Regular inspections are an important part of maintaining any roof, regardless of its style. The maintenance requirements for flat roofs, however, are slightly different than the requirements for roofs that are more steeply pitched. When it comes to maintenance-related expenses, the money that you spend on upkeep is worthwhile since it helps extend the life of your roof. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule also allows any problems to be addressed early on while they are still easy and affordable to fix.
Properly Caring For A Flat Roof: Six Maintenance Tips
1. Frequently Inspect The Roof
The best way to catch problems is by inspecting your roof on a regular basis. That is a lot easier on a flat roof than on a pitched roof since walking on a flat surface requires far less balance. During your inspection, look for cracking, rusty areas, pooled water, raised seams, and bubbles or blisters. If you spot any potential problems, reach out to a qualified roofing company in Albany for help making any necessary repairs. Along with doing your own inspections, you should also have your roof professionally inspected on a biannual basis.
2. Keep The Roof Clean
Loose debris like dirt, leaves, and branches are more likely to accumulate on flat roofs than on steeper roofs. Objects like these can trap moisture, which can not only cause mold and algae to grow but can also damage the surface of your roof, increasing the likelihood of leaks.
3. Prune Back Any Vegetation
If any branches from nearby trees are hanging over or coming in contact with your roof, you should trim them back. Leaving an adequate distance between the surrounding trees and your roof helps minimize the amount of debris that accumulates on the surface. Consider seeking professional help when trimming branches that overhang your roof so that you don’t inadvertently damage the surface.
4. Identify And Correct Any Drainage Issues
Water is far more likely to pool on flat roofs than it is on angled roofs. Areas where water tends to collect may need to be leveled so that the water properly drains. You should also have your gutters and other drainage system components periodically inspected by a professional roofer to make sure hidden clogs aren’t interfering with the flow of water.
5. Make Sure There Isn’t Too Much Weight On The Roof
Heavy objects like pieces of equipment, deep snow, and ice can be problematic on flat roofs. The weight of these items can cause the roof to fail, leading to significant damage. Talk to the contractor who installed your roof to find out the maximum weight limit.
6. Take Quick Action When Leaks Occur
If your roof starts leaking, don’t ignore it. Instead, contact a professional roofer like Ultimate Roofing to fix the problem right away before serious damage occurs. Call us for more information.
