If you own or operate a building with a flat roof, whether residential or commercial, you undoubtedly benefit from the convenience of roof access, simplified snow removal, and greater energy efficiency that flat roofs provide. However, flat roofs are not an ideal commercial or residential roofing solution. There are specific symptoms of flat roof damage to look for, and arranging maintenance and repair for any damage immediately will save you time and money in the long term.
If you notice any of the following indicators of flat roof damage, it’s best to contact our Bayonne roof repair professionals, and we’ll help you restore your roof back to normal.
Puddles
Standing water on your flat roof a few hours after a downpour is a sign that your roof’s drainage systems aren’t working properly. Pools of water left on your roof for an extended period of time can cause water damage, which can range from surface damage to damage through the roof’s membrane. Wouldn’t you rather have a few water spots left over after a small repair than have to replace the entire roof? Contact a roofing professional right now.
Mold Growth
Mold growth indicates flat roof damage since mold cannot thrive unless water is present inside your roof in places it should not be. Mold development can be eradicated without incident if detected early, but huge concentrations of mold can suggest the presence of something more dangerous. If you run a business, you have a responsibility to keep your customers and employees secure, especially if your establishment is open to the public. Before allowing people to live or work in the building, commercial roofing experts will need to assess if the roof is structurally safe beneath the mold.
Cracks in Coating
Small cracks on your roof aren’t usually a significant red signal, but a large number of cracks or particularly deep fissures in TPO roofing (a popular type of eco-friendly flat roofing) indicate you may need the coating redone. Roof repair in these cases is sometimes as simple as sealing the cracks and reapplying the coating, but if the gaps are deep enough, expert roofing contractors may need to add a few more protective layers or decide that other roofing materials are better suited to your needs.
Flashing is loose or missing.
Seams hold flat roofs to the home. Flashing protects seams from wear and tear by covering them. If your flashing is coming loose or missing pieces, it’s time to contact roofing professionals. Keeping your flashing in good condition can be a simple and inexpensive strategy to increase the life of your roof.
Membrane Tears
EPDM roofs (also known as rubber roofs) contain black surfaces known as “roof membranes” that serve as the first line of defense against the elements. The dark, almost gritty texture of this roof surface makes rips or tears visible with a flashlight. Small rips and tears can be repaired, but larger tears may indicate that your roof is no longer structurally stable due to repeated exposure to water or ice. In any case, no matter what type of tears you find in your roof’s membrane, we recommend roof repair to maintain your building secure and dry.
Leaks
If your home is leaking from the ceilings closest to your roof, it could be an indication of flat roof damage. A roof leak is serious since it means water has entered the entire roof at every layer, and the roof may need to be completely replaced. Sagging ceilings are a problem that is far worse than drips or leaks. If any of your ceilings are drooping, calling roofing professionals as soon as possible could save your life or property because it is one of the warning indicators that you are at risk of a roof collapse.
Your roof system is more complicated than you realize, and it takes a lot of care to ensure that it performs what it needs to do. The greatest approach to protect your roof in the future is to take care of it today. Schedule roof inspections every six months to a year to detect indicators of flat roof damage before they become major issues. Contact KBJ Bayonne Contracting Services immediately and let us help you find peace of mind.
