These roofs are unlike traditional sloped roofs in that they cover flat surfaces instead of pitches.
The flat roof consists of one or more layers of waterproofing material which are designed to prevent water from seeping into the building below it.
Flat roofs are among the most complicated areas when it comes to repairing them
So if your flat roof is leaking, you should consult a professional flat roof repair contractor who can fix any problems with minimal disruption and cost to your business.
Flat Roof Repairs
Here we’ll give you some advice on how to tell whether your flat roof needs repair or replacement and what you can do about it:
1) Look for curling, buckling, blistering, moss, or algae growth
Algae growing on flat roofs can be a real problem. If you notice slime, clumps of greenish gunk, or rolled-up peels of algae between the roof sheets and around flat roof ventilation tiles – this is a sure sign of flat roof leakage and must be dealt with quickly before it spreads further.
For flat roofs that feature insulation board (IB), check for water damage on the board itself: discoloration and mold may appear as black spots. Water penetrating the IB will freeze inside causing further structural damage to your flat roof and building below. Even worse – standing water on flat roofs allows electricity to conduct through different materials; any metal objects such as staples, nails, or screws can become energized causing a shock to anyone who touches them.
2) Look for flat roofing fluid seeping from seams and flat roofs near downspouts
Flat roof joints should be checked regularly since flat roofs are often subject to high winds, hot temperatures, and water pooling which all increase the possibility of flat roof damage due to leaking flat roof joints. If you notice a dark stain beneath a flat roof vent or a leaky flat roof downspout, it’s likely the result of flat roofing fluid seeping from cracks in the flat roof membrane or flat roofs near downspouts. Mark the exact spot where you find fluid leaks with a piece of chalk before calling your professional contractor to come and take a look
3) Examine the flat roof structure for excessive sagging
Flat roofs are not designed to support heavy loads, so any significant amount of weight (from accumulated snow, for example) can cause the flat roof to sag. Look for excessive flat roofing sagging, which is usually accompanied by water infiltration and other types of flat roof damage. If you see any signs of structural weakness, it’s time to call your flat roof repair contractor.
4) Check the flat roof drainage system
A well-functioning drainage system is essential for any flat roof; without it, water will pool and seep into the building below. Make sure that all gutters, downpipes, are clear.
If your roof does need repairing then make sure you use high-quality materials from a supplier who is accredited to ISO-9001.
For further information on flat roof repairs check out Strandek who have been repairing flat roofs for over 45 years.
