Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are commonly found on commercial buildings. They are also found in some homes. A flat roof is a roof that doesn’t have any slopes. It is just one level from end to end.
This type of roof is popular because it saves space and can be designed to handle a lot of weight. Flat roofs are also a good option for those who want something different from the traditional sloped roof.
Flat Roof Repair
As with all roofs they require maintenance and repairs at some point. In this blog, I will list a few ways a flat roof is repaired.
Sealant
Sealants are also used to prevent water from leaking through the roof. A variety of different types of sealants can be used on a flat roof.
Some are more permanent than others. Some are designed to be reapplied when the roof begins to leak again.
If a company is choosing this method they will need to keep track of when the sealant was last applied and how long it is expected to last.
Replacing Membrane
Replacing part of a flat roof is called a membrane. If a part of the membrane on a flat roof is damaged, it can be replaced.
A new membrane can be installed over the old one. This is a more permanent fix than using a sealant.
If this option is chosen, the company needs to make sure that the rest of the membrane is in good condition. If it isn’t, the entire membrane will need to be replaced.
Repairing Ponding Water
If water is collecting on the roof, it needs to be repaired. This can cause the roof to collapse if it is not repaired.
Water should be allowed to drain as much as possible, but there are several different ways that this can be achieved.
Layers of gravel or sand can be installed on the roof. This will help the water to drain away from the building instead of puddling there.
If there is a problem with the slope of the roof, it can be fixed by adding or removing dirt until the slope is corrected.
If these methods are not enough, there are several different types of membranes that can be used.
Re-Roofing
Most flat roofs only last about 10 to 15 years. If the roof is beyond repair, it will need to be replaced.
This is a more time-consuming option than the other methods mentioned. The company will need to remove the old roof and install a new one.
This option should only be chosen if the other methods are not possible.
Types Of Flat Roofs
There are several different types of flat roofs. I will discuss a few of the most popular types.
Built-Up Roof
One type of flat roof is a built-up roof. This type of roof is made up of multiple layers of materials, usually three or more.
The layers consist of gravel, felt paper to provide a watertight barrier, and tar or asphalt for the final layer. The materials are usually placed in this order: gravel, felt paper, tar, or asphalt.
TPO Roof
Another type of flat roof is a TPO roof. A TPO roof is made up of thermoplastic polyolefin and natural roofing materials.
The TPO material is a rubber-like substance that’s usually white or light-colored. This type of roof is a good option for businesses that want a white roof.
EPDM Roof
The third type of flat roof is an EPDM roof. An EPDM roof is made up of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber.
This type of roof is a good option for climates that experience cold winters and hot summers. The roof is also good for those who live in areas with high winds.
This type of roof can be installed quickly and is reusable if it is damaged.
Conclusion
There are many different methods used for repairing a flat roof. The method that is chosen will depend on the type of roof, the damage that needs to be repaired, and the budget.
It is important to choose the right company to do the job.
Lone Star Roofing has been providing professional roofing services in Houston and surrounding communities for decades.
Contact us for a roofing consultation today!