Flat Roof Repair or Replace
A leaking flat roof can often be cause for concern.
Is it time for a flat roof repair in Victoria?
Or is a new flat roof installation in Victoria going to be the answer?
The first step is an assessment of the roof.
An expert in flat roof repair in Victoria will assess the issue and provide professional advice that a general contractor will not be knowledgeable about.
Flat Roof Inspection
Your roofer should have the experience and equipment for flat roofing repair and installation and will
inspect the leaky roof to determine the best solution.
His inspection should include a thorough examination of every part of the roof for the seams, flashings and attachment locations and check for cracks at joints, corners, around chimneys and ventilation slits.
The roof may have deterioration, punctures, flashing that has dislocated or come off, aging spots and ponding water.
Inspecting a flat roof on a regular basis can prevent an unnecessary replacement. A roofing inspector will walk the entire surface of the roof and pay attention to how it feels beneath the foot. If it is soft or squishy, it could indicate insulation that is wet or damaged.
The roofer may also do a test cut, which means he may cut through the roofing material to see what’s under the surface layer.
Flat Roof Problems
Flat roofs can leak at seams or flashing, and there can be ponding which can create more leaks. Ponding is water that puddles on the roof for more than 48 hours, usually after a recent rain. The condition of the roof, age and installation can all determine why a roof is leaking.
Poor drainage can also be a problem with a buildup of debris from leaves and pine needles which can cause more ponding on the roof.
“If it doesn’t drain, it builds up more water,” says Ed Combs, owner of Shoreline Roofing in Victoria.
“I’ve been up on a flat roof where it didn’t drain so there was four inches of water.”
Sometimes a bit of pitch is built into a flat roof so it will drain better.
When Should a Flat Roof be Replaced?
There are really only two situations that indicate a flat roof should be replaced. The first is when the original material installed has reached the end of its service life. The second situation is when the original roof has not been properly installed, and as a result has been having on-going problems, including leaks.
If you have wet insulation under the roof, it cannot dry out on its own and can cause mold issues and structural damages. This is much more expensive to fix than putting on a new roof or replacing a large section of the original one.
An expert on flat roof repair in Victoria will guide and ensure that the roof is properly fixed. You should contact a professional for an inspection if you notice any cracks, bubbles, damaged flashing or water damage in the attic. An expert in flat roof repair in Victoria can tell you if the problem can be patched up or if you need a full roof replacement. Don’t delay – the problem may not be cosmetic and has likely affected more than the eye can see.