With their modern look, flat roofs have become popular amongst many homeowners. However, they are tricky to keep up—flat roofs don’t allow runoff the way sloped roofs do, therefore they’re at a higher risk for leaks. This makes maintenance even more important. Below, we list some of our top flat roof maintenance tips to keep your roof in working order.
Flat Roof Maintenance Tips
The best tip we can offer is to check your roof regularly for signs of damage. Catching these early on will help keep your routine maintenance from becoming a major roof repair.
What you should look for:
- Ponding. After a storm, flat roofs are prone to pools of rainwater collecting, or ponding. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and structural problems. Your roof likely has something to prevent rainwater from sticking around (hoppers, an automatic pump, or maybe a drain), but it’s a good idea to double check after rainfall. If ponding is a recurring problem, call in a roofing professional for advice.
- Snow and ice. Similar to ponding, snow buildup can take quite a toll on your flat roof, and very quickly. Ice can dole out even worse damage, causing your roof to split under the extreme temperature. As soon as a snow storm hits, you’ll want the snow removed from your roof. We highly recommend hiring a professional to do this—climbing up on a roof is dangerous enough even without the slippery snow and ice.
- Blistering. Little pockets of air that appear on your roof beneath the membrane are called blisters. While they themselves will not harm your roof, they’re likely to pop, exposing the roof and allowing water to pass through. When you see a blister on your roof, keep an eye on it and call for maintenance if and when it pops.
- Loosened fasteners. If your flat roof’s membrane was installed with fasteners, you need to watch for any loose ones. General wear and tear will loosen them, which could allow water passage. Simply reinstall fasteners to take care of this problem.
- Splitting. This warning sign is often a result of inattention to the previous warning signs—ponding and freezing/thawing conditions, if left alone, will cause your flat roof to split or crack. These splits usually occur along the joints of your membrane and will feel spongy. If your roof reaches this state, it’s time to rely on a roofing expert.
Other tips:
- Clearing debris and dirt off of your roof is important. You’ll want to do this regularly in order to prevent many of the above problems from happening. A leaf blower will be the most effective way to clear your roof.
- Keep in mind that too-close tree branches can contribute to roof damage. Trim any nearby tree’s branches back—giving at least 3 feet of clearance—to prevent this.
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Roof maintenance can be tough—sometimes, you just want someone else to do it for you. If you live in southern Missouri, contact the professionals at Taylor-Made Roofing. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing and guttering needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online.