Flat roofs look modern and provide a great option for our warm, dry climate. But like all major elements of a building, the flat roof needs regular care. Ignore flat roof maintenance at your own peril. If you ignore maintenance, small problems quickly turn into large ones. A well-maintained flat roof protects your home and saves you money in the long run.
Flat Roofs Need Special Care
Flat roofs handle water differently than sloped roofs. Rainwater sits on the surface when the roof doesn’t drain properly or isn’t sealed. Standing water leads to leaks, mold, and even roof collapse if not addressed. Orange County flat roofs don’t experience lots of rain, but when storms hit, your flat roof must be watertight.
Flat roofs also experience loads of ultraviolet light (UV) exposure from the sun. Over time, the UV light dries out the flat roof coating and this results in cracks or blisters. These small signs of damage are easy to fix initially, but if left unchecked, they just grow worse.
How Often Should You Inspect a Flat Roof?
At a minimum, get a flat roof inspection at least once a year. Ideally, you should inspect your flat roof once in the spring and once in the fall. This schedule helps you catch problems caused by summer heat or winter rains. Also, get a flat roof inspection after any major storm or wind event.
When Crank Waterproofing, Decking, and Roofing performs an inspection, they look for:
- Standing water or clogged drains
- Cracks, blisters, or soft spots on the roof coating
- Loose or missing flashing around vents or edges
- Signs of mold or water stains on the ceiling inside your home
Always hire a local roofing contractor. For example, if you live in Orange County, hire an Orange County roofing contractor. A local pro understands the environment and best materials and practices for your climate and building styles.
Now That’s a Green Flat Roof!
Flat Roof Coating Frequency
The flat roofs rely on a roof coating to protect the surface from water and sun damage. Depending on the material, most flat roofs need a new coating every 5 to 10 years. In Orange County, the strong sun may cause some roofs to need coating more often—every 5 to 7 years is common.
There are several types of coatings. Some are rubber-based, while others use silicone or acrylic. Working with a professional roofer with flat roof experience ensures your roofer knows the best coatings for your roof type and climate.
The Perils of Skipping Flat Roof Maintenance
Skipping flat roof maintenance is risky. Even a tiny crack provides a way for water to seep into your home. It starts as a small stain on the ceiling. But that stain masks hidden damage in the roof layers. Water intrusion rots the wooden support beams, weakens the insulation, and even grows dangerous mold.
Fixing a small problem might cost a few hundred dollars. But if water damage spreads, extensive repairs run into the thousands. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire roof. Regular maintenance keeps your costs low and your home dry.
Additional Flat Roof Maintenance Tasks
In addition to regular inspections to catch small problems, you can perform other maintenance tasks to protect the roof.
Keep drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris. This allows the flat roof drainage system to work as designed. Working drainage prevents standing water.
Also, keep an eye on the landscaping around the house. Trim any tree branches that hang over your roof.
Flat Roof Maintenance and Repair Pros
Your flat roof works hard to protect your home from the sun, wind, and rain. Don’t wait for an obvious problem (like a leak) to arise before getting an inspection. Regular inspections and coatings extend the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs. If you live in Orange County, contact Crank Waterproofing, Roofing, and Decking and schedule your next flat roof checkup.
