Flat Roof Repair: Causes & How To Fix Them

Roofing Tips

Flat Roof Repair

Is your roof constantly leaking? Assuming that your roof has been built within the last few years, you can repair the damages without having to replace the entire thing. Fixing a leaky roof can cost between $1,200 and $1,500, which is far cheaper than replacing it. While sloped roofs are made to direct rainfall into gutters, flat roofs tend to have water sit longer and find small cracks and openings to get into your home.

Regular flat roof repair can extend the life of your roof up to three to five years and can save you lots of money in the long run. Our flat roof repair experts at Aabco Roofing in South Florida identify some of the most common reasons for leaks.

Flash Damage

“Flashing” is what we call the exterior roof edges that meet the inside walls, which are designed to shield the roof membrane. If this part is not installed properly or gets damaged by inclement weather, it exposes the roof cover edges, leading to leaks. Small holes can be plugged with roofing cement, or patched with the original flashing material.

Faulty Penetrating Structures

Structures that rise through the surface of the roof are particularly vulnerable to leaking. Such structures may include pipes, gas lines, or plumbing vents. Rain collars, pipe boots, flashing installation, and field wraps can protect these structures from leak damage. Part of your regular annual roofing inspection should include an examination of all these penetrating structures to make sure they are installed correctly.

Penetrated Roof Openings

Most commercial roofs have openings in the form of pipes, drains, vents, and HVAC units. All of these are directed through the roof membrane. All of these openings must be secured properly to prevent leak damage. A professional roofing contractor can inspect these openings to ensure they are well-made to prevent flashing and other water-related problems.

Roof Membrane Damage

The interior of your home is protected from rainwater by a roof membrane. But with time, this membrane can crack or get damaged from weather and other outside elements. As this happens, the insulation becomes exposed, allowing water easy access inside. The roof membrane can be fixed when damage is caught sooner rather than later, but membranes will need replacing at the end of their expected lifespan, which is typically 20-25 years. A membrane that is still in good, functional condition can be repaired by cutting into what is called the “blister” to access interior layers. But if the membrane is damaged, the entire area may need replacing by a contractor.

Settling Water

You may have a drainage problem if your flat roof has had standing water for more than two days. Settled, standing water can weigh around five pounds per inch (per square foot), which can strain your home’s roof considerably. The weight of the water is quite a risk since the excess weight on your roof can not only cause leaks but a potential collapse.

Ponding water can also cause algae and rot to build within your roof membrane, further damaging the reflective coating of your roof. Improper sloping or sagging can cause standing water and can damage the interior of your home without swift action. The water will have to be drained with pipe fixtures to prevent further damage.

Faulty Skylight Installation

If your bathroom or sunroom has a skylight, the sealant may dry out as your home gets older, which can cause it to separate from its attached panels. Any leakage from this window can be mistaken for a roof leak. Regular maintenance and inspections from flat roof repair experts can establish the right source of the leak.

Let Our Experts Handle Your Flat Roof Repair

Many flat roof problems can be prevented with regular inspections and maintenance. Small issues can turn to big, expensive issues if left unattended for a long period of time. While some roof fixes can be done yourself, we don’t recommend attempting something that is potentially dangerous, or that could affect any insurance claims if the repair job isn’t done right.

To prevent costly water damage and other structural issues, let our flat roof repair experts help. Aabco Roofing is one of South Florida’s trusted names in flat roof repair, known for our quality work as well as our excellent customer service. Whether you need a minor fix or a reroof project, we can do it all. Contact us today at 1-954-426-8500 for a quote, or with any questions you might have.

Spread the love