Problems Flat Roofs

First of all we should clear up a common misconception.

Problems flat roofs. Fortunately the most common gutter problems can be fixed by the homeowner. In fact it s rare for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles even on older roofs. Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents chimneys dormers or anything else that projects through the roof. Thus it is not easy to find the source of the leak in order to repair it.

Water will start to damage your roof s material if it does not drain or evaporate within 72 hours and that means regular inspection is particularly important during winter and spring months. A leak in a flat roof can lead to eventual collapse and tons of property damage if you re not careful. We love the flexibility of a flat roof for certain design limitations but they have a bit of reputation for leaks and repairs. You can make a small problem worse through that improper repair.

But you can avoid the bulk of these problems with regular maintenance. The number one problem is when a gutter and downspout get so backed up with debris they become useless. 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. If a flat roof is properly designed it will typically have a very slight slope.

The excess weight of leaves twigs and standing water can cause them to sag and pull away from the fascia. Of course flat roofs are not flat but have a very slight roof pitch of between 1 4 to 1 2 per foot. Just enough slope to drain water but also flat enough to be a problem if not constructed properly. Flat roofs are known as being problematic with many suffering leaks.

One of the most common problems we see with metal roofs is improper repair. People go up with caulking and plastic roof cement and improper materials that are in no way intended for that purpose harriman says. One problem with maintaining flat roofs is that if water does penetrate the barrier covering be it traditional or a modern membrane it can travel a long way before causing visible damage or leaking into a building where it can be seen. Items that penetrate the roof are by far the most common source of leaks.

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.