A flat roof has it’s good and bad. It’s a good site to place HVAC components, ducts, DISH, and many more equipment. Moreover, it’s an economical and spacious option.
Unfortunately, it can also be a little troubling. Flat roof leaks are very common in the US. If not maintained, these roofs can give you a hard time.
This blog is for you if you have 3 questions in mind:
- Do Flat Roofs Always Leak?
- Why Is My Flat Roof Leaking?
- How To Repair A Flat Roof Leak?
Why Do Flat Roofs Leak?
Unlike sloped roofs, the design of flat roofs isn’t capable of removing or sliding the water down. When water remains on the roof for days, it can start seeping. This is why most flat roofs tend to leak.
But why is your roof leaking?
It’s common in snowy areas like Colorado. Flat roof leaks when the snow melts. Too much water, ice, and stormy weather create a lot of pressure. If the roof is weak in certain areas, it will start leaking quite sooner.
If you are wondering why your new roof is leaking, it’s most likely an installation issue. If there are any air pockets left while installing rolled-out roofing, it causes leaks.
Flat roofs leak due to holes and damage.
Apart from that, flat roofs mostly leak around vents, ducts, plumbing, and borders. Even nail holes can be a reason.
Consider the average lifespan of your roofing materials. With regular maintenance, TPO can last up to 20 years. If your roof is old, its material, ducts, and plumbing are probably damaged and causing the leaks.
We hope you’ve got an idea of why your roof is leaking. Now, you have to find the location of the leaks. Here are some points to follow:
How To Find A Roof Leak On A Flat Roof
- Clean your roof. Use a blower or broom to clear out the debris and leaves.
- Check flashings around chimneys, ducts, pipes, etc. Flashing can damage over time and allow water to seep through the cracks.
- Examine the low spots, old repairs, and newly patched areas. Take a water hose and splash over suspected areas. Ask the people below if they can see any leaks. If yes, you know where the issue is.
If your roof isn’t small, this may take hours. When you’re done locating all the leaks, it’s time for repairs.
How To Fix Flat Roof Leaks
1. Quick Fix For Cracks And Holes
If you want to know how to temporarily fix a flat roof, get some caulks. Caulk is a sealing material made with latex and acrylics. Using it, you can fill some small cracks, holes, and gaps around plumbing, ducts, flashing, etc. This will temporarily stop the water from seeping in.
2. Repair Shrinking Of Roof
Roofs with rubber membranes like EPDM, TPO, and PVC shrink over time. This pulls out flashing and creates cuts and cracks in the roof. All of this eventually leads to leakage.
Grab these tools and supplies to repair it:
- Marker
- Measuring Tape
- Knife to cut rubber membrane
- Caulk
- Rubber cleaning solution
- Paint roller to clean rubber
- Rubber Adhesive
- New membrane
Steps To Repair Flat Roof Leaks
Step 1
Cut out the shrunken rubber using the knife.
Step 2
Dip the paint roller into a rubber cleaning solution. Clean the new membrane thoroughly and let it dry.
Step 3
Add the rubber adhesive to the cleaned roll and place it carefully onto the removed patch.
Step 4
Apply caulk at the borders to seal it tightly. Use it in every corner, as many times as needed.
If the structure below the rubber membrane is damaged, you’ll need a drilling machine and a few more professional tools. In this case, we would always recommend leaving it to the professionals.
3. Fix Alligatoring Roof
Your roof gets old, and you see that the surface looks just like the skin of an alligator. This happens due to UV rays, and it develops cracks and leakages.
To fix this, you need to apply a new roof coating. Buy the best coating for leaking flat roofs. You can ask professional roofers what’s hot in the market.
How To Fix Alligatoring Flat Roof Leaks
Step 1
Apply a primer made for your roofing material. Let it dry.
Step 2
Apply the coating. You can also mix fiberglass mesh in the coating. This will make the coating stronger.
Step 3
Check if you have covered all the leaks.
Before you begin, it’s always best to consult a roofing contractor. We don’t charge for a little help. Before you repair flat roof leaks, follow these safety tips:
- Beware of open wires, cables, and bad weather. Thunder and electrical shocks can harm you in the worst ways possible.
- Work with a team. While repairing roof edges, it can be really dangerous. There are risks to falling if it breaks down.
- Don’t use dangerous tools if you’re new to this. Even if you’ve used knives and drilling machines before, roofing is a risky business. That’s why the industry has highly trained professionals.
Why Should You Hire Trained Roofers
Multiple layers of the roof are protecting you at the moment. Professional roofers are trained to handle each and every layer. If anything goes unchecked, you’ll have to bear the cost of frequent repairs, early damage, and replacement of the roof.
Moreover, they are certified to do the job. In Colorado, you need a license to repair and replace a roof. There are product warranties that only roofing contractors can give you. Insurance companies will also consider your claim if you take care of your roof the right way.
When you suspect multiple leaks and more issues, contact trained roofing contractors.
At Sol Vista, we are eager to answer all your questions. You can call us at (720) 712-3516. To make sure every leak is patched up, we can give you a free roof inspection.
