If you have a flat roof, residential or (more likely) commercial, then you know that they leak. Eventually, there will be enough precipitation to cause a leak up above that can lead to extensive water damage and the need for repairs. So, what can you actually do about flat roof leaks afterwards, and can it be prevented at all beforehand?
Don’t Let Flat Roof Leaks Go Unaddressed
The reason for flat roof leaks is variable and will change depending on your exact situation. One of the more obvious causes is your are, as the environment and its weather patterns will definitely have a big impact on the roof. For example, if you live in an area of frequent and heavy rainfall, your flat roof with take a beating. If there are varying, but equally intense periods of hot and cold throughout the year, it will have an impact on that roof. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about the location of your building, so regular maintenance and check-ups on the state of the roof are about the only thing you can do if this is your issue. Consider, though, applying a reflective coating, which makes the roof’s surface more able to deal with fluctuations of temperature by keeping it more consistent.
To return the potential problem of rainfall: standing water after a downpour may be the reason for flat roof leaks. If that precipitation is sitting in pools on top of your building, then it’s entirely possible that it will rot away the layers and drip inside, encouraging rot and the growth of mold or fungus. It can also weigh much more than you would ever expect and weigh down the roof as it sits continuously and fails to drain. Keep in mind that even a “flat roof” should have a slight incline to drain water, so if it isn’t actively doing that, you already have an issue. Some ways to combat standing water are to install pumps or new drains, though you should always hire a professional for serious work to prevent accidents or injury.
The easiest problem to fix is that your roofing situation is outdated and need of replacement or upgrade. Consult a roofing expert, like Cox Roofing, in your area to make sure that you don’t have any more trouble with flat roof leaks (if it can be helped). There are a lot of roofing replacement options including metal, “Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer,” built-up roofs, modified bitumen, spray allied coating, and others. They each have their strengths and weaknesses and you should examine all of your options thoroughly before you decide to go through with a roof replacement.
A good first step when dealing with flat roof leaks is to take the time to assess and understand what the main problem is, particularly if it’s been happening for a while without any adjustments. Determine the issue and the options for your specific situation in order to ensure that you have the most secure and leak-proof roof for your commercial property.
For information about how to deal with flat roof leaks, or if you need professional work done to deal with the damage, get in touch with Cox Roofing today. Our experts can assess your needs and address possible concerns in no time at all.
Cox Roofing:
Cox Roofing is a full-service, certified roofing contractor providing residential and commercial roofing services to the state of Maryland, with particular focus on Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County. We pride ourselves on our personalized service which transforms your property into the residence or business of your dreams. Get in touch for your free estimate today.
