As with any
type of roofing, flat roofing requires maintenance over time. In most cases,
flat roofing is built with felts that can be susceptible to splitting and
blistering over time. In order to prevent roof damage it is necessary to carry
out roof checks on a regular basis to prevent long-term damage, at least every
spring or autumn or following extreme weather conditions. However, with the
right kind of maintenance, a flat roof can provide longevity and many feel it
improves the aesthetic quality of the building. It's likely that at some point
you will need to contend with some kind of problem that will require repair.
However, there are certain things you can do to remain vigilant and avoid any
major long term issues.
What is roof maintenance and why is it
important?
This refers
to the upkeep and work put into commercial or residential roofing to prevent
further potential damage from happening in the future. Preventative maintenance
is essential as it allows you to detect potential problems from arising and fix
them before they get any worse.
Be mindful of ponding
A flat roof
is particularly susceptible to “ponding”- this occurs when water accumulates on
the roof, becoming saturated from rainfall or snow. If left undetected, this
can lead to serious structural damage. The corrective measure for this kind of
problem is installing tampered installation.
Splitting in roof material
When
inspecting your flat roofing - be mindful of splitting:long cracks that will
appear as visible parallel joints on your installation. You’ll be able to
identify this in a few ways, but the most obvious is that the area that is
splitted tends to have a spongy texture - often a sign of extreme weather
exposure.
Blistering in roof material
This can
occur when air gets caught in between layers of felt or felt substrate. When
the air heats, it can force air pockets to puncture - this happens when the
blister breaks. This can be particularly problematic if its a large blister
located on a join - this is also sometimes known as warping. If this does
happen, water can pass through the roofing. The area will then need to be
cleaned and professionally fixed to ensure that a waterproof seal is put in
place without the presence of moisture.
Benefits of a flat roof:
Taking the above
points into consideration, there are still many benefits to implementing flat
roofing in your home. One of the biggest advantages of implementing flat
roofing is the expense. The materials used for flat roofing are fairly
inexpensive. Many types of materials used for installation cost as little as £2
a foot - making a flat roof extremely cost effective in terms of the
installation process as well as the minimal upkeep. Another fantastic benefit
is the additional accessible space that having a flat roof can provide. You can
utilise the space in many resourceful ways - why not install solar panels on
the roof or plant a roof garden? The possibilities of how to utilise a flat
roof are limitless, its versatility is certainly one of the best benefits of having
one. When it comes to cleaning your guttering, making repairs or just general
maintenance, flat roofing is much more convenient than sloped roofing.
At WR Leivers based in Nottingham, our expert
team can provide you with a range of services related to your flat roofing,
whether its a general repair or a flat roof replacement, you can be certain we
will provide you with an expert service, whatever your need.
Get in touch today
to speak to a
member of our friendly team.
