Flat Roof Maintenance

Flat roofs can be a great option for businesses and homes alike. They’re more efficient and cheaper to build, and they can give you usable space on the roof of your home. But flat roofs can also require a bit more maintenance than their traditionally-sloped counterparts. It’s important when you have a flat roof to perform regular maintenance.

One key to maintaining a flat roof is regular inspection. Even if you don’t notice any leaks right now, inspect your roof at least twice per year. This will let you keep on top of potential problems, catching leaky spots before they even start.

If you already notice an issue with your roof - like a leak or an area where the roofing material is peeling or bubbling - it’s time to call in the professional Orange County roofing contractors. A professional contractor will know how to look for underlying issues, and will be able to tell you whether your roof needs replaced or can simply be repaired.

Hiring local roofing contractors just to inspect your roof when something is wrong may seem more expensive. But if they can tell you that your roof can be repaired - rather than replaced - you’ll actually save money in the long run. And if the professionals can catch potential leaky spots before they cause real water damage, you could save thousands.

Regular maintenance is key

You can avoid having to do as much flat roof repair in Orange County if you maintain your roof on a regular basis. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your flat roof:

• Keep it clean. When leaves fall or when it rains, be sure to check your roof for buildup of debris. Also, any time rain falls, check your roof to be sure there’s no standing water. Standing water is a sign that your roof may not be pitched correctly, or that it’s starting to sag in a spot. Get rid of standing water with a broom or squeegee, and you’ll prolong the life of your flat roof’s waterproof membrane.
• Keep gutters clean. It’s important to keep gutters clean no matter what kind of roof you have, but this is even more essential when it comes to a flat roof. With a flat roof, you’ll get standing water on your roof when you don’t keep it clean. This can be a serious issue that will cause problems down the road. So be sure that your gutters and drains on the roof are always cleared of debris and in good repair.
• Check for cracks. Sometimes issues with the material on your roof can cause cracking, and sometimes cracking is just due to regular wear and tear. But you’ll need to check your roof regularly for cracks. When you see a crack, seal it up as soon as possible to keep it from developing into a larger crack and a serious leak.
• Check the flashing. Roof flashing helps protect the particularly vulnerable spots on your flat roof. It can easily be damaged by algae buildup, or by natural disasters like high winds. Make it a habit to check the flashing on your flat roof frequently, and call in a roofing contractor to fix it if something is amiss. Since this material protects the most vulnerable parts of your roof, you definitely want to keep it in tip-top shape.

Don’t Attempt DIY Repairs

Replacing a few shingles on a traditional asphalt shingle roof is simple work. Experienced DIYers can often handle this type of job - with proper safety precautions. But Orange County flat roof repair is another issue altogether. These roofs require specialized materials, and they have to be done just right so they’ll work properly.

For one thing, flat roofs aren’t actually flat. They actually slope slightly, so that any water runs off into the gutters. DIY repairs on a flat roof could destroy the roof’s proper slope, creating pockets where water and other debris collects. This, as we’ve already discussed, is a great way to wear out the life of your roof’s waterproof membrane well before its time.

And when it comes to replacing flat roofs on your home or business building, hiring professional Orange County roofing contractors for the job is even more important. Flat roofs are already a bit more prone to leakage than other types of roofs. But if you choose an inexperienced contractor to install your flat roof, you’re guaranteed problems in spades later down the road.

Hiring experienced professionals who understand the potential pitfalls of flat roof installation and repair can save you money in the long run. They’ll also offer peace of mind, since you know that the job will be done right the first time, and you won’t have to worry about problems like water damage down the road. Experienced professionals make installing, maintaining, and repairing a flat roof in Orange County easy.

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Wherever and whenever you need roofing services in Sunset Beach or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.