Effective Flat Roof Repairs
Effecting flat roof repairs has in the past been somewhat of a challenge, the material used was often inflexible or ineffective at waterproofing the home. However, times have changed; roofing material suitable for a flat roof has been improved to such an extent that it is now both highly effective and easy to install. One of the innovations now in use for repairing flat roofs is a fiberglass reinforced compound that contains a polymer that hardens when exposed to UV radiation.
Systems using this compound are so flexible that it can be molded to fit any shape. Another advantage is that this system is completely safe and can be installed by anyone with basic DIY knowledge. The fiberglass reinforced compound is inherently safer as well, seeing as it does not require heating by a butane torch for fitting and repair, as with the older felt and bitumen systems, so the risk of fire and burns is eliminated completely. If you have a flat roof then repairing a leaking roof has indeed become a lot simpler.
When undertaking flat roof repairs there are also flat roof membranes to consider. These membranes have been a standard solution to flat roof repairs for many years and today professional contractors often recommend membranes made out of synthetic rubber roofing compounds, such as EPDM or CSPE. There is however a downside to using these tried and tested methods of roof repair and that is that the synthetic rubber materials are not suitable for DIY installation and that a professional installer needs to be called in. This material is primarily used by commercial applications and not for residential properties. The synthetic rubber material is also suitable for use on metal roofed houses where the original roofing material has deteriorated. The synthetic rubber has the advantage of being much cheaper than replacing with tin or copper. The synthetic material is also extremely low maintenance. Remember to check for gutter leaks as well, so that you can do all your repairs at the same time.
Flat roof repairs have traditionally been extremely difficult, if not impossible to perform because the roofing material was held down by gravel to prevent it peeling away from the roof in high winds. This gravel made it impossible to check for damage and leaks. Today the story is very different; however it is still preferable to inspect the flat roof for damage on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to check the roof prior to the rainy season and once this season has finished. One way to make sure that you spot faults on the roof is to take a camera along and photograph potential trouble spots like flashing and seams. When doing the next inspection compare what the trouble spot looked like during the previous inspection and what it looks like now.
When making the decision to undertake flat roof repairs do not be tempted to use asphalt. Even if it is cheaper than a flat roof membrane it is old technology that is prone to failure. Rather choose either the fiberglass reinforced compound which is suitable for do it yourself installation or get a commercial contractor in for a synthetic rubber membrane. You won’t regret it.
