What issues should I look out for on my flat roof?

COMMON ISSUES WITH FLAT ROOFS:

Drainage can be inadequate, causing water to pool and break down the roofing material

Leaves and debris can block drainage if they are not regularly cleaned from the roof

Roofing material can be installed incorrectly, leading to an increased chance of leaks

It’s hard to pinpoint leaks on a flat roof, as water can travel a long way underneath the roofing material.

Typical flat roofing material is not reflective or insulating, leading to higher cooling bills in the summer and higher heating bills in the winter

How will I know if my roof should be restored or replaced?

When roof replacement or restoration is overdue, it’s common to see aging or damaged roofing material. Depending on the material used for your flat roof, the following signs show your roof should be replaced right away.

TPO ROOFING

TPO roofing looks like a large white sheet of thick vinyl with seams every few feet. You can tell this type of roofing is getting old if seams are coming apart or you can see fibers or cracks in it. TPO roof are made with flat insulation board covered with a vinyl-like membrane. When that membrane wears down or is torn it is no longer waterproof.

You’ll also want to look out for:

Roof patches indicate that there may be complications from prior leaks in the roof.

Tears or holes in the material. Even small tears can let in enough water to cause issues.

Damaged flashing around pipes or vents leading into the roof.

Excess pooling water or obvious leaks. Your roof should be free of water 48 hours after a rainfall.

Humps or large bumps underneath the roof liner. These come from improperly secured insulation boards that pop up as the building expands and contracts from hot and cold weather.

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