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If you have a flat roof, you want to know about the longevity of this style roof. These roofs are different from peaked roofs, and they have specific needs to help maintain them.
What is a Flat Roof?
A flat roof provides a level surface to your home. Many homeowners have concerns about the increased chance of standing water and damage. However, your flat roof will have a membrane at the top of your home or building. The membrane can consist of several types of waterproof materials. Most flat roofs will use roofing felt as a base to the structure. The membrane will be placed on a structural base, and it stays put between the deck and flat roof. This material is also used as a vapor barrier.
You will need the vapor barrier to prevent any moisture from developing between the layers of the flat roof. If you are worried about moisture, there are a few components that can seal the edges of your roof, such as metal flashing. With the flashing, the water is moved away from the roof and directed into the gutter. All the excess water proceeds off the roof as you stay protected in your house.
The Longevity of Your Roof
For the most part, your flat roof should last about a decade. However, that time frame will depend on how well you have maintained the roof. Even with the best maintenance, there will be a time when you need to replace your roof. Flat roofs that have an expired warranty are probably ready for a replacement. Those newer flat roofs might need to be replaced if there is damage to the structure.
Causes of Flat Roof Leaks
Your flat roof can leak due to a variety of factors. You should repair your flat roof if you find visible damage, you have a roof leak, your energy bills increase, or you have an older roof. If your roof is old, some areas may have deteriorated and will likely fail, allowing rainwater to infiltrate your home. In most cases, flat roofs leak around vents and plumbing stacks or at the edge of the roof.
Other common causes of leaks on flat roofs include:
- Ponding water – When water remains on your roof for more than 48 hours after precipitation, it can lead to damaging leaks.
- Damaged Membrane – If your flat roof is made of a single-ply membrane, it can be susceptible to damage due to ponding water or roof traffic. A compromised membrane allows water to enter the insulation, causing more serious leaks.
- Roof Structures – Just like sloped shingle roofs, flat roofs are vulnerable to leaks around areas where a structure rises up through the roof’s surface. These structures may include plumbing vents, gas lines, pipes, and other building elements.
- In many cases, flat roofs can leak when debris is left on the roof for long. It can block water from flowing down your roof or redirect it to other areas. Make sure you regularly clean your flat roof without pushing debris down the drains.
- You may also want to inspect the drainage system for clogging preventing water from draining off your roof. Knock on the metal drain pipes using your knuckles and listen. If the pipe sounds dull, then there is some debris stuck inside.
Replacing a Flat Roof
Once you and your professional examine your roof and decide it’s time to replace your flat roof, you’ll be in for an extended replacement process. During the replacement process the old roofing membrane is removed. Then the roofers will clean the entire roofing system underneath the membrane, including flashing, vents, and wood areas. Any damaged materials like rotted plywood will be removed and replaced. Install new roofing membrane. Then your roofing contractor will install new perimeter flashings and fascia caps.
Alternatives to Flat Roof Replacement
Just because you have a damaged roof doesn’t mean your roof must be replaced. Many times, small areas of damage can be repaired. And you have a few different alternatives. Some of your repair options are:
- Patching – In some cases, patching a small damaged area can work. However, patching a portion of your roof is only effective if moisture damage hasn’t spread to the underlying roof deck or surrounding areas. So, if you have an active leak, patching may not be your best option.
- Re-Covering – Recovering is the process of adding a second membrane (like EPDM or TPO) over the top of your existing flat roof without removing the damaged materials first. Roof re-covering works better in situations where the roof isn’t leaking or severely damaged but the roof is showing signs of aging or minor deterioration.
- Roof Coating – The roof coating process uses a thin liquid membrane on top of your existing roof. Usually, this is a proactive measure you can take if your roof isn’t already showing extensive signs of damage. Roof coating may also give your roof membrane additional heat and UV protection. Roof coating is best when there are no insulation issues and no underlying structural issues.