How Perform Flat Roof Repair For a Leak

There is a good chance any existing roof will require repairs at some point in time. However, the positive side is that if you are familiar with the signs, you can save money by performing roof leak repairs before the issue becomes too costly.  Destroyed belongings, mole growth, electrical system damage, and deteriorating sheet rock are a few of the issues caused by leaking roofs.  To prevent damage from worsening, leaks should be addressed as early as possible.

Prior to beginning flat roof repair, it is important to find out or determine how many years have asset since the roof’s original installation.  If the roof was installed recently, it is best to contact the company who performed the installation to inquire if they will take care of the repairs.  On the other hand, if the roof has been there for many years, and you are considering taking on a DIY, below are a few pointers to help you get going. For more information, check out our website: https://mckinleyflatroofrepair.com/

Pinpoint the Leak

One of the most common leak indicators are brown water spots on your ceiling. However, simply observing a brown spot is not enough to locate the origin of the leak. As water travels before leaking wherever it finds the spot where dripping is easiest, your leak may have begun in practically any point on your roof.  The first step in your action plan is discovering the origin of your leak.

Inspection

One of the very best manners in which to locate a leak’s source is by performing a meticulous inspection of your flat roofing. You may prevent leaks or issues in the future by taking enough time to properly inspect areas with potential problems. Below are a few signs to keep an eye out for during a flat roof examination.

1. Assess the Drains – Inspect the drains to make sure they have no clogs or blockages caused by debris.  Blocked drains may keep water from draining correctly, making it pool on the roof itself, triggering leaks.
2. Watch out for Patches – If you have recently undergone flat roof repair, examining the patches is an excellent place to begin.  Examine patches carefully to ensure they are still functioning properly.
3. Examine the Seams – If there are seams in your roof, inspect them to make certain they are holding and tight.
4. Take a Look at the Collars Around Pipes – Pipes have collars around them and these should have flanges in order to protect the roof’s openings.

Flat Roof Repairs

The process of repairing your roof will greatly depend on the kind of flat roofing you are dealing with.

1. EPDM Rubber Roofs

An EPDM rubber membrane patch can be used to perform repairs or install patches on rubber roofs. If there is blistering in that section, it is crucial to drain it first then completely dry everything prior to sealing it again. It is also important to make sure under-roof supports are dry and free of rot.

2. Gravel and Tar Roofs

Once you pinpoint the leak source, it is relatively easy to perform flat roof repair on a gravel and tar roof. As tar roofs have gravel covering them, locating the leak source may be difficult. In order to encounter the leak, one can walk along the roof until encountering a spot where the gravel has been washed away. Areas with exposed tar may have dried bubbles or cracks, which may indicate the leak source. After you’ve located the leaking area, the process for repair only requires the application of tar followed by mesh then gravel on top.

3. Modified Bitumen Roofs

You should probably leave modified bitumen flat roof repair that involves torching to the professionals. However, if the repair is simply a patch job, you can stop the leak by using an asphalt-based membrane.

Be sure any membrane utilized for repair is compatible with the material of your existing roof. Although gravel and tar roofs and modified bitumen roofing are able to utilize asphalt-based membranes it is crucial to match a membrane with your actual roofing material when it comes to PVC or EPDM flat roofing.

Ultimately, although flat roof repair is possible in all cases, it is likely advisable to choose roof replacement instead in certain cases. Obviously, the overall condition of your flat roofing as well as its type and its age are major factors in this decision.  Frequently, after a leak develops in an older roof, this may indicate that age is beginning to show in your roofing materials and that their effectiveness at keeping water out may be reduced. If you are not sure about your roof’s condition, reach out to a qualified roofing professional so they can perform your roof inspection.

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