Flat roof leaks are expensive. But, when correctly detected and repaired, they could be rendered completely unnecessary. However, leaking roofs often leak unintentionally without the owner even knowing about it. This can sound like just a minor detail, but if left unchecked, could lead to major damage to the roof. In this instance, it is best to get professional help for detecting and repairing a flat roof leak. There are some simple steps that homeowners can take in order to detect whether a roof leak is present and whether repairs are needed or not.
The most basic step that should be taken is checking the weather. If the weather is warm and sunny, flat roof installation would prove cost-effective. On the other hand, windy days and rainy seasons are times when the costs for roofing solutions would skyrocket. For windy days, one should check for any sign of leaf or other debris that may have fallen from the roof and possibly rolled down on top of the property. A leaf or a piece of debris could easily cause leaks if it is not immediately cleaned. Another sign that something is wrong is if there are missing tiles on the roof.
Roofs exposed to rains, sleet and snow are more prone to damage than other types of flat roofing. This is because of the conditions created by these elements. First, the amount of moisture present in the air would lead to a build up of dew. When the dew dries up, there is no longer moisture in the air. This would result to condensation, which in turn would lead to the growth of mold spores. The presence of these spores would also mean that the building has a greater chance of developing mildew, moss, fungi or any other fungal disease.
Aside from roof leaks, flat roof repair is also needed to prevent other issues from arising. The first issue that would arise is probably the appearance of the building. Asphalt shingles, due to the effects that heating and cooling bring, eventually crack and buckle after some time. Given this, leaks can already be detected. This will require repairs right away.
Flat roof repair isn’t only limited to repair of existing damages. Even if the damage caused by the elements has already been fixed, it is still wise to prevent future problems from occurring. If there are no leaks present, then there’s no need for you to have a flat roof replacement. If the damage caused by the elements is still present, however, then you should consider having a new flat roof installation.
There are actually two types of flat roofs. They are the single-ply roofing system, also known as the self-erecting type; and the pitched roofs, which are a multi-ply roofing system that involves overlapping felt strips with a layer of metal or asphalt. The difference between these two systems is quite obvious. With self-erecting types, there’s no need for a pitched roofing contractor, so you won’t have to pay one of those contractors.
Whether you have a self-erecting or a pitched roof, you need to choose the best material for your installation. Some people believe that the best material for a flat roof repair is wood shingles. These materials are actually quite sturdy, but not very durable, especially during times of extreme weather conditions. There are also shingle materials that are more durable than others. It all depends on the area where you live, and how the climate is in that particular area.
Flat roofing contractors should also be able to give you an estimate of the repairs that will need to be done. Keep in mind that different types of repairs have different costs, depending on the extent of damage, the extent of the leak, and other factors. If the extent of the leak is relatively small, then it may be enough just to patch up the damaged part of the roof. However, if you have damaged parts of the roof that needs repairs, then the entire roof needs to be replaced, which can cost a fortune.