What Are The Common Problems That Can Happen To Flat Roofs?

flat roofs

Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs need little maintenance and attention if they are to remain in good shape. However, even a flat roof can begin to show signs of wear and tear if neglected. Here are some signs that your flat roof is showing signs of aging and need to be repaired or replaced:

 

– Signs of wear and tear are usually visible even when the flat roofs are installed many years ago. Look at the surface of the roofing systems as you would after doing a routine maintenance inspection on any other structure. If the surface is subject to constant rain or snow, this will cause wear and tear. Likewise, if snow falls on the roof daily, wind can cause it to become clogged with ice, salt, and other weather conditions that further compromise its integrity.

 

– Old and damaged pitched roofs can be dangerous to anyone walking on them. Asphalt chips and other materials can cause slip-and-fall accidents for those without prior training. Asphalt chips and other materials can also cause fires when exposed to flames during installation or during maintenance visits. Proper inspections and safety precautions should be taken prior to the installation of any type of roofing system.

 

– Even flat roofs can have cracks or openings during installation. When the roofing system is not pitched properly, it can weaken over time and allow rainwater to find its way in. Such an occurrence can result in leaks that will eventually lead to dampness, mold, and all sorts of other unhealthy problems. If this happens to your flat roofs in Toronto, you need to immediately contact roof repair contractors in the area to ensure the problem is fixed and your roofing system will continue to serve you and your family for many years to come.

 

– Poor maintenance of flat roofs in Toronto also leads to severe weather conditions. Asphalt chips can expand and contract with extreme weather conditions, leading to leaks and cracks. Prolonged exposure to heat, cold, and rain can make membranes deteriorate within a short period of time. The presence of moisture increases the risk of mold and mildew growth, and these conditions can be very costly to get rid of.

 

– All roofs eventually face natural calamities such as storms and tornadoes. Even perfectly flat roofs will bend and buckle under these extreme weather conditions. Even when the damage is contained to the outer layer of the material, the damage can still leak through when high winds or rains reach the underside of the roofing. The cost of roof repairs due to these leaks can be very high. It pays to prepare for any eventuality.

 

– Water and other liquids are a common occurrence on many commercial flat roofs throughout the city of Toronto. This is especially true in areas experiencing heavy rainfall. While some roofing contractors may be able to handle the installation process of water-resistant membranes, others are not knowledgeable about the types of liquids and materials that are commonly used for installation. These contractors may end up inadvertently making the problem worse, resulting in even more damage to flat roofs that they were not intended to handle in the first place.

 

Flat roofing materials such as asphalt are not the only materials that can suffer from the effects of weather and climate change. Over the years, flat roofs have been exposed to chemicals and other toxins that can deteriorate the roofing materials over time. Unfortunately, many roofing contractors are not trained in the proper installation processes of environmentally friendly alternative materials such as galvanized iron and zinc coated membrane systems. When these materials are improperly used, it can result in serious roofing problems that will take a lot longer to repair than a simple flat roofs repair.