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.
