Three common causes of damage to flat roofs
Your flat roof may not be prone to cracked or loose tiles but the design does have its own set of potential problems and will need regular checking and maintenance to ensure that it remains structurally sound, energy-efficient, and importantly – watertight.
Contact Improve A Roof today to find out more about our roof cleaning or EPDM Flat Roofing services.
The three most common problems experienced by the owners of flat-roof buildings are the following:
Standing water
Proper drainage is the number one requirement for a long-lasting flat roof. Pitched roofs don’t have this problem as the steep slope quickly carries rainwater away.
In fact, flat roofs are rarely completely flat and should slope to some degree to allow drainage. However, a badly constructed roof may have a gradient that is insufficient for effective drainage and you will soon see the result of this as pools of standing water develop after rain showers.
It is still important to check the drainage outlets on the best-installed flat roofs, ensuring that they are unblocked and that rainwater can quickly drain away. Our roof cleaning service will keep your roof clean of dead leaves and other debris that could clog up your gutters and downpipes
Over time standing water could damage the material of your flat roof leading to leaks and shortening the life span of the roof.
Extreme weather conditions
Fluctuating temperatures which cause expansion and contraction of your flat roof material can be a challenge for the best roof.
Extremes of heat and cold are equally damaging and both can lead to cracking or splitting of the flat roof which will then need to be replaced if further damage is to be avoided.
Once your roof membrane begins to break down the insulating effect of the roof may be reduced, allowing air loss and increasing your energy bills.
At Improve a Roof we install roofs using EPDM membrane. This innovative material is made of single-ply rubber and can cope with even the harshest weather conditions and temperatures.
Ultraviolet damage
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet or UV light can break down the chemical bonds in roofing materials, such as asphalt, causing the fabric of the roof to become brittle and cracked. UV can also fade and discolour your roof affecting its kerb appeal.
The key to the prevention of UV light damage is the use of roofing materials during construction that are treated to reflect rather than absorb UV light or an EPDM flat roof that is designed to withstand ultraviolet radiation.
How Improve a Roof can help
We are specialists in flat roof installation and care. You can expect our EPDM rubber roofing to last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance.
We have delighted clients in both the domestic and commercial sectors across the North West and Midlands, including in Macclesfield, Stockport, Stoke, Derby, Warrington, Wigan and Huddersfield.
Contact Improve A Roof today to find out more about our roof cleaning or EPDM Flat Roofing services.