There is always a danger that
items or spaces that remain mostly out of sight also remain out of mind. The
same could also be said about the roofs of our properties. It pays to take the
time and care to perform maintenance checks to ensure there are no small
problems developing that can escalate into major issues.
For anyone unsure as to how to
maintain a flat roof, read our comprehensive maintenance guide to learn
everything you need to know.
How to Maximise the Lifespan of a Flat Roof
The key to getting the most out
of your flat roof is to organise a regular maintenance schedule. No roof lasts
forever and regardless of its size or pitch, checks are always a requirement to
ensure any damage is repaired in a timely fashion to avoid costly bills.
- 6-Monthly Checks: Check the roof twice a year, taking
note of any effects of seasonal change. You should be able to spot any
small issues developing before they become a larger problem. You can then
think about any repairs that need to take place to keep it in top
condition.
- Debris Removal: Leaves, twigs and dirt (mould,
algae) will always collect on a roof, no matter what time of year. You
should not allow this to build up to the point where it begins to block
gutters and creates water pooling. Clean out the gutters and any other
drainage areas to allow water to flow freely after heavy rainfall.
- Surrounding Foliage: Some properties are positioned close
to trees, which increases the likelihood of debris falling onto the roof.
Keep them cut down and trimmed when possible to lower the number of times
you must remove the build-up of leaves and twigs etc.
- Internal Checks: The inside is just as important to
keep an eye on as the external surface. Check the ceiling for rising
moisture and the spread of damp, as well as any water damage that may have
come through from the outside. This is important to remember as, if
neglected, it will lead to far bigger problems further down the line.
Checking for any problems on the
roof will increase its lifespan and ensure you get the most from your
investment.
What Materials are Needed to Maintain a Flat Roof?
Thankfully you don’t need to
spend a lot of money investing in the right tools to keep your roof clean and
in good condition. The most basic item is a sweeping brush, which enables you
to remove excess dirt from the surface. You can also use this in conjunction
with a hand brush to clean out the gutters and other drainage areas, always
being careful not to overstretch and moving the ladder along accordingly
to reach the required spot.
Flat Roof Patch & Repair
A pressure washer can be a very
effective way to clean a flat roof. There are no chemicals involved in this
method which makes it an environmentally friendly option. This will help to remove
any algae or moss that can’t be so easily removed with a brush.
Lastly, using a chlorine solution
wash is one of the faster solutions, while also leaving behind less wear and
tear due to it being a much shorter process. What you do have to bear in mind
is the chemicals contained in the solution can prove to be toxic for any nearby
plants and people with sensitive skin. Always read the instructions carefully
before choosing this option.
What are the Common Issues with Flat Roofing?
Every building is different and
while certain structures may experience repeat issues of a certain kind, there
are common problems that all flat roofs will encounter.
Some will create more serious
issues than others but if any are left untreated, then the damage caused to the
building could prove to be extremely costly.
Standing Water
Although the title gives the
impression of a completely flat, horizontal surface, flat roofs should always
feature a mild incline. If this isn’t included in the build, or the slope isn’t
steep enough, rainwater can begin to gather in numerous places.
Standing Water Issue - Flat Roofing
Pooling of water can also occur
if the roof has begun to sag in places or the drainage has been blocked and not
attended to. If left for too long, the water will eventually damage the
protective membrane and leaks will start to appear. This can be resolved by
clearing any debris blocking the drainage or increasing the gradient, so any
future occurrence of rain can naturally drain from the roof.
Shrinkage
EPDM may not have been used as
the outer coating for the roof, but it is commonly used as the protective
membrane coating. While there are many advantages to this material it can
suffer from shrinkage which usually occurs around the edges.
When this happens, the seams
start to loosen, and moisture can begin to affect the layer beneath. If the
shrinkage is only minimal, repairs are relatively straightforward, otherwise,
it can become a costly job.
Blistering
If moisture becomes trapped
between the roof and membrane, this can lead to blistering. This is likely to
occur in hotter environments as the moisture has more opportunities to expand.
Repairing blisters is a relatively straightforward task for contractors. While
unopened blisters aren’t of concern in the short term, those that have cracked
leave your roof exposed to the elements and the further issues this can create.
HVAC Damage
While installing an air
conditioning unit into the roof space will prevent it from being an eyesore
elsewhere in the house, it can create problems for a flat roof. Installation is
key to avoiding issues later down the line caused by condensation and
vibrations from the unit.
If this occurs and it isn’t
addressed quickly, the wear and tear will eventually lead to leaks in the roof.
Following a routine inspection schedule will allow you to identify the issues
and if necessary, re-install the unit to correct the problems.
Which Products Help to Patch and Repair Flat Roofing?
It is likely that at some point
you will need to deal with an issue that will require repair. Thankfully, many
of these will fall at the less serious end of the spectrum. You may just need
to find a temporary solution while you source a contractor to visit your
property to repair a larger issue. Below are some of the best products to use
to patch and repair damages to your flat roof.
Cracks & Blistering - Flat Roofing
The FIX-Rcryl Waterproof
Repair Solution can be easily painted on to fill cracks and gaps in the roof
and is ideal for bituminous felt and asphalt roof materials.
You can use Acrypol Plus, an
acrylic-based waterproof paint to repair or refurbish leaking roofs. It is more
commonly used in fibreglass roofing. Acrypol can also be used for temporary
EPDM repairs.
Which Flat Roofing Solution is the Most Durable?
Guarantees will vary depending on
the manufacturer and type of material you are purchasing to cover your roof.
You also have to take into consideration the immediate environment in the local
area. This can have a dramatic effect on the durability of your flat roof. How
you maintain the roof over time has enough of an impact to also make a
noticeable difference.
Taking all of this into account
it's difficult to identify an exact timescale for how long a material will
last. However, we can offer an indication of the most durable options to help
you compare your chosen material to its longevity.
- Felt Roofing: This is a popular choice for flat
roofs that will experience moderate footfall across the duration of their
lifespan. Torch-on felt solutions, such as Anderson Toptorch SBS
Torch-on Mineral Felt Capsheet, should last between 20-30 years.
- GRP Fibreglass Roofing: Another extremely durable option
that has a high level of resistance to damage. Even when repairs are
required it can be done quickly and not leave behind any noticeable marks.
The CrysticROOF GRP Resin is used in conjunction
with CrysticROOF GRP Topcoat to produce a clean and smooth finish.
This can come with guarantees for up to 25 years and has been known to
last even longer.
- EPDM Rubber Roofing: This material is lightweight and one
of the easiest to install onto a flat roof. The expansion properties of
the material also mean it can handle high levels of foot traffic. EPDM is
expected to last up to 30 years if taken care of correctly. The Fix-R
EPDM Membrane is a solid option that can last for over 50 years.
No.1
Recommended Roofing Services In Edinburgh:
Ronald
G Graham Roofing & Building Ltd
Name: Ronald Graham
Address: 20 Gordon St, Edinburgh EH6 8NA, United
Kingdom
Tel .: +441315555121
Email: enquiries@ronaldgrahamgroup.co.uk
Web: https://www.ronaldgrahamroofing.com/
Opens
at 9:00 AM
·
Sunday: Closed
·
Monday: 9AM–5PM
·
Tuesday: 9AM–5PM
·
Wednesday: 9AM–5PM
·
Thursday: 9AM–5PM
·
Friday: 9AM–5PM
·
Saturday: Closed
"If you are looking for "roofing services
in edinburgh" Visit now!
https://www.ronaldgrahamroofing.com/
Ronald
G Graham Roofing & Building Ltd serve Roofing by location in Edinburgh:
1.
Abbeyhill
2.
Alnwickhill
3.
Ardmillan
4.
Baberton
5.
Balerno
6.
Balgreen
7.
Bankhead
8.
Barnton
9.
Beechmount
10. Bingham
11. Blackford
12. Blackhall
13. Bonaly
14. Bonnington
15. Braepark
16. Braid
Hills
17. Broomhouse
18. Broughton
19. Brunstane
20. Bruntsfield
21. Calton Hill
22. Cammo
23. The
Canongate
24. Canonmills
25. Chesser
26. Church
Hill
27. Clermiston
28. Clovenstone
29. Colinton
30. Comely
Bank
31. Comiston
32. Costorphine
33. Craigcook
34. Craigentinny
35. Craigleigh
36. Craiglockhart
37. Craigmillar
38. Craigour
39. Crewe
Toll
40. Currie
41. Curriehill
42. Dalmeny
43. Dalry
44. Dean
Village
45. Drumbrae
46. Drylaw
47. Duddingston
48. Dumbiedykes
49. East
Craigs
50. Easter
Road
51. Edinburgh
Park
52. Ferniehill
53. Fernieside
54. Firrhill
55. Fountainbridge
56. Gilmerton
57. Gogarloch
58. Goldenacre
59. Gorgie
60. Grassmarket
61. Greenback
62. Greendykes
63. Greenhill
64. Haymarket
65. Hermiston
66. Holyroof
67. Ingilston
68. Inverleith
69. Junipers
Green
70. Kaimes
71. Kingsknowe
72. Lauriston
73. Liberton
74. Little
France
75. Lochend
76. Löchrig
77. Longstone
78. Marchmont
79. Maybury
80. Mayfield
81. Meadowbank
82. Merchiston
83. Moray
Estate
84. Moredum
85. Morningside
86. Mortonhall
87. Mountcastle
88. Muirhouse
89. Murrayfield
90. Newtown
91. Newbridge
92. Newcraighall
93. Newington
94. Niddrie
Mains
95. Northfield
96. Old
Town
97. Oxgangs
98. Parkgrove
99. Parkhead
100.
Piershill
101.
Pilrig
102.
Pilton
103.
Polwarth
104.
Portobello
105.
Portsburgh
106.
Powderhall
107.
Prestonfield
108.
Quartermile
109.
Raeburn Place
110.
Ravelston
111.
Redford
112.
Restalrig
113.
Riccarton
114.
Roseburn
115.
Saughton
116.
Sciennes
117.
Seafield
118.
Shandon
119.
Sighthill
120.
Silverknowes
121.
Silvermill
122.
Slateford
123.
South Gyle
124.
Stenhouse
125.
Stockbridge
126.
Swanston
127.
Tolcross
128.
Trinity
129.
Victoria Park
130.
Warriston
131.
Waterfront
132.
West Coates
133.
West Craigs
134.
West End
135.
West Pilton
136.
Wester Broom
137.
Wester Hailes
138.
Western Harbour
139.
Westfield
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