Maintaining a flat roof is essential so that water doesn’t leak into your home, causing a massive headache – and a repair bill ranging from $150 to $3000. If you own a flat roof, you must inspect it bi-annually. Unfortunately, many people aren’t prepared for an inspection and miss out on learning about the problem before it has the chance to multiply.
Before the end of spring, have your flat roof inspected by Birmingham’s trusted roofer. They will check for damages on your roof and recommend the right repairs. Read to learn why it’s essential to maintain your flat roof during spring.
Winter Compromises Flat Roofs
During the cold months there is a high probability that the roof membrane has been damaged due to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, significant snowfalls, falling branches, and the destruction of birds. Regardless of its quality, a flat roof is prone to tears and holes, which, if left unrepaired, can cause significant leaks and other water-related issues.
It’s Warm Weather
Spring is perfect for inspecting your flat roof. The weather is warmer, and the contractor can get up on the roof easier. During this inspection, they will check for any signs of leakage, missing shingles or tiles, mold growth, and damage to any flashing or chimneys.
The contractor will also remove leaves that have accumulated. The roof can be inspected by walking around on it or using binoculars to look at any areas that might be hard to see from ground level.
Inspections are also an essential step in preparing for summer storms and hurricanes. Inspections help you identify any potential problems before they become issues that could cause severe damage to your home. If you notice any problems with the roof after an inspection, contact a professional.
To Get Ready for Summer
During the summer, flat roofs are sometimes used as living spaces. If they are not maintained regularly, cracks can form and cause water damage to the interior of your home. Also, if your roof is not adequately maintained and repaired during the winter months, it can further damage by ice dams or snow build-up.
A leaky flat roof can cause severe damage to your home and belongings, so it’s best to get the roof checked early in spring before it becomes too warm outside.
Drainage Gets Worse
Pooling water is a significant issue for flat roof owners every spring. It is especially true of older roofs, but it can also happen with newly remodeled roofs if drainage issues cause water to pool longer.
It is always due to issues with the plumbing. Leaves and twigs block drain pipes by catching dirt and stones as debris piles into them. A minor blockage leads to significant difficulties if left ignored, and the longer the water takes to drain, the more debris it is likely to send down the pipe.
The drain dome can be removed, and the homeowner can clear the clog in some situations. If this doesn’t work, you may have to hire a professional to snake your drain and remove the obstruction.
Maintenance for Flat-roof Homes
It provides ease of installation, easy maintenance, and the ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. But flat roofs can also be vulnerable to hail or hot weather. If you live in a flat-roofed home, it’s essential to take steps to protect your roof over time.
- Check for damage. If you notice any damage on your roof, such as cracking or other signs of wear, have it repaired immediately.
- Clean your roof. A clean roof will help prevent damage due to dirt build-up and algae growth—which can cause leaks.
- Replace old shingles. If necessary, replace old shingles with new ones that meet current building code standards. It should be done every ten years to avoid water leakage through cracks or tears in the shingles.
- Check your roof for punctures, especially in areas with high winds or many trees.
- Trim trees that overhang your home. A tree that overhangs your home can easily damage your roof. Regularly trimming trees by the best tree service in Spring Hill FL will help keep the branches from falling over your roof and prevent them from becoming too large.
It’s essential to be vigilant about regular maintenance because minor issues can quickly become major problems with flat roofs. A small leak not attended to early on can lead to water damage, mold growth, and many other issues that could cost you big in the long run. And suppose you aren’t able to address the issue before it becomes a bigger catastrophe. In that case, you’ll want to look into professional roofing services in your area—because repairing the roof yourself is a lot of work!