Unfortunately, no matter how well you maintain your flat roof, you may still get leaks – they are very common.

If you fancy yourself something of a DIY-er you might be tempted to just get in there and sort it out.

And here’s more bad news, it may not be as simple or straightforward as you might think.

Unless you’re a qualified roofer, you are not best placed to assess the damage, less so repair it. And if you have a tar or gravel roof, then it can be hard to find the source of a leak.

So, to that end, our steadfast recommendation to you is that you arrange for a professional roof inspection to assess the damage and report on how best to move forward.

With any luck, a simple repair might just do the trick, but if it turns out you need a whole new roof, then despite the additional cost, you may be glad you checked. Getting a whole new roof could even save you money on repairs in the long run.

What does a roof inspection involve?

A roof inspection is a thorough one. It does not just look at leaks but also looks at cracks, ventilation points, ponding water areas, aging and deterioration, shrinkage, and punctures, and so on.

It may even be necessary to carry out a roof cut in order to determine the level of damage underneath the roof’s membrane.

One of the more problematic issues with flat roofs is water ponding areas. Rainwater that still remains on the roof after 48 hours has passed is a bad sign.

Ponding water, especially around chimneys, drains, seams, skylights, and so on, is usually the main culprits of leaks. But that’s not all. It can also lead to mould and structural damage.

And such damage can be more expensive to repair than it would be to replace the roof altogether.

And if this appears to be a somewhat recurring problem, where rainwater is often retained in pools on top, then this is not to be neglected. The best strategy is to address the underlying cause, rather than merely doing a quick patch up and hoping for the best. Even if it means replacing the roof altogether.

So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty…

When does it become necessary to replace the roof?

There are two main instances when it’s time to replace the roof. The first is when the roof materials have reached the end of their service life. And the second is if the roof was not properly installed in the first place.

Different roofing materials have different lengths of service. For example, rolled asphalt roofs are only meant to last 5 years, so they will need replacing regularly.

EDM rubber membranes can last a little longer, coming in at 7 to 10 years.  PVC membranes on the other hand, and in significant contrast to the other two types, can last as long as 30 years or more.

The reason PVC roofs last so much longer is because they have welded seams that no moisture can get through.

So, now you might be thinking, if PVC lasts so much longer than the other two types, then that’s what you want to go with for your replacement. However, it’s certainly worth noting at this point that PVC roofs are the most expensive option.

When to Repair

If your flat roof is still within its service life cycle and has been properly installed, then a repair may be more appropriate than a replacement.

You could use a roof leveling compound to raise the roof surface where water has been pooling, help rainwater to get to drainage, and at the same time, also lessen the depth of pooling so rainwater can evaporate faster. This is a quick and relatively affordable option.

However, it may not be your best option if you have only a single-ply membrane on your roof.

Conclusion

The key thing to remember is that flat roofs generally require more maintenance than their counterparts, so be sure to check for damage after storms, snow, and ice. Always remove any debris you may find on the roof and drainage, such as leaves and moss. You should regularly check seams and attachment points for wear and tear. And most of all, keep an eye out for water ponding areas.

Do You Need A Roof Inspection?

If you’re in two minds about whether to repair or replace, then we recommend a roof inspection. You can trust a qualified surveyor such as Sureseal to give you the low down and suggest the best course of action. Contact us today for a roof inspection.