A roof serves an important job in keeping water out. With time, a flat roof, just like any other roof, will eventually wear and weather and could begin to leak. A flat roof also does not allow water to run off as easily as sloped roofs, so these roof leaks may be even more pronounced. Here are some reasons that your flat roof may be leaking.
Standing Water
One of the more common causes of leaks in flat roofs is standing or pooling water. This is when water remains on the surface of the roof for over 24 hours after the end of a rainfall. Flat roofs should be designed with a slight slope to allow water to run off, and downspouts, gutters and other water drainage structures should also be in working order to prevent this. Sitting water can eventually lead to leaks and moisture.
Damaged Membranes
Modern flat roofs are designed and built with a thin, single-ply membrane usually made of a synthetic rubber material. While effective, these membranes are prone to wear and damage over time, and may eventually crack or blister. This can lead to flat roof leaks.
Damaged Flashing
Another common cause of flat roof leaks is due to damaged flashing. Materials tend to contract and expand with changes in weather and temperature, and this can cause the flashing to pull away from the edges of the roof. This will allow water to get trapped underneath flashing, leading to a roof leak.
The best way to avoid roof leaks is to ensure you have your roof regularly inspected and any potential causes of rook leak, repaired. For all your roof leak repairs, make sure to contact 604FixLeak.
