It is not always easy to tell if you have a flat roof problem. Sometimes, the flat roof will leak or develop holes before any problems are detected. Other times, it can be difficult to detect when water begins accumulating on the flat roof surface as there is no slope for drainage. The key thing to avoid flat roofs developing into full-blown problems is regular roof maintenance and repair work. We’ll discuss how flat roofs are repaired and what causes them so that you can better understand why they need to be taken care of!
What Is A Flat Roof Repair?
Flat roof repairs are one of the more unsexy aspects of commercial and residential property that should be considered before problems arise. With proper maintenance, flat roofs can last much longer than sloped ones. When a funnel-shaped barrier is used to prevent water from running off the edge, this benefits the flat roof in allowing more time for leaks to be detected and repaired instead of having them develop into full-blown issues or worsen over time. No matter what type of flat roof surface you have (concrete, metal or asphalt), there will still be damage caused by various weather conditions no matter how careful you are with your maintenance. T
Common Problems with Flat Roofs
There are different types of flat roof problems that can develop in the lifespan of your property. These will usually be related to the way water gets trapped under the surface, leading to subsequent damage and deterioration of your property’s flat roof. Some common flat roof problems include:
Dampness
Dampness issues are commonly found on flat roofs when not enough air is circulating underneath them or if they’re too close to trees or plants that keep moisture levels high. Due to this, mold spores can easily gather here which need to be cleaned out regularly as well as treated with anti-fungal agents if left alone for too long. Water may also leak onto a nearby wall from a poorly fitting skylight (flat or sloped), making the wall damp and causing mold to develop.
Moth Damage
Moths are always attracted to flat roofs because they’re usually in dark, warm areas away from most people and pets. Female moths may lay their eggs here where hatched caterpillars live, breeding until there is nothing left to eat! They can also bore holes through your flat roof surface which makes them hard to detect. You should regularly check for moth infestations under your flat roof too as they may find their way into your property unnoticed if you don’t see them climbing out of a vent hole or skylight on your roof!
Condensation
If water vapor enters the space between a concrete or asphalt flat roof and the fiberglass waterproofing membrane, then condensation can form. This is known as a “cold bridge” effect that will expand and contract if temperatures fluctuate outside which may lead to extensive damage from leaks or punctures.
Leaks
After water has accumulated on the surface of your flat roof over time, there’s a good chance that one day it will begin leaking. It could be due to an old skylight (flat or sloped) or small cracks in the surface caused by heat expansion taking place during cold weather months especially as your property ages!
Fungus / Mold Growth
If there is too much moisture present in your flat roof and nothing to absorb it like an attic, then it can end up giving off this trapped moisture. It may be caused by your flat roof being too close to trees and plants that are high in water content or if a skylight (flat or sloped) is leaking!
Ice Damming
Flat roofs don’t have the same slope as standard sloped roofs which is why they’re less effective at draining water. If snow begins piling up on your roof over time from melting snow or heavy accumulation during winter months, then it could create an ice dam. This is where buildup creates a solid layer of ice that will cause water to begin seeping through your roofing membrane and into the ceiling below once temperatures warm up again.
