A Flat Roof For Your Home: A Primer – Part 3: Taking Care of Your Flat Roof – What to Expect

Getting a flat roof installed is one thing, keeping it in good shape is another. While a flat roof is a solid roofing option, you need to be aware of certain maintenance tips if you want to keep it in good condition.

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that your flat roof’s greatest enemy is water. Because it’s almost completely horizontal (flat roofs are actually sloped at a very low angle), it doesn’t shed rainwater or snowmelt as easily as a sloped roof. Flat roofs usually have drains on the corners to help avoid this problem, but it’s still better to have it checked for signs of pooling on a regular basis.

While it requires more frequent maintenance, a flat roof is still easier to inspect and maintain because it’s easier to get to problem spots (you don’t have to worry about slipping or falling off). Furthermore, it usually costs less to repair a flat roof than a sloped one.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful when walking on flat roofs. If you’re not careful, walking or setting sharp objects on the surface may cause tears or punctures, especially on flat roofs with thinner surfaces.

Debris falling on a flat roof can stay there for days, making it more likely to clog its drains and cause problems the next time it rains. This is especially true during autumn, where piles of leaves can quickly accumulate. You can minimize this by cutting down overhanging branches.
If you see large cracks or splits on the surface, you need to get in touch with a professional ASAP. Otherwise, water can easily seep through those cracks and cause damage to other parts of the roof and whatever’s below it.

Is your home ready for a flat roof? Get in touch with a roofing expert ASAP to know more about your flat roofing options.