Flat roofs have become incredibly popular, proving their reliability and longevity over time. However, like all roof structures, damage can occur. When you experience a leaking flat roof, it’s best to act fast. Leaks can be minor, and often dealt with independently by using online resources, but larger-scale leaks have the potential to destroy your whole flat roof.
Depending on the type of flat roof materials you choose, your flat roof shouldn’t leak frequently. Unlike most traditional materials, liquid roofing offers an array of benefits that most homeowners find appealing. From being fully waterproof to providing excellent protection to your home, liquid roofing solutions for your flat roof have taken the market by storm.
Regardless of what you’ve used on your flat roof, leaks can still be pretty tedious to deal with. They’re inconvenient and often cause stress and anxiety for the homeowner. If you’d like to know more about how to fix a leaking flat roof, continue reading.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs offer an aesthetically pleasing and durable design that both homeowners and residential building owners love. Flat roof constructions are often are easy to maintain and offer incredible adaptability. It’s safe to say that more people are choosing flat roofs for next roofing projects.
Having a flat roof comes with an array of advantages; its structure provides extra usable space, which can be turned into a rooftop garden, outdoor seating area, or even additional living space. Maintenance and repairs are often more accessible on flat roofs compared to sloped roofs, which is ideal if you find that your roof has a leak.
Although flat roofs have many advantages, their design requires frequent maintenance and care. Efficient drainage is critical for flat roofs to prevent water pooling, which can lead to leaks and structural issues. Regular cleaning of drains and gutters is essential; you can either do this yourself or call a professional to do it for you.
To prevent damages and leaks from happening, it’s crucial to choose the right material for your flat roof. By choosing the right type of roofing solution, you can live with peace of mind that the chances of leaks occurring are slim. A trained professional roofer should complete all roof installations. Your chosen roofing contractor will know the type of material to use depending on where you live and your circumstances.
Fixing a Flat Roof Leak
Despite efforts to prevent leaks from happening, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself if you find that your flat roof is having some issues. Repairing a flat roof can be easy with a guide to hand or a hired roofing contractor. A leaky flat roof can lead to costly, long-term damage if left unattended. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to perform a flat roof repair step-by-step.
Identify the Leak
The first and most crucial step is pinpointing the exact location of the leak. Find the source of the leak by looking for water stains on the ceiling or walls inside your home. Once you’ve located the general area, go up onto your roof safely using a sturdy ladder to inspect the area thoroughly. Look out for cracks or gaps on your roof; these are most likely what’s causing the leak.
Prepare your Roof
Before you can fix the leak, ensure the area is clean and dry. Once your roof is inspected, it’s helpful to remove any debris, dirt buildup, algae and stagnant water. When you work on a clean surface, you’ll be able to see more clearly and perform more accurately.
Complete the Repair
For minor holes or punctures, you can use a roofing patch or repair kit to seal the area. After you’ve cleaned the damaged area, apply the patch and smooth it out evenly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
If the damage is extensive or there are multiple leaks, you may need to cut out the damaged section of the roof membrane and replace it. It’s best to hire a trained contractor to apply a new roof membrane.
Seal joints and Seams
Flat roofs often have seams and joints that are prone to leaks. Applying a roofing sealant to reinforce these areas will help prevent any more leaks. It’s important to make sure the sealant is compatible with your roofing material. We advise using a high-quality sealant to seal your roof joints and seams; the better quality your sealant is, the longer it will last.
Test for Leaks
After completing the leak repairs, conduct a water test by gently spraying the repaired area with a hose. Check for any signs of leaks inside your property. Repeat the test if necessary to ensure the leak is fully resolved. It’s vital that you keep an eye out for any further leaks. Although your efforts to fix the leak might seem enough, it doesn’t mean it worked.
Regular Maintenance
To prevent future leaks, perform routine inspections of your flat roof and address any issues promptly. By cleaning debris off your flat roof frequently and clearing out your gutters, you’ll allow proper drainage. We understand that it can be difficult to stay on top of regular maintenance, but if you’re able to, having a professional come to inspect your roof and keep it clean can be most beneficial.
How Can We Help?
Roof repairs can be tedious. You must use the right products on your flat roof to ensure future leaks don’t occur. Here at Restec, we have a wide range of top-quality liquid roofing products that make perfect flat roofing membranes.
Roofing contractors and builders have favoured our products, and it’s clear that they’re becoming the go-to choice for various roofing projects. Using low-quality products on your flat roof can lead to an array of problems.
Whether you need to reinstall a reliable waterproof roofing system on your flat roof to stop frequent leaks or have recently had a new flat roof installed, our liquid roofing products such as Flexitec 2020, or our roof kits are a suitable choice. If you’d like any advice on our products or want to know more information, feel free to contact a member of our team. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
