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5 Amazing Tips to Prevent a Flat Roof Leak
5/19/2022 (Permalink)
Contact the commercial restoration professionals at SERVPRO if you have a flat roof leak!
Our commercial restoration team can help you get back on your feet after a flat roof leak!
The professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties know that flat roofs are generally very durable. However, they can still develop leaks over time, and when left unchecked, a flat roof leak can cause extensive damage to your property.
We put together the following blog post so that you know what to look for and how to prevent the most common causes of a flat roof leak:
- Improper installation
- Damaged flashing
- Blocked gutters
- Damaged membrane
- Pooling water
The tips mentioned in this blog post will help you avoid flat roof leaks and costly damages! So, without further ado, let's get started!
What is a flat roof?
A flat roof is a type of roofing system characterized by having a flat surface. Flat roofs are most commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings because they are less expensive to construct than pitched roofs, and they can provide more usable space on the top of the building. However, one disadvantage of flat roofs is that they are more susceptible to leaks since water can pool on the surface.
The five common causes of a flat roof leak with prevention tips
As we already mentioned early, the common causes of a flat roof leak are:
- Improper installation
- Damaged flashing
- Blocked gutters
- Damaged membrane
- Pooling water
Let's take a closer look at how to prevent these damages!
1) Improper installation
One of the most common causes of flat roof leaks is improper installation. Before installing a new flat roof, ensure that you hire a reputable contractor to install your flat roof and that they have experience with commercial roofing systems.
2) Damaged flashing
Another common cause of flat roof leaks is damaged flashing. Flashing is the materials (usually metal) used to seal the joints between different parts of the roof. If the flashing is damaged, water can seep in and cause a leak.
Ensure that your flat roof has high-quality flashing appropriately installed to prevent this. In addition, it would help to inspect the flashing regularly to ensure that it is not damaged.
3) Blocked gutters
Another common cause of flat roof leaks is blocked gutters. If your flat roof has gutters, it is essential to make sure that they are clear of debris so that water can properly drain off the roof. If the gutters are blocked, water can back up and cause a leak.
To prevent this, inspect your gutters regularly and clear them of any debris. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to keep debris from getting into the gutters in the first place.
4) Damaged membrane
Another common cause of flat roof leaks is damaged membrane. It is essential to inspect the flat roof membrane regularly for any damage. If you find any membrane damage, it is vital to patch them as soon as possible to prevent a leak.
5) Pooling water
Another common cause of flat roof leaks is pooling water. If water is allowed to pool on the surface of your flat roof, it can eventually seep through and cause a leak. To prevent this, make sure that your flat roof is sloped so that water can drain off properly. You should also inspect your flat roof regularly for any signs of pooling water.
What to do if you experience a flat roof leak
If you experience a flat roof leak, it is vital to take action as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. Here are some steps that you can take:
Step 1) Find the source of the leak
The first step is to locate the source of the leak. Finding the flat roof leak can be tricky, but it is vital to do so that you can make the necessary repairs. You may need to hire a water restoration professional to help you find the source of the leak.
Step 2) Make the necessary repairs
Once you have found the source of the leak, you can make the necessary repairs. Typical repairs include patching holes in the membrane, repairing flashing, or clearing debris from gutters.
Step 3) Contact your insurance company
If the leak has caused damage to your property, it is essential to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to help you file a claim and get the repairs covered.
Step 4) Hire a restoration professional
If you are not comfortable inspecting or repairing your flat roof, you can hire a restoration professional to do it for you. A restoration company is often the best option to ensure that your flat roof is restored while taking care of any commercial water damage.
Wrapping up
Today you learned how a flat roof leak could cause extensive damage to your property. We hope you remember the five most common causes of a flat roof leak and the prevention tips mentioned in this blog post.
As a commercial property owner, it is vital to inspect your flat roof regularly and take action to fix any problems that you find.
For immediate action, you should consider contacting SERVPRO. The professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties are always here to help with your flat roof repair needs! Our 24/7 emergency service line allows us to dispatch a crew as soon as possible to prevent further damage when there is a flat roof leak. Contact us today for any questions or to schedule commercial restoration services!