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Flat roofs have become increasingly popular as they complement open floor plans within a clean and modern structure. By regularly inspecting and maintaining your flat roof, it should last many years and serve you well. The maintenance demands of your roof will depend on how it was built and what type of roofing material you have. The following are maintenance tips to keep your flat roof in good condition.
Inspect the roof regularly
- Inspect the flat roof at least three times a year, and more often if there are trees nearby. Check for debris after harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, snowfall or strong winds.
- Look for pooling water, blisters, holes, soft areas and cracks, especially around flashing and in seams. Contact a professional roofing contractor if you notice any issues.
Keep the roof clean
- As debris collects more easily on a flat roof, it’s important to remove leaves, branches and dirt from the surface to prevent punctures, ponding and clogged drains.
- Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to snow accumulation which in turn often leads to ice damming or drainage issues in the spring. Remove heavy snow load carefully to prevent causing damage to the roofing surface.
- Consider consulting a roofing contractor once a year to assess the effectiveness of the roof covering and have your flat roof and drainage system cleaned.
Ensure drainage is adequate
- If you notice pooling water, or ponding on your roof, the drainage system may be insufficient. Pools of water on a flat roof can cause the system to deteriorate quickly so make sure you ask an expert to help you fix ponding issues as soon as they begin.
Trim back trees
- To prevent damage to the roof from rubbing or scraping, trim back trees with branches that hang over or touch the roof.
Repair leaks immediately
- If there is a crack or leak, have a professional roofing contractor make the necessary repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.