Owning or managing a property with a flat roof, whether it be residential or commercial, would likely benefit you due to the simplicity of snow removal, greater energy efficiency, and convenience of roof access. However, flat roofs aren’t the ideal roofing choice for a house or business. You should be on the lookout for certain flat roof damage symptoms, and arranging maintenance and repairs for any damage now will save you time and money later.
It is best to get in touch with our Elizabeth roof repair professionals if you see any of the following symptoms of flat roof damage so we can help you restore your roof to its original condition.
Puddles
The presence of standing water on your flat roof several hours after a downpour is a warning sign that the drainage systems on your roof aren’t functioning properly. Pools of water left on your roof for an extended period of time can result in water damage, which can range from minor surface deterioration to membrane damage. Wouldn’t you rather have to replace your entire roof than have a few water stains remain after a simple repair? Call a roofing specialist right now.
Growth of mold
Because mold won’t develop until there is already water inside of your roof in places where it shouldn’t be, mold growth is a symptom of flat roof damage. Early detection of mold growth allows for hassle-free removal, but excessive mold growth could be a sign of something more dangerous. Business owners have a duty to ensure the security of their clients and employees, especially if their establishment is accessible to the general public. Before assuming that you may permit people to live or work in the building, commercial roofing professionals will need to assess whether your roof is structurally sound beneath the mold.
Coating Cracks
Small cracks on your roof aren’t usually a significant warning sign, but a lot of fractures or cracks that are particularly deep on TPO roofing, a common type of eco-friendly flat roofing, may mean you need to have the coating redone. If the cracks are shallow enough, expert roofers may only need to add a few more protective layers or determine that other roofing materials will better serve your needs. However, if the cracks are deep enough, they may require more extensive roof repair.
Missing or Loose Flashing
Seams connect flat roofs to the structure of the home. The coverings for these seams are referred to as flashing, and it plays a significant role in keeping seams safe from damage. It’s time to call roofing professionals if your flashing is coming loose or has missing components. Keeping your flashing in good condition can be a quick and low-cost way to increase the lifespan of your roof.
Torn Membranes
The “roof membranes” on EPDM roofs, also known as rubber roofs, serve as the first line of defense against the elements. If you use a flashlight and take a close look, you can easily spot rips or tears on this specific roof surface due to its dark, almost gritty texture. Larger tears may be a sign that your roof isn’t structurally sound because of repeated exposure to water or ice, but smaller rips and tears may usually be patched. In any case, roof repair is advised to keep your building dry and safe, regardless of the type of membrane tears you can detect in your roof.
Leaks
The ceilings nearest to your roof may continue to leak, which is a certain sign of damage to your flat roof. A roof leak is risky because it indicates that water has seeped into every layer of the roof and that the roof may need to be completely replaced. Sagging ceilings are a problem that is worse than drips or leaks. Calling roofing professionals as soon as possible if any of your ceilings are drooping could really save your life or property since it is one of the warning signals that you are in danger of having your roof collapse.
Your roof system is more intricate than you might realize, and great care is taken to ensure that it performs as it should. Taking care of your roof today will help to safeguard it in the future. Every six to twelve months, schedule roof inspections to spot early warning signs of flat roof degradation. Get in touch with Elizabeth Remodeling Company right away so we can help you feel more at ease.
