Flat roofs have a historical significance, with origins dating back to ancient times, particularly prevalent in arid regions. These roof styles were notably prominent in Middle Eastern architecture, serving as additional living or storage spaces. In modern times, flat roofing systems have gained global popularity and are featured on various residential and commercial structures like schools, hospitals, supermarkets, shopping centers, hotels, and factories.
Flat roofs offer efficient space utilization, enabling occupants to utilize both the area above and below the roof, thereby enhancing cost-effectiveness and practicality. This roofing design is particularly suitable when building tenants require continuous roof access for tasks such as maintenance, regular inspections, or recreational purposes. Some common applications of flat roofs include helipads, outdoor dining or bar spaces, as well as recreational and sports facilities like tennis courts, swimming pools, and lounges.
While flat roofs offer various advantages and versatile uses, they tend to have a relatively limited lifespan, usually averaging around 10 years. To maintain their safety and functionality, regular upkeep is essential. Among the prevalent challenges associated with flat roofs, leaking stands out as a common issue. Leakage problems may arise due to factors such as UV rays, severe weather conditions, outdated roofing methods, improper installation, unsuitable rooftop equipment installation by unqualified contractors, and the presence of standing water on the roof surface. Any of these factors can result in issues that might become costly if not addressed promptly. Hence, it is advisable to engage a professional for biannual roof inspections, as well as after significant storms, to ensure timely detection and resolution of potential problems.
Maintaining clear roof drains is a crucial but frequently overlooked task. In fact, it ranks among the top priorities in flat roof maintenance, given that neglecting it could result in various significant issues necessitating repairs. When a roof drain gets obstructed, water accumulates on the roof's surface. This pooling water poses a major problem, as it has the potential to infiltrate flashing seams and freeze, leading to the weakening of these seams. Given that approximately 90% of all flat roof leaks are traced back to issues with flashings, repairs often have to be focused on fixing the lap seams within the base flashings.
Broadly speaking, any accumulation of standing water on a flat roof contributes extra weight to a structure that might not be designed to bear it. While the primary cause of leaks in flat roof setups is often ponding water, inadequate craftsmanship during the initial installation can result in insufficient ventilation, exposed membrane seams, and unfilled pitch pockets. These issues collectively enable moisture to infiltrate the roof. Even minor amounts of trapped moisture on a flat roof can lead to problems like blistering, distortion, internal seepage, the growth of moss or sediment, and ultimately, roof decay.
At Elitroof, we recognize the significance of consistent maintenance and repairs to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of flat roofing systems. With over three decades of expertise, we handle repairs and maintenance for various types of flat roofing systems, such as built-up roofing, torch-on and spray-applied coatings, tar and gravel roofs, and TPO and EPDM systems. Our team members have completed SOPREMA's extensive Programme of Affiliation for Quality + Safety (PAQ+S) training, which is one of the most comprehensive programs in the industry. This ensures that your flat roof repair will be conducted using cutting-edge waterproofing materials and technology, along with secure and efficient work practices.
Contact us today to speak with one of our commercial flat roofing experts and schedule a complimentary roof inspection and estimate.
