Damage to Your Flat Roof & What to Do About It
If you own or operate a flat-roofed structure, whether residential or commercial, you undoubtedly benefit from the convenience of roof access, simplified snow removal, and greater energy efficiency that flat roofs provide. However, flat roofs are not the ideal commercial or residential roofing solution. There are specific indications of flat roof damage to look for, and arranging maintenance and repair for any damage now will save you time and money later.
If you notice any of the following indicators of flat roof damage, contact our https://cedarpark-tx-construction.com/ roof repair professionals, and we’ll help you restore your roof back to normal.
Puddles
Standing water on your flat roof a few hours after a downpour is a warning sign that your roof’s drainage systems are failing. Pools of water remaining on your roof for an extended period of time can cause water damage, which can range from surface damage to damage entering the roof’s membrane. Wouldn’t you rather have a few wet spots left over after a small repair than have to replace your entire roof? Contact a roofing professional as soon as possible.
Mold Development
Mold growth indicates flat roof damage since mold will not grow unless water is present inside your roof in places it should not be. Mold development can be easily eliminated if detected early, but significant concentrations of mold can suggest the presence of something more dangerous. If you run a business, it is your job to keep your customers and employees safe, especially if your establishment is open to the public. Before you believe you can allow people to live or work in the building, commercial roofing professionals will need to assess whether your roof is structurally safe beneath the mold.
Coating Cracks
Small cracks on your roof aren’t usually a major red sign, but a big number of cracks or particularly deep fissures in TPO roofing (a popular type of eco-friendly flat roofing) suggest that the coating may need to be redone. Roof repair in these cases can sometimes be as simple as sealing the cracks and reapplying the coating, but if the gaps are deep enough, experienced roofing contractors may need to add a few more protective layers or decide that other roofing materials are better suited to your needs.
Loose or Missing Flashing
Seams connect flat roofs to the house itself. The coverings for these seams are known as flashing, and they play a crucial role in preserving the seams from wear and tear. If your flashing is coming loose or missing parts, it’s time to call a roofing contractor. Keeping your flashing in good condition is a simple and inexpensive strategy to increase the life of your roof.
Tears in the Membrane
EPDM roofs (also known as rubber roofs) contain black surfaces called “roof membranes” that serve as the first line of defense against the elements. The dark, almost gritty texture of this roof surface makes rips or tears visible with a flashlight and close inspection. Small rips and tears can be repaired, but larger tears may indicate that your roof is no longer structurally stable due to prolonged exposure to water or ice. In any case, regardless of the type of tears in your roof’s membrane, we recommend roof repair to maintain your building secure and dry.
Leaks
If your home continues to leak from the ceilings closest to your roof, it could be a symptom of flat roof damage. A roof leak is serious because it indicates that water has entered the entire roof at every layer, and the roof may need to be completely replaced. Sagging ceilings are an even bigger problem than drops or leaks. If any of your ceilings are drooping, calling roofing professionals as soon as possible could save your life or property because it is one of the warning signals that your roof is about to collapse.
Your roof system is more intricate than you realize, and it takes a lot of care to ensure that it performs what it needs to do. The greatest approach to safeguarding your roof in the future is to maintain it today. Schedule a roof inspection every six months to a year to detect indicators of flat roof damage before they become major issues. Contact JPS Cedar Park Construction & Remodeling immediately and let us help you achieve peace of mind.
