FLAT ROOFS
Flat roof or low slope roof repair can range from simple to complex depending on many factors, not the least of which is the age of your building. Common in commercial buildings and many homes built before the 1950's, a leak in a flat roof is both serious and complicated and needs immediate attention from a roofing professional.
FLAT ROOF CHALLENGES
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Obviously, a leak in any roof can cause serious damage but on a flat roof it can go undetected for far too long. On a flat roof, water can easily pool since there is no place for the water to run off. Sitting water can not only seep under existing roof materials, but it can rot the wood timbers and damage the interior of your building without you even knowing it is happening.
According to the National Roofing Contractor's Association, if water is allowed to pool on your roof for more than 48 hours, serious damage can occur. This means that you have about 2 days to get rid of the standing water or puddles on the roof before water starts sinking into the roof system even though you may not notice any change in the interior. Mold can start to grow causing damage to the structure and ultimate dips in the roof as it begins to warp. If this lingers too long, the problem can expand to not only roof repair, but repair for structural damage, drywall damage, damage to woodwork and flooring as well as the potential for medical problems from toxic mold.
The best plan is to ensure that water doesn't pool on your flat roof. The options for roofing a flat or small slope roof are expanding and range from altering the design of the roof to add an actual slope so the water can run off to finding above average sealing options. Any time you can improve natural drainage, it will be better for the overall integrity of your roof, but short of rebuilding your entire roof, there are other options. One is to fill in the low spots on the roof as much as possible to prevent pooling. Often, there is more slope to the roof than you can see with the naked eye and filling in the low spots can be one way to better protect your building from damage that can be caused from pooling water. ​
Best Options
In days past, flat roofs were covered with asphalt and gravel but today there are a variety of other options, one of which is the elastomeric membrane and there are a lot to choose from. You can continue with repair of your asphalt and gravel roof, (if you don't mind the smell of tar...) or look to some of the newer, more modern options. Though asphalt and gravel may be less expensive, it is not as long lasting and also weigns tons more than an elastomeric membrane. The fact is that the cost of an elastomeric membrane is only 10 to 15% higher than an asphalt-gravel roof and its life span is nearly twice as long. They now come in a variety of colors and can be matched to other sloped roof coverings such as asphalt or tile. Taking these factors into consideration, the cost per year though initially higher, can be radically reduced over the years, making it a long term better investment. All of this factors are important to consider in making your final choice.
​​At El Puma Roofing, we understand it can be nearly overwhelming to have to figure out which roof material is best for your particular situation. Each of these flat roof options have their advantages and attendant costs. The best way to make the right choice is to be as well informed as possible.