Flat roofs are quite common in Massachusetts. As the name suggests, flat roofs are, well, flat. They aren’t sloped like traditional roofs, they tend to be cheaper than other roofing types, take less labor to install, and can have easier and safer roof maintenance schedules.
However, no roof is perfect, and flat roofs are no exception. Thanks to their design and flat roofing materials, flat roof repair & maintenance is common.
In this post, we’re going over some of the most common flat roof problems you could run into with these types of roofs.
1. Build-Up of Debris
Because of the structure of flat roofs, any debris that finds its way to the roof will likely end up stuck there. Sloped roofs are designed to encourage debris to roll or slide off the roof.
Debris like leaves, twigs, sticks, snow, dirt, and more tend to accumulate on the roof. Not only can this damage the roof itself, but most of this debris can lead to the build-up of moisture, which can lead to leaks, damage, and more.
Avoid these problems by inspecting your roof often and using tools to clear it of debris, snow, and dirt.
2. Alligatoring
No, we aren’t talking about alligators on the roof (although, that would be something, wouldn’t it?).
Alligatoring is a problem specific to flat roofs. When the materials that make up a flat roof begin to crack, bubble, or split, it’s called “alligatoring” since it begins to look like the skin of an alligator.
How does this happen? Most flat roofs are made up of asphalt. When this material is exposed to the sun for long periods, it causes the materials to age and lose elasticity that it originally had. This leads to the cracking that forms the “alligator skin” on the roof.
It’s important to stay on top of this problem especially as warmer weather approaches. Once a part of the roof begins to crack, it often has a domino effect and will result in more cracks on the entire roof.
If you don’t stay on top of this issue, you may need a roof replacement.
3. Cracks
Besides just the cracking in the asphalt, flat roofs are much more likely to have entire cracks in them. Because of their flat design, they have more pressure than more traditional sloped roofs. This pressure can build over time and eventually lead to cracks in the roof.
These expose your home to the outside elements, which can result in disastrous leaks, exposure to moisture, rain, snow, and more. If there’s a crack in your flat roof, contact a professional for a flat roof repair as soon as possible to avoid further damages.
4. Moisture Build-Up
Just as debris can easily accumulate on flat roofs, so can moisture like snow and water. While these roofs are supposed to be entirely flat, there are often still areas where water and moisture can form pools.
These concentrated areas of moisture can damage the roofing materials, lead to ice dams, roof leaks, and more. Regularly inspect your roof for this type of moisture accumulation and remove it promptly. If it’s a recurring problem, then you should look into repair options.
5. Leaks
Thanks to your flat roof’s propensity to crack and accumulate moisture, it should come as no surprise that leaks are a very common problem.
Leaks with flat roofs tend to be worse than traditional leaks, too, since the water has nowhere to flow except down… into your home. This can result in a number of problems including mold, mildew, ceiling damage, and severe damage to your walls, roof, and overall home’s structure.
As with most flat roofing problems, the best thing you can do is have your roof regularly inspected and maintained.
6. Buckling
Most roofs have a membrane that sits in-between the home and the roofing materials. On shingled roofs, this membrane is found in various pieces throughout the roof. With flat roofs, however, this membrane is in one continuous sheet throughout the whole roof.
Over time, homes and roofs naturally settle and shift. With the shingled roof’s membranes, they’ll move and settle with the home. With the single sheet of membrane found on flat roofs, though, this shifting causes the membrane to buckle over time.
Once your flat roof starts to buckle, it’s pretty much the signal of death for your roof. Buckled roofs are extremely dangerous and usually cannot be repaired… except with a replacement, that is.
Contact a Professional for Your Flat Roof Repair
Flat roofs have a number of benefits, which is why they’re still a common roofing type. However, they do come with a variety of maintenance needs and common issues, like the ones we just went over.
If you need flat roof repair or a roof inspection to check on your flat roof, Farina Roofing can help.We have years of experience working with flat roofing problems and issues in Massachusetts homes. We can outline a repair or replacement plan for you depending on the issues you’re seeing. Contact us today!