Warning Signs That Your Flat Roof Needs Attention

Spotting an issue with your flat roof early can save you a lot in potentially unnecessary costs. Failing to identify problems won’t require just a flat roof repair, but it may result in a full flat roof replacement. 

Since your roof is flat, when it rains or snows, water could potentially collect in a puddle on your roof. As your home settles over time, the roof itself will shift a bit, meaning it might not be as level as it was when it was first installed. This may cause water to pool in divots and dips in your roof. While most materials are manufactured to hold up to water, you should drain these pools as soon as possible and check to make sure that water doesn't seep into lower layers of the roof. If pooling is allowed to linger, it’s likely to deteriorate the exterior of your roof, shortening the lifetime of the flat roof.

Often caused by the previous point, although moss, lichens and algae may not seem like major problems, they signify that your roof may be lacking some attention, regular maintenance and inspection. The fact that they are there indicates an unwanted retention of water on the flat roof. If this problem is left untreated, it could be extremely damaging – this is not an issue to be taken lightly. If you are unsure why moss is growing on your roof, have it checked over. While this moss might not actually reflect any serious problem, if you inspect the roof early enough, you might pick up on an issue early enough to save yourself having to get that roof replaced.

Flat roofs tend to have more pressure exerted on them, since they are flat instead of slanted. Sometimes this pressure can build up, and if the pressure and stress become excessive, it can cause your roof to crack. In the event that your roof does crack, you should call a professional immediately. In addition to exposing your home to precipitation, a crack in the roof is often a sign that your roof is structurally compromised, and it’s time for a new one.