Posts tagged with "Flat Roof"

When Does a Flat Roof Need Repairs or Replacement?

Your home’s flat roof offers a modern look, its clean lines providing an opportunity for a roof porch. This roofing style costs less to install and proves easier to repair than pitched asphalt shingle roofs. How do you know when you need to contact a roofing professional for repairs to a flat roof?

Signs a Flat Roof Needs Repairs

Examine your home’s flat roof after each storm to check for visual damage. Seven signs indicate that your flat roof incurred damage. Let’s consider each of them.

1. Cracked Roofing Materials

Cracks can show on the rooftop or the ceiling inside. A crack in the roofing materials or the plywood sub-roof indicates an emergency repair need because water can leak through it and enter your home.

2. Leakage Into the Home

Perhaps you noticed leakage during the storm. Water entering your home from the ceiling means a leak developed from a crack, hole, or seam tear. It also comes from flashing that pulled away from the house – typically a sign that it got incorrectly installed.

3. Missing or Torn Roofing Covering

Whether your roof consists of roll roofing, roof tiles, shingles, or metal, tears or missing pieces indicate a need for immediate repairs. Although a roof consists of a sub-roof of plywood and flashing that does a similar job as house trim for a wall, it also consists of layers of roofing cover materials. When any part gets torn off or damaged, replace it immediately.

4. Sagging Ceilings

Inspect your home from the interior, too. Check each room for a sagging ceiling. When the ceiling sags, it shows that the sub-roof above incurred damage. Contact a professional roofer to repair the roof and then a general contractor to replace the sagging ceiling drywall.

5. Mold and Mildew Growth

Mold growth on the roof or near it on the home’s exterior indicates a roofing issue. If you find mold or mildew developing inside your home, especially at ceiling height, contact a professional roofer for a roof inspection. This inspection will uncover any hidden problems.

6. High Energy Bills

Some indicators you can’t see, such as a sudden increase in energy bills. Have the roof inspected if your home’s heating or air conditioning bills spike. While your home may only need added insulation between the roof and drywall ceiling, it could be roofing damage.

7. The Passage of Time

Most flat roofs and asphalt shingle roofs need replacing after 15 years. If that time has passed, replace the roof before leaks develop and cause interior damage.

Contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors

Since 1983, Shelby Roofing & Exteriors has helped the communities of Missouri and southern Illinois keep their roofs in top shape. Contact our offices in Arnold, MO, for an inspection appointment or to request a repair quote. Let us help you improve your home and keep your flat roof looking and working great.

Don’t Let Flat Roof Puddles Become a Major Headache: Tackle Standing Water Today!

Standing water on a roof is a common problem that occurs when water accumulates and does not drain properly. This can be caused by several factors, such as clogged gutters, poor slope or pitch, or damaged shingles. Standing water on a roof can cause serious damage to the roofing materials, leading to leaks, and can also provide a breeding ground for insects and mold. As such, it is important to address standing water promptly to prevent further damage to the roof and home. Here are several ways to deal with standing water on a flat roof.

1.  A Waterproof Membrane

This is a layer of material applied to the surface of a flat roof to prevent water from penetrating the building. The membrane can be made from various materials, including rubber, PVC, or TPO. It is applied in a continuous sheet to cover the entire roof surface and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper sealing. This method is very effective as it also provides a barrier to keep water from seeping into the underlying structure, whether it is a residential or commercial roof.

2. A Drain System

A drain system is a network of pipes, gutters, and downspouts that collect and channel rainwater away from a flat roof and into a designated area. The system should be installed with sufficient slope and capacity to handle the amount of water expected during heavy rain events. The installation should also include protection against clogging, such as screens or filters, to ensure that the water flows freely and does not build up on the roof.

3. A Slope

A slope, also known as a “crown” or “pitch,” is a slight incline built into a flat roof to promote the flow of water toward the edges and away from the center. The slope should be gentle enough to avoid standing water but significant enough to allow rainwater to drain effectively. This can be achieved by adding insulation or other materials to raise the level of the roof in the center.

Standing water on a flat roof can cause various problems. When not properly managed, it can seriously threaten the integrity and safety of the building. That’s why it’s essential to take steps to prevent standing water from accumulating on a flat roof. Hiring a roofing contractor with experience in flat roofing can assess the specific needs of your roof and recommend the best course of action. Furthermore, they can ensure that the installation is done correctly and meets local building codes and regulations of St. Louis.