If you have a flat roof leak, don’t worry because you are not alone. Several people who have flat roofs experience leaks because of various reasons such as delayed maintenance and repairs, as well as exposure to severe weather conditions. Flat roof leaks can also be attributed to standing or pooling water, as well as plant growth. However, it can be quite confusing to determine whether your roof merely needs to be repaired or a roof replacement is in order. This article focuses on how to know whether you should repair or replace your flat roof.
When to Repair
A roof leak doesn’t always mean that you need to have your roof replaced immediately. The seasoned roofers behind RJ Evans Roofing, London, suggest that you need to check your flat roof first because if it has been installed properly and it is still within its serviceable life cycle, then you can still have it repaired. In this case, you have the option of repairing your roof on your own or hiring the services of professional roofers to do the work.
Some of the most common warning signs that you need to have your roof repaired are broken shingles and buckling, as well as curling and flashings. The damage to your roof’s shingles can be caused by various factors such as extreme weather conditions while buckling, or the visible distortion of waviness in the horizontal lines of the shingles is usually caused by a warped roof deck. On the other hand, curling can be caused by the roof’s natural aging process while flashings around vents cause leaks. All these are warning signs that you need to have your flat roof repaired, but only if the damages that you inspect are minor. Otherwise, you may still resort to a roof replacement.
When to Replace
If your roof already has major damages, then there is a great chance that you need to have it replaced already. In these instances, minor roof repairs will prove to be insufficient. Some of the most common indications that you need a flat roof replacement are listed below.
Water Pooling
Flat roofs often face a water pooling issue that usually leads to irregular stress-causing various cracks. As a result, your roof may shift over time, which means that it won’t be as leveled as it was before when it was initially installed. Water pooling needs to be drained as soon as they start to form but if it is left unchecked, then there will come a time that you need to have your roof replaced.
Adhesion Failure
Another warning sign that your roof needs to be replaced is adhesion failure. Some of the defects that result from this include bubbling and blistering. These bubbles or blisters are often filled with air or water and if left untreated, they can eventually get too large to be fixed. When these bubbles or blisters pop, they can cause huge holes in your roofing, making your home vulnerable to interior damage.
Cracks and Splits
When you notice cracks and splits in your flat roofs, you need to address them immediately because if you don’t, then you may need to have your roof replaced sooner. Untreated cracks or splits can leave your flat roof uneven, preventing it to function the way it has been designed to. In case the problem is not yet extensive, you can still have your roof replaced. However, when the crack or split is already significant, particularly if it runs across the entire surface of your roof, then you may need to have your roof replaced.
Organic Growth
Finally, when you notice algae and moss in your flat roof, then you should give it special attention because any sign of organic growth means that there is unwanted water retention in your roof. When you leave this untreated, it may result in extensive damage entailing the need for a roof replacement.
When it comes to a leaky flat roof, you need to determine the extent of the damage for you to assess whether a repair will be sufficient or you need to have your roof replaced. Just keep in mind that to avoid any of the two, regular maintenance is the key to the longevity of your roof. As much as possible, have your roof checked for any issues at least annually to ensure that seams, flashings, and any attachment points for wear and tear are still in their best condition. In this way, you will be able to prevent the need to have your roof either repaired or replaced.
