Fixing Flat Roof Problems

How to repair a flat roof.

Fixing flat roof problems.

How to fix water puddling on a flat roof. It may also void your warranty. Leaks and moisture probably the most common problems with flat roofs leaks and lingering moisture are issues that can be dealt with effectively as long as you stay on top of them. Flat roofs are known as being problematic with many suffering leaks.

How to fix ponding on a flat roof depends on the cause of the ponding. However excessive ponding threatens your roof. Just like any roof a flat roof will develop leaks but since it s flat the water doesn t have anywhere to go but straight down. Buildings magazine examined which problems are most common and the conditions that can either cause or be the result of premature failure and reduced service life of low slope roof systems.

Flat roofs by their very nature will collect some water when it rains. So if your flat roof is collecting water that doesn t drain or evaporate within 48 hours you will need to fix it. Flat roofs which are mostly level are common on older homes and in arid environments. This is not a self diagnostic guide but rather an informative list of some of the problems most often battled.

However in my own experience the problems with leaking flat roofs are usually as a result of either poor workmanship installing the roof membrane poor maintenance by the building owner or as a result of age. By their very nature flat roofs do not completely drain after it rains. However puddles 1 or more inches deep that linger for days can indicate a. Even over a short time small leaks can lead to big problems such as mold rotted framing and sheathing destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings.

These roofs work well but you do need to inspect them on occasion for cracks and other signs of damage.