Maintaining Your Flat Roof to Expand Its Lifespan

Owning a home with a flat roof is a great way to stand out from the crowd, but it also means taking specific precautions to protect your roofing. Unlike a sloped roof, water, snow, and ice cannot slide off a flat roof. Plus, a flat roof is more likely to catch and accumulate leaves, branches and other debris that block drains or scuppers. This is why it is important to stay on top of your flat roof maintenance, from regular inspections and cleaning to scheduling necessary repairs. With the proper care, your roof can last for up to 20 years.

Perform Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are essential to expanding your flat roof’s lifespan because problems are identified while in the early stages. A flat roof is easier and safer to walk on than a sloped roof, allowing you to perform a regular inspection yourself. However, you can always call a professional roofing company if you are feeling uneasy on the roof or unsure of how to identify issues. Your roof should be inspected at least once a year, but it never hurts to have it inspected before hurricanes, tropical storms, and other impending severe weather hits your area.

Check for Leaks

You can easily check for leaks by paying attention to pools of water on your top floor. Water stains on the wall are another indication of a leaky roof. However, there are times when the roof leaks into the attic or insulation without your knowledge, and this can lead to rotting and other water damage. Start by going up into your attic to check for leaks. You should also pay attention to the joints and seams between two parts of your roof. If you find puddles, stains, or active drips, a leaky roof is most likely the culprit.

Keep It Clean

Cleaning is a huge part of flat roof maintenance because you need to prevent debris from blocking the drains. You also need to remove water before it leads to mold and algae growth. It is recommended to clean your roof every month or two to keep the clutter at bay. Furthermore, you need to ensure your gutters are clean and able to channel water away from your home. While you can hire a professional to remove the buildup once or two a year, staying on top of regular cleanings ensures your home is always protected.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Overhanging trees are an issue because fallen branches add to the debris on your flat roofing. You already know smaller debris can clog your drains, but a large number of heavy branches can lead to a weakened roof. Inspect your nearby trees, and remove the overhanging branches before they break. If you are worried about a tree branch collapsing while your are trimming it, leave the job to a professional tree removal service. Keeping up with tree maintenance in the future can also prevent collapsing branches.

Check for Wear

When inspecting your roof, keep an eye out for cracks, splits and other signs of wear and tear. It also never hurts to ask a professional to determine how much weight your roof can hold. While flat roofs are strong, too much weight from snow, ice and branches can strain your roof and lead to a collapse. Whether you are inspecting on your own or hiring a professional, regular flat roof maintenance can help you identify and address early signs of wear.

Inspect Your Drainage

Drainage maintenance and flat roof maintenance go hand-in-hand, so be sure to regularly inspect your gutters, drains and scuppers. Start by removing any debris blocking the water flow. This should be done while you are cleaning your roof. Next, check these areas for cracks, chips, holes or other signs of damage. Your drainage needs an immediate repair or replacement to keep the water flowing away from siding. Otherwise, you risk damage to your home’s foundation. 

Schedule Necessary Repairs

It is not always enough to simply inspect and clean your roof if there is already a problem. The solution is to schedule a repair before the problem becomes serious. You may be able to patch a minor leak yourself with the right tools and experience, but bigger problems should be left to a professional. If you do not have any experience in minor repairs, calling a professional can save you time and money. Regardless, a roofing problem should never be ignored or taken lightly.

Regular maintenance is essential for a roof that lasts several decades. This means keeping up with maintenance of your roof, drainage and nearby trees. Of course, it is not easy to climb on the roof if you are not comfortable with heights. You may also have trouble identifying the signs of a stressed or damaged roof. Universal Roofing Specialists LLC is ready and willing to help homeowners throughout Maricopa, AZ upkeep their flat roof through routine inspections and necessary repairs. Our goal is to ensure your roof protects your home for years to come.