If you find that the flat roof of your home is leaking, it is time that
you carry out some serious flat roof repair. It is not very difficult to
repair the roof damage in these cases, as you can pin point the part
that is damaged.
Unfortunately, flat roofs tend to be damaged more than pitched roofs.
However, you can avoid some of the damages by regularly carrying of
maintenance of the roof. You should inspect the roof for cracks, damaged
flashing or exposed nails and any other damage twice every year – even
four times, if your time permits.
Flat roofs are made from a series of asphalt roll roofing or asphalt
building paper that is criss-crossed and then hot mopped with a layer of
hot asphalt liquid. This system requires the expertise and the machinery
of professional roofers for the installation. You can however, carry out
certain minor roof repairs even without the help of the expensive tools
available to the professionals.
What should you look for?
Since flat roofs do not have any crawl space under them, you cannot
utilize the space to detect the source of the leak. Thus, while carrying
out the flat roof repair you will have to guess the placing of the leak
yourself. When you get up on the roof, look for any flashing or roofing
that has been pulled away from the chimneys, vents, tracks, and other
roof projections.
You should also look for any exposed nail heads and exposed roofing that
is devoid of gravel. Usually, a faded portion of the roofing is meant to
indicate that the water is seeping from around that region. Also look
for any damage on the roofing seams or laps.
The best time to carry out your inspection is on a cool day when there
is no moisture on the roof.
The patching kit for flat roof repair
There are various patching kits available, used just for this
purpose. Carry out the patching of your flat roof during the summer.
After you find the source of the leak, clean the area thoroughly with a
fungicide (this will help to remove any mould). You can then patch the
leak thoroughly.
In case of asphalt, you can also use asphalt to fill the leak. Once the
area has cooled, you should apply a special primer on it, to strengthen
the repair work. You should make sure that the edge of the patchwork is
completely sealed.
To provide extra strength to the patchwork, you can also lay glass fibre
matting on the leak, after applying a layer of liquid bitumen on it.
Remember that carrying out your flat roof repair now will save you a lot
of expense later. So not delay the process – as they say, “A stitch in
time saves nine.” |
