How Often Should I Have My Flat Roof Inspected?
Having a flat roof can mean having more issues than a traditional pitched roof. However, if you are smart about it, you can work your way around these issues and avoid them altogether. If you put in the work and maintain your flat roof periodically by getting it inspected, you can keep all these problems at bay and make your roof last longer.
Unfortunately, many property owners neglect the maintenance and inspection of their roofs, which results in damage and wear and tear over time. Consequently, your roof gets damaged and lasts for much less time than it is supposed to. Before you know it, you will need a roof replacement which can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Roof Inspections
Ideally, you should get your flat roof inspected at least once a year. If there is a storm in your area or if there are trees on your property that may damage your roof, you should get it inspected even more. Getting your roof inspected regularly ensures that any underlying issues are resolved before they turn into a problem that is beyond repair.
Heavy rainfall may also damage your roof and result in mold growth. Mold occurs wherever there is moisture in your roof, and it spreads quickly. Not only does it completely damage the sturdiness of your roof, but it also results in health concerns.
If there has been heavy rainfall, you should call a roof inspection company and have your roof inspected. If you notice any of these signs, call a professional roofing contractor to have a look at your house.
Common Failures that Occur in a Flat Roof
Here are the problems that can surface on a flat roof:
1. Ponding and Watermarks
As you can guess from its name, ponding occurs when there is a pool of water gathered on your roof. No matter where it stands, long-standing water always finds its escape, which in this case would mean that the water could find its way through your roof. This weakens your roof from within. If the water has escaped into your roof or evaporated after standing for a long time, it will result in dark-colored patches on your roof, also known as watermarks.
2. Mold Growth and Vegetation
Long-standing water means a lot of moisture, which is a breeding ground for mold, moss, lichen, weeds, and fungus. Mold and vegetation growth affects the strength and structural functionality of your roof, weakening it from within.
3. Blisters
Blisters are exactly what they sound like – bubbles of water. Blistering occurs after water seeps into your roof. Blisters look like water bubbles that are visible in the roof’s inner membrane and can burst any time, dripping water into your house.
4. Cracks
Over time, the waterproof layering in your roof cracks because it gets dried out and wears away. This especially happens if your roof is made of EPDM or rubber. These cracks in the waterproof layering can allow water to seep into your roof and cause internal damage, which can take its toll if the waterproof layering is not restored at the right time.
5. Movement
Although land movement happens very slowly over a long period, it is still something that affects flat roofs significantly. Movements from subsidence can significantly shake a building’s structure and stretch the roof, resulting in cracks in the waterproofing layer on your roof. You should get your roof inspected to ensure that the waterproof membrane on your roof is intact,
6. Poor Repairs
If you have recently moved into a new house, you never know how the previous occupants repaired the roof. They may have opted for a dodgy repair in a rush and only fixed a problem temporarily. Make sure you get your roof inspected to see if all the materials on your roof match and that there is no extra sealant on your roof.
How Long Does a Well-Maintained Roof Last?
A well-maintained flat roof can last for several decades. The exact lifespan depends on the material of the roof.
A flat roof made of modified bitumen can last for up to two decades. The same is the case with thermoplastic polyolefin and polyurethane foam, acrylic, or silicon coated roofs. The flat roof materials that last the longest are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which have a lifespan of about three decades.
However, this is only the case when your roofs are well maintained and inspected regularly. Therefore, make sure you hire a reliable roofing company to get your roofs inspected and maintained throughout the year because prevention is better than a roof replacement.
Call a Professional Roof Inspection Company Today!
Our roofers have experience in handling all kinds of roofs and offer all-inclusive roofing services, including inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacements. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured company that is backed by the Owner’s Pride Guarantee. So if you suspect that your roof may need an inspection or you see signs of wear and tear or water damage, call us today.