Tips To Extend the Lifespan of Your Flat Roof

Roofs are expensive, but they serve a great purpose in the home or commercial property. Roofs are a useful component of any commercial or residential structure as they impact the aesthetics of your property. In addition, roofs protect you and your family or employees from harsh weather conditions throughout the year.

If you have installed a flat roof, you should maintain the roof properly if you want to extend its lifespan. Here are a few tips and tricks to extend the lifetime of your flat roof.

Inspect the Roof Regularly

Regular roof inspections can help you ensure everything is in place and the roof is in good condition. If you notice leaks, missing caulk, obstructed drainage systems, or damage to the roof membrane, you know that your roof needs maintenance. Other signs to look out for include the following:

• Corroded metal flashing
• Vent or attic damage
• Chimney cracks
• Damaged pipes and gutters
• Membrane pulling away from walls

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a roof professional for maintenance so these problems do not become more serious. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and increases the longevity of your roof. Ensure that the roof is inspected annually by a professional so they can spot any issues early enough to avert bigger problems.

Apply Elastomeric Roof Coating or Reflective Paint

An elastomeric coating can extend the life of a roof to give you a little more time before a full replacement. This coating can be applied to granulated, EPDM, PVC, torch down, and metal roofs. The elastomeric coating provides long-term protection against UV exposure to the roof. Roof coating are energy efficient, non-abrasive, and skid resistant.

Reflective paint comes in different shades. Ideally, you should choose lighter-colored paint as these types absorb less heat. This way, you will not have to spend more on energy bills as you do not have to cool down your property more, even in the hottest months. You can apply reflective paint on bitumen, metal, brick, and concrete.

Maintain Your Drainage System

Your flat roof relies on the proper design and installation of its drainage system. A good drainage system prevents unwanted standing water that could cause the breakdown of the roofing materials as well as leaks at the seams.

Ensure all drainage outlets are not blocked by debris, so standing water does not interfere with the roof's structural integrity.

Inspect the Interiors of the Property

An interior inspection will allow you to spot any water damage and locate the leak locations you would not see without paying attention to the underside of the roof. Look for signs of water damage, such as mold, mildew, dips, peeling paint, and water stains.

If you are certain there may be water damage in your house or commercial building, you should consult your roofer to discuss the best way forward.

Repair Swiftly

Once you have inspected your home or commercial roof for leaks and damages, you should step in and ensure that all these issues are fixed promptly o prolong your roof's lifespan.

Some easy-to-fix issues include worn coatings, punctures, and open seams. However, be careful when fixing your roof. In some cases, you may be wasting your money repairing the roof when what you need is a replacement.

A good way to know that the roof may need more than just a repair is to figure out if you have had too many repairs over time. Avoid delaying the inevitable when your roof is due for replacement.

If your flat roof has any issues, you need a qualified roofing professional to help you handle the problem. Here at Fischer Roofing - Flat Roof Pros, we have everything it takes to provide a quality roof. All you have to do is reach out to us for an estimate.