How to Fix a Leak in a Flat Roof

Apr 25

Owners and operators of commercial structures face many challenges when it comes to maintaining them. Maintaining a commercial structure is not easy. You need to shovel snow, cut grass, and do other general maintenance tasks. This can make it difficult to fix a flat roof.

You can also reduce the building's worth by hiring contractors to fix it. Lawrenceville roofing contractors may be available. Do your research to find the best one.

Repairing a flat roofing system is known as a sloped repair. It can be as simple as patching the roof or as complicated as replacing the entire roof. In the event that your building has been damaged from the weather, insurance claims can become complicated. Reconstruction of the roofing system can be equally difficult, which is why it is necessary to have a certified professional install the new roof or to repair the damage.

How to locate a leak under a flat roof

Before you begin to assess a flat roof's potential leaks, here are some details. To allow the roof to dry, you should wait three days. The heat stored under a flat roof's surface will escape during the evening hours. This will reveal the "hot-spot". As you work through your problem-solving process, be sure to note any leaks.

Take a measurement starting from the outside wall and ending at the spot in question. If the roof slopes, you will see that there is no damage to the roof over the area in question.

Once you have found the problem, it's time to inspect what was installed. You may have loose flashing or cracks in other materials, such as tar. The sun's heat causes roofing surfaces to expand or contract. Over time, this will cause roof flexibility to deteriorate and create openings for water to enter your building. You should remove any debris from the roof in order to identify potential water entry points. Additionally, you need to inspect seams on the roof membrane as these are also a source of water intrusion.

Another indicator of leaks is the absence of roof nails. They can leave tiny holes which allow water to get in through the roof.

Roof gardens are beautiful, but they can cause damage to roofs. When there is no exit route, water builds up and causes leaks.

These short-term fixes, such as patches or caulking on your roof, may have led to the problem they were meant to solve.

If you are unable to find the leak using these methods then get a hose and flood your roof with water. Ask a friend to help you locate the leak.

How to Repair a Leak from a Flat Roof

You should clear your roof before you start to fix a leak. This will enable you to assess the problem and guide the repair. Let's now talk about safety. Keep all exits open and ensure they aren’t slippery. Use hi-vis clothing. Also, when using a pressure washer or the hose, make sure you keep the piping trailer far from you so you don’t trip over it while working on your roof.

Inspection

To locate the root cause for a roofing issue, you need to do a thorough inspection. Begin at the edge and work your ways towards the center. You should pay particular attention to the drains located on the roof. If they become clogged with debris, water will pond on your roof, which will allow water to get in. You should then look for signs such as patches or other signs of repair. They can fail and cause water damage in buildings. The seams of your building are essential and must be maintained to protect it. Last, but not least, inspect the collars or flashings that are placed on the roof. This will ensure that the seals are strong.

The Repair Cycle

Asphalt Flat Roof Repair

Cracks and blisters in asphalt roofing are often caused by moisture within the tar. Rust-Oleum is used to seal the opening as a quick fix. A new roof felt patch is required that is heated and bonded in place.

Concrete Flat Roof Replacement

Concrete cracks easily and can cause leaks on buildings with concrete roofs. Be sure to remove any surface wear when inspecting your roof to locate cracks that can be repaired. A bitumen primer or bitumen paint can be used to temporarily repair the roof. To make your repair permanent you can torch a piece of roofing felt where the crack appears.

EPDM Rubber Roof Repair

Tears or cuts are a major problem with roofing systems that are rubber-based. Cracks and holes can lead to roof failure. The best way to fix the holes is to use lap sealant. However, it's not recommended to use too many if there are more extensive repairs. EPDM primer is a good option to provide a durable finish for any repair. Apply EPDM primer to the area. Be sure to cover all the edges with rubber tape. Spread the primer evenly from the inside to fill the holes.

Flat Roof Repair with Felt

This roof system is known for being the most reliable. A puncture from the debris can cause damage, or the felt may start to split. Leakage in the edging, or failure of flashings, can cause problems. To fill cracks and holes, a temporary solution is to use spray paint. Long-term, the roof age will be a factor. It might no longer provide adequate protection. You can use liquid sealant if your roof is in good condition. A liquid sealant can be used to torch a felt pad. It will save you lots of hassle if there are any issues.

Fibreglass Flat Roof Replacement

Cracking around flashings, and the walls sealing it to the building are the main problems a fibreglass roof faces. There is also damage at the board joints as well as the trim and the upstands. For any of these issues, a quick solution is to use soapy water to clean the crack and then to apply an acrylic sealing agent over it. The permanent solution is to use acetone, sandpaper, and grind down the affected area. It can be laminated in place using a chopped-strand mat. The resin coating will seal it. It is important to smoothen the area in order to prevent bubbles from building up that could lead to openings. Once the repair is completed, you can 'cure the area' and then apply a topcoat.

Get in touch with Top Roofers Lawrenceville experts if you are experiencing roofing problems.

Top Roofers Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville, GA

(470) 720 5161