A roof of any kind will need some repairs or replacement over time. If you act as soon as you discover a problem, you can hold off the expense of a full replacement for a while. If this is a recently installed roof, you need to return to the company that did the work and see if there was some problem with the materials or workmanship. If the flat roofing is older, you may want to think about how the repairs should go. Flat roofs are very different from those with peaks.
Here are some things to consider about flat roofing leak repair.
Find the Leak
Look at your ceilings. If you notice a water spot, there is a good chance you have a leaky roof. Water will take the path of least resistance so that the hole could be anywhere on the roof. The first step is to find the wrong spot.
Inspection
Take the time to look at the whole roof. Just because you found the leak you identified doesn’t mean there won’t be more. As mentioned, flat roofs are a bit different and here are some tips.
Drains
Be sure they are all clear of debris. If the rain does not drain properly, you will have backups and pooling on the rooftop.
Patches
If the roof has been repaired previously, start there to be sure all the patches are still holding
Seams
Be sure all the seams are still secure
Pipes
Look at all the lines be sure the flanges are still in place and covering all openings.
Repairs
The process for repairing the roof will depend on the type of roof you have.
Rubber
If the roof is constructed from rubber, you can use an EPDM rubber membrane patch. If there is blistering, be sure it is drained and dry before sealing. Also, check all the supports to be sure they are dry before you begin to avoid rotting.
Tar and gravel Locating the leak may be difficult since the roof is covered with gravel. Start by looking where the gravel is missing. The exposed areas may have cracks or dried bubbles. Once you locate the leak, the fix is simply applying tar, mesh, and gravel.
Modified Bitumen
This is not for the amateur. If the repair is a simple patch, that is one thing. However, if the fix requires torching, that is only for a professional.
McKay Roofing offers expert flat roofing leak repair
Overall be sure to use the correct patch for the type of roof. If you have any questions, it is best to hire a professional roofing company to inspect your flat roof and make the best determination based on age and condition.
