pieces of sheet metal which is soldered flush at the joints, flat-seamed metal roofing is very popular because it can last for several decades. This does depend on the quality of the material, exposure to the atmosphere and maintenance. Also, in order to avoid corrosion, regular panting is required on galvanised iron. Furthermore, split seams must be resoldered. Copper and other metal surfaces can become pinholed from acid rain and replacement is generally required. Lead-coated copper and terne coated stainless steel are chosen by many for long-lived roofs. This is particularly true when inaccessible locations require a new roofing area.
When you want a new flat roof or wish to maintain it, by choosing a successful roofing company who have extensive experience of helping many will result in your own roof being usable for a very long time.