Centerline Flat Roof Repair Contractor Explains Causes of Leaky Roofs

Centerline Flat Roof Repair Contractor Explains Causes of Leaky Roofs

As a flat roof repair contractor, many homeowners and business owners will ask us what caused their roof to leak to begin with.  For this reason, we have written this article to help inform you of the 3 most common causes of flat roof leaks.

1. Ponding Water

If water remains on your roof for 48 hours or longer after precipitation, this is considered ponding water. If the roof was installed correctly, it should have a slight slope and a proper drainage system to help direct the rainwater off of the roof. However, even the most efficient installation may experience ponding water at some point.  And since many of the materials used for flat roof surfaces are porous, ponding water eventually will cause leaks, mold, and various other problems.

Applying a sealant to your flat roof will help prevent water from soaking through the roofing material. It is also important to monitor your roof and schedule regular inspections. The longer ponding water remains on your roof, the more likely it is to cause a leak. Also, the longer a leak remains unfixed, the more damage it will create. Scheduling regular maintenance can identify a leak while it is still a small repair or may even prevent a leak from happening if ponding water is detected before the leak occurs.

Even if ponding water has not caused a leak yet, this still could indicate a roofing problem if it is happening regularly.  For minor ponding, roof leveling compounds can help create the flatness needed for the water to drain properly. However, if the ponding water poses any serious problems, you may be looking at a more costly repair.

2. Damaged Roofing Membrane

Many flat roof installations used to involve the application of multiple layers of materials, including roofing felt, asphalt tar, and gravel. However, today roofing membranes are often used instead, due to lower costs and easier installation. Although not as effective as the previous materials mentioned, the roofing membranes do offer a significant amount of protection.

But just like any roofing system, these membranes may eventually become damaged by splitting, cracking, punctures, etc. When this type of damage occurs, rainwater can seep down into the insulation which is under the roofing membrane. The insulation material will eventually become saturated with water, making flat roof leaks inevitable. Be sure to ask your flat roof repair contractor to include the roofing membrane as part of your routine inspections.

3. Roof Structures are Vulnerable to Leaks

Both flat roofs and sloped shingle roofs are extremely susceptible to leaks around structures that rise up through the roof. For example, vents, pipes and gas lines. Installing what is called field wraps or rain collars may help protect these structures but will not provide a 100% guarantee against leaks.  This is just another reason to have your flat roof thoroughly inspected on a regular basis from a flat roof repair company.

Contact a Centerline Flat Roof Repair Contractor For More Information

If you think you have ponding water or any other signs of a flat roof leak, it is crucial to have it repaired immediately before more serious and costly issues develop.  Contact a Centerline Flat Roof repair contractor such as A&L remodeling for an inspection today at (586) 777-1477.