Flat roofs are notoriously easy to install and maintain and are a popular choice for homeowners looking for new roofing solutions, but this doesn’t mean cleaning and maintenance shouldn’t be overlooked. To keep your flat roof in the best condition, there are several important steps to take to stay on top of maintenance and make sure it lasts for years to come.
At Roof 4 Life, we offer a range of roofing services in Canterbury and the surrounding areas of Kent, and our flat roof services have grown to be extremely popular amongst our customers. For easy maintenance, our team has put together this guide to keeping your flat roof in excellent condition all year round, so keep reading to find out more about maintaining your flat roof!
Common Flat Roof Issues
The common mistake most homeowners make is thinking that their flat roof is indestructible, and while there are several material options available for flat roofs that are hardy and durable, regular maintenance is required to avoid some common problems. These issues can include:
Pooling Water: Also known as ‘ponding’ this happens when water sits in a specific location on a flat roof and does not evaporate or drain away. Water pools can wear down flat roofs and cause leakages in the property that can impact a home’s integrity. To resolve this issue, you may need a drain or automatic pump system fitted.
Blistering: Excessive heat can cause air and moisture to get trapped between the layers on a felt roof, which expands and creates ‘blisters’ in the material. If left unaddressed, these blisters can then split or puncture to allow water to easily seep into the roof structure, which can damage the surrounding areas of the roof too.
Splitting: When excessive pressure is applied to a flat roof, splitting may occur. This also happens after intense cold weather when a frozen roof begins to thaw. If you notice splitting on your flat roof, we recommend reaching out to reliable roofers such as our team at Roof 4 Life for advice and repairs.
Bubbling: More common on GRP and EPDM roofs, bubbling is the result of poor installation and happens when moisture is trapped in the roofing structure during installation. This is why choosing a reputable roofing company is essential, as repairs can be costly and often require a complete reapplication of the topcoat in the case of GRP flat roofs.
For more information on the common issues flat roofs can have, or for tips on how to handle these issues before they affect your bank account, reach out to the team at Roof 4 Life now! Alternatively, our maintenance tips below can help with avoiding some of these issues in the long-term, so keep reading to save yourself time and money.
Tackle Dirt and Debris
Removing dirt and debris before it can build up and add unnecessary pressure to a flat roof is key to keeping your flat roof in good condition. Whether you can do this with a ladder, or from a nearby window, you can use a long handled broom to sweep away dirt and debris like fallen leaves or branches, or even items that may have landed on there from strong wind. For a preventative step, if you have a tree on your property that overhangs your flat roof, we recommend cutting it back to reduce a build up of twigs, leaves, and branches.
Clear Drains and Gutters
There are many, many reasons why the gutters on your property should be maintained, but one of the biggest impacts a clog gutter can have on a flat roof is preventing water from draining away. While water may pool during heavy rainfall, typically gutters will allow the majority of water to run off while the rest will evaporate and clogs in gutters often mean water has nowhere to go, leading to pooling or ponding which can impact not just your flat roof, but the whole structural integrity of your property,
Cleaning and Moss Prevention
One of the biggest advantages a flat roof can offer is just how easy they are to clean. All you need to remove dirt and debris is a long handled broom to sweep them away, and a gentle cleaner can be sprayed on and wiped over to properly clean the area. A trickier task is the removal of moss and lichen, which should be prevented as much as possible. There are many home remedies that are gentle for application to a flat roof, but you can also use a shop-bought moss remover to tackle this issue before it gets out of hand.
To find out more, contact the team at Roof 4 Life now!
To find out more about roof maintenance, or for professional flat roofing installations in Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Faversham, Sandwich, and more, reach out to the experts at Roof 4 Life now! Our team is ready to help and can’t wait to hear from you!
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