Flat roofs give your house or office a modern and sleek appearance. Flat roofs are more pitched than traditional roofs, but they do tend to have a slight slope. Flat roofs need to be given more attention before winter. The roof will be more susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which could lead to leaks. You can still enjoy the beauty of your flat roof, and you can have a secure covering for your house or commercial building with some pre-winter and spring inspection.
INSPECTION
A qualified roofing professional should inspect your roof in the middle to late fall. The professional will inspect your roof for issues such as the condition of the roofing materials, and ensure that the edges are still in place. You should remove any debris and make sure the drains are free of obstructions.
SEAL
Water will not enter the interior if cracked sealant is repaired or broken caulking is replaced. These areas can be damaged by the sun's UV rays, and wind and weather can lead to erosion and failure.
MEMBRANE
While you are replacing damaged sealants, inspect the membrane and make arrangements for repairs or replacements.
GUTTERS
Clear gutters and downspouts are important for any building with a roof. Leaf, debris and other objects can easily accumulate. If the gutters cannot move snow or rain from the roof, ice dams can form. These dams will then back up underneath the roofing materials, causing severe damage.
UNDERLAYMENT
The roof waterproofing product is the underlayment. It is self-adhesive. It can be bent to fit into any area that is not squared off. It is strong and has a non-skid finish. It is important to inspect this. You should find no holes or nails.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
You should perform some maintenance throughout the warmer months to maintain your roof in tip-top shape.
- Clear the roof of all debris. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the membrane or rake a sharp twig across it. This could cause damage or even remove the protective coating.
- Clear away all debris from the drain hub area. This can be done with your hands. You can remove the drain hub with an adjustable wrench and spray the area using a gardenhose at high pressure. To remove any accumulated debris, use a plumber's snake. Clearing drains will prevent water from collecting.
- Prune overhanging tree limbs. This will reduce the amount of leaves and twigs and prevent damage from a fallen limb landing on the roof in a storm.
- You should look out for water-accumulating blisters or soft pockets.
It depends on your ability, fear of heights and availability. You may want to contact a reputable roofer in Ottawa to maintain your flat roof.
Source: vanityroofing.ca
