If you find damage on your commercial property’s flat roof, how can you repair it?
Flat roofing systems work differently than traditionally sloped roofs. As such, they can be more at risk for certain problems, such as standing water, blistering, tears, and even leaks.
Taking care of your flat roof can ensure that these issues are kept to a minimum. However, the quality of the original installation and materials often matters more for your roof’s longevity than your maintenance. The repairs will depend on the material of your flat roofing system, the damage, and the condition of your roof.
Here’s how to repair a flat roof.
If You’re Dealing With a Leak
It’s always crucial to locate the source of leaks in your roof. Remember, the place where water is coming in your building may not actually be where your roof’s problem is.
Many flat roofing systems have a slight incline to allow water to drain properly. When searching on the roof for the source of the leak, you may need to look downhill of the inside coordinates of the leak.
You can also look for any indicators of damage on your roof to spot the leak source. Look for rips or tears, impact marks (such as from hail), holes, or seams that are coming apart.
Flashing is another good place to search for the leak source. Inspect any protruding elements of your roofing system, such as vents, and the integrity of the flashing material around these elements.
Depending on the problem, you may be able to temporarily repair the damage yourself with a roof patch or roof tar. However, if you have TPO, EPDM, or PVC roofing, these types of repairs are best left to a professional. The same is true with a green roofing system.
If You Have Large Sections of Ponding Water
Ponding water is normal on flat roofs. However, if there are large, deep sections of water, these could be signs of a larger structural issue that can’t be repaired with cement or patches. Contacting an experienced commercial roofer can help you identify the cause of the problem and fix your roof.
A poorly installed roof, settling foundation, or multiple layers of roofs, such as rubber roofing, can cause uneven sloping and result in large areas of standing water. Extensive or deep sections of standing water could lead to leaks. It could add unnecessary weight to the metal, wood, or concrete decking.
Follow Up With a Professional Roofer
If your roof is leaking, don’t assume that patching it will resolve water damage inside your roof deck or building. It’s always best to contact a professional roofing contractor to evaluate the damage and ensure your roof is properly repaired.
CDS Roofing is your local commercial roofer providing roof inspections, repair, and replacement for your property. Are you seeing signs of flat roofing damage? Contact us to start the repair process today.
