A flat roof is a common feature of many commercial and industrial buildings. While these roofs provide a cost-effective solution, they can become damaged easily due to regular use and lack of maintenance. If left unattended, these problems can become more extensive and lead to a lot of expensive repairs for the building owner. To avoid costly repairs, it is important to check for and address damage to a flat roof immediately.
Water Stains on Interior Walls and Ceilings
A fully functioning flat roof is designed to allow water to evaporate quickly after rainfall, so if you see stains on the walls or ceilings of your home or business, it may be time to consider some type of flat roofing repair. These stains may appear as brown or yellow patches on the interior walls and ceilings, and they can be caused by many different factors including a leaky flat roof.
Other signs of a leaky flat roof repair East London include standing water or puddles on the surface of the flat roof, mold or mildew growing, and deteriorating insulation. While a patch repair might fix this problem in the short term, it is best to replace the entire flat roof to prevent further damage and leaks.
Leaking Gutters
One of the major causes of leaking flat roofs is blocked drainage holes. Often, this is caused by gravel, leaves and debris blocking the holes in the gutter system or downpipes on the flat roof. These clogged drains can cause pressure on the roof, which pushes water through even the smallest crack or hole in the membrane. If you have a flat roof that has a gutter system, make sure to check it regularly to ensure it is not blocked by anything.
Ripped Membrane
Another sign that it’s time for some flat roof repair is if the top layer of the roof (typically a gravel or chipped mineral mixture) has dispersed, leaving bald spots. This will leave the lower layers of the roof exposed to sun and heat, which can lead to wrinkling or bubbling of the membrane.
If your flat roof is made from EPDM rubber, a PU foam plastic, or TPO (another type of plastic), you can perform some basic DIY flat roofing repairs by applying some rubber roof patches and using a heat gun to reseal the area where the crack or hole is located. Other types of flat roofs, however, are more difficult to work on and should be left to professionals.
Before performing any DIY flat roof repair, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and materials for the job. Also, keep in mind that any structural changes to your home will likely require a permit, so be sure to check with your local municipality before getting started. Finally, always exercise caution when working on a ladder or at a height. If the roof is particularly slippery or icy, it is best to call in a professional for safety reasons.