In general, flat roofs tend to require more work in terms of installation and repairs than other roofing types. They are more prone to leaks, especially because water doesn’t run off when it rains, unlike sloped roofs.
For this reason, it’s imperative that you conduct regular inspections and maintenance to enhance the longevity of your commercial flat roof.
Even with maintenance, however, you may still experience damages and need flat roof repair. Most minor repair issues will cost you hundreds of dollars. The trick here is in finding these repair issues and catching them on time. It may be harder for you to notice flat roof damages as you would pitch roofs.
For that reason alone, we have gathered comprehensive information about finding these damages. In this post, we have addressed all the signs that you may need flat roof repair.
1. Damaged Flashing
Most people usually overlook flashing, but this is one of the most important parts of a commercial flat roof system.
The metal flashing that’s usually around vents, chimneys, and other fixtures usually gets damaged or goes missing entirely. When this happens, the roof faces severe moisture damage, so it needs to be fixed immediately.
If caught early, this is an issue that’s relatively easy to repair, and it will save you from having to replace the whole flashing. This will save you a great deal of money, especially when you factor in the costs that will escalate due to moisture.
2. Moisture
Talking about moisture, roofs are designed to be completely watertight, and if your flat roof is not, it will lead to high humidity. This will result in water stains on your ceiling, and even worse, you may end up with a breeding ground for rodents and insects that usually thrive in moist areas.
If you’re dealing with extreme moisture, or if your flat roof happens to be leaking, you may notice water lines on your walls, and they may slide down into your insulation. Wet insulation is a whole different problem on its own, and it can easily lead to mold and mildew.
3. Mold and Mildew
If you have noticed foul or uncomfortable odors in your property, there’s a very high chance you may have mold and mildew. This is a huge red flag that you need flat roof repair because it is a direct result of water damage. If your flat roof is leaking water into your building, there’s a possibility of mold because it thrives in moisture.
This is easily the one thing you should not ignore because mold spreads very fast and can be dangerous to your health. Look for mold by checking for stains, discoloration, and black spots on your walls or ceiling. Once you find any, you should conduct flat roof repair and call a mold remediation company as well to get rid of it.
4. Pooling Water
Given that you’re dealing with the flat roof, it’s expected that they may experience pulling water, especially during the rainy seasons. However, the water is usually set to evaporate or drain off within a day or two, failure to which is an indication of a malfunctioning gutter or drainage system.
If your drainage system is damaged or the gutter system is clogged, it will prevent water from running off the roof efficiently. If standing water is left too long on the roof, it will result in leaks and overall roof damage to the membrane. If you do notice standing water on your flat roof, it’s essential that you call in a commercial roofing contractor for flat roof repair immediately.
5. Exposed Undercoat
Flat roof materials, like the outermost tar or stone layer of your roof may have lifted or pulled away, exposing the undercoat, which is usually less resistant to weather and can easily be damaged by the elements. It’s imperative that the area be repaired immediately to prevent the undercoat from tearing and pulling away, leading to more serious problems.
6. Blistering and Cracking
Flat roofs turned to blister and crack, and these are the most obvious signs that you need flat roof repair. Blistering and cracking or bubbling of the roof membrane is quite common and is usually caused by high temperatures. If you notice any of these damages, it’s a telltale sign that you need to repair or replace the roof membrane.
If you’re only dealing with a few patches here and there on isolated spots, then repair is the most ideal option. However, if it’s prevalent throughout the whole roof, then replacing the entire membrane will be more sufficient.
7. Damaged Panels
If your flat roof was constructed with panels, at some point, these panels might slip or drift due to things like weather or old age. When this happens, the roof becomes unstable and requires repairs.
The bigger problem is that if water or debris gets beneath the panels, it will cause instability and create additional hazards. If you notice any drifting panels, it’s imperative that you call in a professional roofing contractor immediately to make appropriate repairs.
8. Buckling and Sagging
Flat roofs are typically constructed using membranes that tend to buckle if the building shifts. There are various reasons why buckling may occur, such as the age of the building and external forces like falling objects. If you notice that your flat roof has buckled, you need some serious flat roof repair.
Apart from buckling, sagging is also a telltale sign that you need to repair your flat roof. Sagging is usually caused by moisture issues accumulating over time. Once the roof dips, it can no longer be at the intended weight and needs to be repaired immediately.
Hire Professional Roofing Contractors for Flat Roof Repair
These are the most common telltale signs that you need flat roof repair. It’s crucial that you do your due diligence and investigate what damages your roof has undertaken, then hire the best roofing contractor in your area.
Williams Roofing & Construction Inc. is one of the best commercial roofing companies in Springfield IL, and our professional contractors will be more than wiling to handle your flat roof repair. Please get in touch with us today, and we’ll schedule an inspection.
