How Do You Repair a Flat Roof?

How Do You Repair a Flat Roof

How do you repair a flat roof?

How do you repair a flat roof for Sugar Land Premier Roofing. When you have punctures, tears, or leaks on your flat roof, you’re going to need flat roof repair. That is easier said than done. There are so many types of flat roofs, no single type of repair will work on them.

Unless you’re a roofing contractor, for instance, some materials like PVC or TPO might be hard to come by or you might not have the right equipment available to make the repair.

Minor repairs can be made on some common flat roofing materials like tar-and-gravel or built-up roofing or even rubber roofing like EPDM. To make a repair, you’ll need the right materials, including the right roofing material like EPDM, as well as roofing cement, roofing nails, and fiber-mesh patching.

You’ll also need a utility knife, a trowel, a hammer, along with a squeegee or broom to apply aluminum coating. Some tips for flat roof repair do it yourself follow:

To patch a hole:

  • Fill the hole with roofing cement by lifting up the two sides of the crack with a utility knife and slipping cement under the damaged area with a trowel.
  • Cover the area surrounding the hole with cement. Press the fiber-mesh patch into the cement and then spread on another layer of cement and feather the edges with a trowel.
  • Cut out a patch of roofing material with the utility knife and place the patch over the cement and then apply aluminum coating.

Without the right tools and materials, you could end up damaging your roof more than it already is. To make sure all flat roofing repair and installation in Sugar Land, Texas is made effectively, make sure to get help from the professionals at Sugar Land Premier Roofing. Get an estimate by calling 832-581-9234.

Can you patch a flat roof?

For a minor flat roof repair, a patch will be sufficient in most instances. Patches are particularly useful for temporary emergency fixes, especially when a leak has been discovered. In fact, if a leak has been discovered early enough, a patch might be a fairly permanent solution. Major leaks, though, may require more permanent repairs or even replacement, especially if the roof is older. 

Flat roof repair options

When it comes to flat roof repair, there are several options you can explore. Depending on how severe the damage is, for certain materials like EPDM, you may just need to place a patch over holes or cracks. If your roof is older and requires a significant amount of repair, a replacement may be in order. When you replace your roof, you might even consider getting a different type of roof put on.

One alternative, however, that many building managers choose is adding an elastomeric coating over the roof. Coatings of either acrylic or silicon are often chosen. These coatings seal over small leaks that may already be present and prevent new leaks from occurring. Moreover, these coatings also improve overall energy efficiency.

Flat roof repair or replacement

No matter what type of roof you have, deciding whether to repair or replace a damaged roof usually comes down to a matter of age. With a new roof, a repair is usually sufficient, depending on the seriousness of the damage. If it has multiple leaks, no matter its age, replacement is often the best measure. As roof’s age, they weather and wear and become less effective, and repairs to them become less effective.

Most flat roofing materials last anywhere between 10 to 20 years, although some materials like TPO or PVC may last longer. If your roof is closing in on this timeframe it may be a candidate for replacement or if it is still in relatively good shape a roof coating might be applied to restore it and extend its life. Have a reputable roofer inspect your roof to give you a good idea of whether it can be effectively repaired or whether it’s time to replace it. 

Do flat roofs leak more?

In general, flat roofs tend to be more susceptible to leaks than other roof types. While technically not wholly flat—they have a slight slope—they still do not shed water very well. In fact, flat roofs tend to collect water in certain spots. This phenomenon, known as ponding, is often where leaks begin to develop.

Leaks also begin to form along the seams of the roofing material as well as in areas where the roofing material has been punctured, cracked, or torn. Anytime you have any damage on your roof, especially along the seams, you need to get flat roof repair as soon as possible to prevent leaks from forming. 

How do you stop a flat roof from leaking?

Depending on what type of roofing material you have, stopping leaks on a flat roof will vary. For rubber materials like EPDM, patches are used as a common flat roof repair to stop leaks. Many people opt for an application of an acrylic or silicone roof coating, which forms a seamless barrier over the roof that seals up leaks already present and prevents new leaks from forming.

What is the best material for a flat roof?

If you are replacing an old roof or installing a new flat roof, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Many older flat roofs are built-up roofs that feature layers of asphalt and felt protected by a layer of gravel or stone. But most builders are beginning to steer away from this type of roofing because it is much heavier than other flat roofing materials. Lightweight materials like PVC, TPO, and even metal are becoming preferred over several other choices.

These materials tend to be favored not only because they are durable, but also because they improve the building’s overall energy efficiency. Materials like PVC and TPO are especially valued in warmer climates because they keep buildings cooler. Other popular choices include rubber roofs like EPDM as well as modified bitumen, an upgraded version of built-up roofing.

A Roofer Seals a Seam on a Flat Roof.

Flat roof repair near me

If your roof is damaged or leaking and you need effective flat roof repair, look to the reliable professionals at Sugar Land Premier Roofing. We offer a full range of commercial roofing solutions. Give us a call at 832-581-9234 to get an estimate or schedule a service appointment.