To keep a flat roof clean and in good condition, consider the following comprehensive guidelines:
- Hire an Experienced Installer: Start with the right foundation. Ensure you hire a knowledgeable and experienced installer to fit your flat roof. This guarantees that your roof is installed safely with high-quality materials. This will also provide you with guidance on how to best care for it.
- Annual Roof Servicing: Employ professionals to service your roof every year. An annual servicing entails a specialist examining your roof for potential issues. This can give you reassurance that everything is in order and helps catch any small problems before they become significant and expensive issues.
- Regular Roof Inspections: Perform inspections on your flat roof at least two to three times a year, particularly in early Autumn and early Spring. This helps determine if the summer heat or winter cold has caused any damage. Look for:
- Clogged gutters
- Missing roof shingles
- Damaged drains
- Signs of rot or decay
There are plenty of roofing tools to help with this and keep your roof in good shape – you can check them out here – https://www.rubberroofingdirect.co.uk/epdm-roofing-tools.html
If you’re not confident in doing the inspection yourself, hire a professional roofing contractor.
- Tree Maintenance: If you have trees overhanging your flat roof, employ an arborist to trim them to prevent damage from falling branches. This is a safety precaution to protect your roof and prevent potential damage.
- Clean Roof Gutters: Prevent flat roofs from leaking by regularly cleaning out debris from roof gutters, especially after adverse weather.
- Awareness of Material Lifespan: Depending on the material used (felt, asphalt, EPDM, etc.), your flat roof’s lifespan can vary. Regular maintenance checks help ensure the roof remains in good condition, preventing damp, drafts, and reducing insulation degradation.
- Repairing Leaks: If you encounter splits, blistering, or damages, start by examining the ceiling damage to locate where water is penetrating the roof. Ensure the roof is clear of debris and clean the area of dampness before repairing.
- Address Common Issues: Flat roofs, especially those made from felt, can face issues like:
-
- Splitting: Caused by wear and tear, water pooling, poor workmanship, etc. Repair involves removing the damaged area and replacing it with new material.
- Ponding: Standing pools of water that don’t drain. This can be addressed with pumps or drains, or by making repairs to prevent ponding.
- Blistering: Air trapped between felt layers can lead to blisters that may split. If blisters form, they should be professionally repaired.
- Protect from Bad Weather: After adverse weather conditions, especially snow, ensure to check for any damage. Snow can cause significant damage if left unchecked. When water or snow freezes and then thaws, it might split the surface of the roof.
- Surrounding Area Maintenance: Along with the roof itself, ensure to maintain the surrounding areas. For instance, trim overhanging branches to prevent damage from fallen leaves or other debris.
By adhering to these maintenance tips, you can ensure your flat roof remains clean, efficient, and long-lasting.
