Despite their aesthetic appeal, flat roofs are more susceptible to leaks than sloped roofs. They generally require more maintenance and inspection due to their nature.
Their design also promotes water pooling that may cause severe water damage to your property.
Therefore, if you are wondering if you should repair or replace your flat roof, here is a short guide for when to replace your flat roof.
Moisture and Leaks
If you fail to handle any leakages on your roof over a period of time, it may suffer water damage. Any leakages on your flat roof have nowhere else to go but down. Therefore, water and moisture will seep through the flat roof membranes.
If water damage on your roof goes unchecked for a while, mold and fungus will grow on the walls and roof. Another sign of undetected leaks is discoloration on your ceiling.
To deal with this problem, hire professional roofers to inspect and regularly maintain your roof. If there is excessive leakage, these experts will recommend a flat roof replacement.
Excessive Water Pooling
One of the biggest concerns about having a flat roof is water pooling. These roofs have approximately a 10-degree slope for water to run off. However, as they age, they stop effectively repelling water. Over time the flat roof may warp a bit. Hence it will not be level anymore and water will then pool in the dips and pivots created.
Pooling also causes irregular stress on the roof and thus results in cracks.
If your roof constantly develops pools of water, consider regularly draining the pool to prevent further water damage. This solution will not stand the test of time; therefore, you should opt for a more permanent one like replacing the flat roof.
Deteriorating Flashing
Flat roofs made of asphalt contract and expand with changes in weather and temperature. This process can result in the flat roof's flashing pulling away from the roof's edges and corners. Moisture and leaks will then be trapped and appear on your ceiling.
Check the metal flashing and address the problem promptly to avoid complete damage to the flat roof flashing. If the flashing has deteriorated, contact roofers to replace your flat roof.
Large Tears and Splits
Your flat roof may eventually develop tears, cracks, and splits. This issue is an easy-to-spot problem even with untrained eyes. Once you notice these tears or splits along the seams of your flat roof, call a roofing expert to advise on whether to repair or replace the roof.
Minor damage will likely prompt a repair. However, if the tears and splits run deep, it is better to replace the roof to avoid constant repairs.
Roof problems can go from minor to really scary in no time at all. One day you have a little leak, and the next you're left with major water damage in your attic. But it does not have to be this way. Well-informed homeowners know how to recognize roof leaks, and they know the importance of regular maintenance for roof longevity.
How do you become one of those well-informed homeowners? By visiting our website, of course! Here, we have articles about common roofing problems, hiring a roofer, choosing a good roof, and even DIY repairs. Every home has a roof, and every homeowner should know the basics about roofing.