If you have a flat roof anywhere on your property, it was most likely installed for the range of benefits flat roofing offers. For example:
- They absorb sunlight quicker than slated rooftops, keeping interiors warmer.
- They are suitable for installations of solar panels.
- They are an economical choice during construction.
- Quicker to install than other types of roofing.
- Easily accessible and better for inspections.
However, flat roofing can experience unique problems due to its design. When it comes to roofing, you don’t want to delay on getting it checked to ensure everything is as it should be, or you could, quite literally, have a problem hanging over your head!
Flat Roof Defects
Flat roofs need more checking and maintenance than other types of roof, due to the inability of water to drain naturally. Problems don’t need to become major hassles, as long as you don’t neglect to make regular checks. Here are some common issues experienced with flat roofs:
Standing water
Pooling water that won’t drain away is the main issue experienced with this type of roof. Water damage begins to occur if water takes more than 3 days to drain. Autumn and Winter are peak times when this needs to be regularly checked. The problem is exacerbated by insufficient drainage or believe it or not, the roof being too flat! Even though the name suggests the roof is completely flat, there is normally a very slight slope. As well as standing water, snow and ice can also cause similar problems.
Thermal movement
When roofs continually go through a cycle of heating and cooling, this can cause materials to expand and contract. It’s important that the right type of materials is used in construction, ones that can cope with this movement and won’t crack under pressure. For all problems with your Flat roofing Evesham, contact a reputable professional firm. LW Roofing can help with flat roofing in Evesham
Blistering
Moisture that becomes trapped in small pockets can cause the roof membrane to detach itself from the layer beneath causing a blistering effect. This is a very common issue and worsens during the day when the sun’s heat causes the moisture to expand.
Poor quality flashing
Drainage is essential on a flat roof, so regularly checking the state of the flashing is important. Flashing is installed to stop water penetrating at junctions and if poor materials are used, the flashing becomes damaged or its badly fitted, problems can occur. Moisture in these areas can lead to a growth of fungus which could further damage the flashing.
When checking your flat roof, it’s vital to identify the precise location of any trapped moisture inside the roofing system, work out how it is happening and then contact a professional who can advise of you of the cost of repair or replacement.
