A Guide to Repairing a Leaky Flat Roof

As the owner or operator of a commercial facility, you confront a wide range of issues when it comes to building maintenance. Keeping the snow shoveled, the grass mowed, and other jobs in keeping with regular upkeep. However, it can be an unpleasant situation when you require flat roof repair.

This blog will be useful. However, it is preferable to seek the advice of a professional house contractor. Let’s read further.

How to Tell If Your Flat Roof Needs Repair

Commercial flat roofs have a limited lifetime. The scorching US heat may deteriorate the roofing material that protects your building’s roof from leaks. Here are several signs that you require flat roof repair:
● Water repeatedly collects on the roof
● Large rips, tears, or cracks in the roof or seams
● Adhesion failure causes blistering and bubbling
● The presence of moisture and leaks inside the structure
● The taking away of flashing from the roof’s corners
● Lichen, mold, moss, and algae are all present
● Top coat damage

Repair a Leak on a Flat Roof
❖ Inspection
One of the best methods to find the cause of a leak is to inspect your flat roof. Taking the time to evaluate possible issue areas will also assist you in preventing future leaks or problems from occurring. Here are some things to check for while inspecting your flat roof.
● Check for Patches – If your roof has recently been repaired, an excellent place to start is by inspecting the patches. Inspect patches to ensure they are still securely fastened.
● Examine the Drains – Inspect the drains to verify that no debris is obstructing or clogging them. Clogged drains can prevent water from draining correctly, allowing it to collect on the roof and contribute to leaks.
● Inspect the Seams – If your roof has seams, make sure they are all tight and secure.
● Examine the Collars Around Pipes – The collars around pipes should have flanges to protect the roof openings.

❖ Repairs
The repair process will be heavily influenced by the type of flat roof you have.
● Tar and Gravel Roofs
Once you locate the leaking place, repairing a tar and gravel roof is pretty simple. Because tar roofs are covered with gravel, locating the source of the leak might be difficult. Walk the roof and search for areas where gravel is missing to locate the leak.
Cracks or dry bubbles in exposed tar regions might be the source of the leak. Once the leaking place has been identified, the repair technique is as simple as putting tar, mesh, and gravel.

● EPDM Rubber Roofs
EPDM rubber membrane patches can be used to repair or patch rubber roofs. If the region has a blister, it is critical to drain it and properly dry everything before sealing it. You should also make sure that the supports beneath the roof are dry and free of decay.

● Modified Bitumen Roofs
Torched modified bitumen roof repairs are best left to the pros. If the repair is only a patch, an asphalt-based membrane might be used to stop the leak.

Check to ensure that the membrane used for repairs is compatible with the current roof material. While asphalt-based membranes can be used over modified bitumen roofing and tar and gravel roofs, EPDM or PVC roofs must match the present roofing material.

Finally, while flat roofs can be repaired, it can be necessary in rare situations to replace the roof. Of course, this depends on the age, kind, and overall condition of the roof.

When older roofs leak, it’s usually an indication that the roofing materials are deteriorating and becoming less efficient at keeping water out. If you’re unsure about the state of your roof, get a roofing specialist to evaluate it for you.

If you are experiencing roofing issues, no matter how little, schedule a consultation with Contractors Odessa TX. Talk with one of our representatives at 432-300-6888 today.