What Are the Common Problems?
There are many types of roofing systems including flat roofs, slanted roofs, and hipped roofs. However, there is one type of roof that is growing in popularity among home owners – the Toronto roof. A Toronto roof is typically quite flat or at least very close to being flat. Most folks aren’t aware that although the term of their roof’s roof is actually a “flat roof”, it isn’t necessarily 100% flat. Flat roofs do have a slight, almost imperceptible slope that helps in draining away water from the roof that collects during a heavy rain storm.
There are several reasons why flat roofs can help prevent damage from occurring and moisture damage. First, flat roofs reduce the risk of structural damage caused by pitched structures like homes, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings. When soil is pitched onto a flat surface, it acts as a virtual raft that helps water to spread quickly throughout the structure, which can result in buckling, cupping, or even eventual collapse. On the other hand, when soil is sloped on a slope, it becomes more like a snowplow that pushes out against the pressure of not only the structure but also any natural calamities like wind or rain. The roof of these types of structures act almost like a giant sponge that absorbs much of the energy needed to keep it standing.
When it comes to preventing leaks, flat roofs do have an advantage over sloped roofs and hipped roofs. Because they are flat and relatively close to the ground, there is less space for moisture to collect. The problem with hipped roofs and sloped roofs is that because they are closer to the ground, they can act as a funnel that allows excess moisture to get trapped between the roof and the ground. This moisture can expand into cracks and seep into the underlying ground, causing expensive and inconvenient leaks.
Flat roofs are also beneficial in other respects as well. For one, flat roofs are typically easier and less expensive to maintain than sloped roofs, making them cost-effective in the long run. The roofs may need to be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear, but this isn’t usually a problem due to their longevity. Flat roofs are also less likely to develop any sort of damage from natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, which can significantly impact your home’s value should you ever have to sell it.
Aside, from the benefits mentioned above, flat roofs can actually benefit homeowners in other ways, too. For example, they are often made with materials that resist mold and mildew, which can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. In addition, the structure of a flat roof prevents heat from building up between the roof and your foundation, which can keep your heating bills down. Lastly, it can reduce water runoff and reduce the amount of erosion that occurs because of such. Flat roofs are much less likely to become damaged by vandals or left untouched by Mother Nature.
The most common way that flat roofs are built is through pre-engineered shed water retaining systems. These systems are made specifically for your house structure in particular, reducing any unnecessary expenses. Sheds with pre-fabricated flat roofing systems are very energy-efficient, since they don’t require foundations, which makes for an extremely economical installation. They also prevent issues such as puddling and standing water from accumulating on the flat roofs, eliminating issues of wetness and mold. Since installation is usually quick and easy, shed water retaining systems are also very cost-effective.
When it comes to protection, most of these roofs come with a steel or aluminum prefabricated shield. This is because most of the times they are designed to resist fire damage. They are also resistant to weather damage, so they can definitely stand up against severe weather conditions. This doesn’t mean that these materials can’t be compromised however, since many times they are coated with a layer of tar or pressure treated cement. If the Toronto roofing professionals in your area are not familiar with these coatings, it would be a good idea to have them perform a soil sampling to determine if there are possible contaminants within the ground.
Although they provide excellent protection from rain and weather, flat roofs can still experience damage from temperature fluctuations. One of the most common problems with them is that they experience what is called “wave action,” where sudden temperature changes can cause the entire roof system to be buffeted. As the temperature fluctuates, so do the stresses that develop underneath the surface of the different panels. Depending on the material of the roof, this stress can lead to leaks and cracks. It can also result in increased wear and tear on the panels, causing the damage to spread.