Flat Roof Repair and Maintenance

Sep 8

A Roof Leak Requires Action

If you don't fix a leaking flat roof quickly, it can cause major problems for your home's value and structural stability. No matter the type of roof, leaks are inconvenient. However, a flat roof leak poses special difficulties. Repairing a commercial flat roof, also known as a low-slope roof, can be anything from a minor hassle to a major project depending on the severity of the damage and the amount of time and resources invested.

Modified Slope Roof Replacement

The structural integrity and resale value of your home are at risk if you put off repairing a leaking flat roof. Leaks are annoying no matter what kind of roof you have. A flat roof leak, however, presents unique challenges. Depending on the extent of the damage and the available resources, repairing a commercial flat roof, also known as a low-slope roof, can range from a minor inconvenience to a significant undertaking.

Origin Localization of a Flat Roof Leak

Leaks in flat roofs are easier to trace than those in roofs with slopes or shingles. However, if you are a roofing novice, no matter what kind of roof you have, repairing a leak is rarely as easy as it first appears. The value and safety of your home or business could be in jeopardy if you wait to repair a leaking flat roof. Leaks, no matter the roof's material, are a nuisance. On the other hand, a flat roof leak presents unique challenges.

Industrial and Commercial Flat Roofs

Depending on the extent of the damage and the resources available, fixing a commercial flat roof, also known as a low-slope roof, can range from a minor inconvenience to a significant undertaking. The sheathing/roof deck, skylight, or an electrical, HVAC, or plumbing penetration are all potential entry points for water if your roof membrane is compromised. One of the many obstacles to finding a leak is this kind of thing. The source of the leak may not be immediately apparent, but there are ways to identify it (check out our updated roof leak repair guide).

Common Types of Roofing in the US include:

Rubber, or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), is a popular roofing material in the United States due to its long lifespan and low cost (and around the world). Since their makeup is so similar to that of tires, rubber roofs are easy to repair. It's a well-known fact that Firestone is a dominant force in the production of asphalt shingles.
Modified bitumen roofing, also known as torch-down roofing, is a type of asphalt roofing in which the asphalt is modified with other materials, most commonly rubbers and solvents.
Built up roofing, also known as tar and gravel roofs, or BUR, has been used extensively in the United States for well over a century. Bitumen and reinforced fabrics are layered to create a watertight membrane for their construction.
When polymerized together, polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber form a reflective white membrane used in a single ply roofing system known as thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing.
Two layers of PVC roof material are sandwiching polyester for reinforcement to create a PVC roof. PVC roofs have layers of UV-stable, flexible additives layered into them to delay curing and increase the material's longevity.

With the right tools and some know-how, you can fix a leak in any of these roofing materials on your own, provided the leak is small.

If the leak is small and you have the right tools and some knowledge, you can fix a leak in any of these roofing materials on your own. One must take into account the age and condition of the item before attempting a repair. If you are unsure of your abilities, it is best to hire a professional roofing repair expert who can protect your roof and your investment. Start by inspecting the flat roof membrane for damage like tears, punctures, worn areas, loose or popping screws, seam separations, and more. If you are unsure of your abilities, however, it is best to hire a professional roofing repair expert who can protect your roof and your investment.