Nothing lasts forever, but with proper care and maintenance, your flat roof can certainly outlast its warranty by many years. Many home and commercial building owners fear that flat roofs are more susceptible to leaks and damage than pitched roofs, but in fact the opposite can be true. As long as you make the effort to inspect and care for your roof on a regular basis, there is nothing to worry about. All it takes is a little knowledge and a minimal amount of effort. The following tips will help you give your flat roof the longest life possible.
- Keep the Drains Clear. Flat roofs are actually pitched ever so slightly at an angle so that water and heavy debris will slide towards the installed drains. It is important to keep those drains clear, because a blocked drainage system leads to standing water. If water isn’t drained in a timely manner, it can seep slowly into the materials of the roof and cause a leak. Make sure to carefully remove any fallen leaves, broken tree branches and other debris that may be in the way of the drainage system.
- Trim Overhanging Tree Branches. These will sway in the wind, bend under piles of snow and generally cause wear and tear to any part of the roof they touch. Although small cracks and tears in rubber roofs can be patched with a bicycle tire repair kit, larger breaks need professional repairs. Fallen branches can cause two basic problems, based on their size. Small branches will clog up the roof’s drains; while large branches can dent and damage the foundation of the roof. It’s best to clip any overhanging branches to avoid these issues.
- Shovel that Snow. Sure, most people think of the sidewalk or front steps when considering shovelling snow, but the roof needs it too! Otherwise, the build up of heavy snow will put undue pressure on the roof, causing it to warp. When warm weather comes and goes, that excess snow will alternatively melt and freeze, forming ice. Ice will crack open the joints of the roof materials and ultimately cause a leak if left to its own devices. Next time there is a snow storm, get out the shovel and visit the roof.
- Perform Regular Self-Inspections. Most problems with a flat roof – or any roof – can be avoided with routine checks. Try to get up to the roof 2 or 3 times per year, especially after intense weather, to check for cracks, bubbling or sagging. If caught early, these problems can be mended quickly and without a great deal of expense. In many cases, repairs can even be made by you, without bringing in the experts.
- Hire a Professional Inspector. This doesn’t necessarily need to be done today, or even next year, but it is an important part of flat roof maintenance. A professional roof inspector should be employed once every 3 to 5 years, to take a look at problems you can’t see. An inspector can also check your patch work and determine whether it is solid, or needs redoing after a year or so. The newer the roof, the less frequently this inspection needs to take place. As your roof ages, however, it’s best to have it checked out more frequently.
When you take the extra time and care to maintain your flat roof, you’ll be able to enjoy it for many more years. More importantly, if the roof does not outlast its warranty, you’ll be entitled to claim insurance since you made an effort to maintain it.
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