Can a Flat Roof Be Repaired or Replaced? - An Expert's Guide

If you're not sure whether to replace your flat roof or not, the first thing to consider is the age of the roof. Some roofing materials have a longer lifespan than others, but no roofing system lasts forever. Flat roof materials, such as EPDM, usually last up to 20 years, with a maximum limit of about 25 years. The life of your roof depends on the quality of the roofing materials and how well you maintain your roof.

If you've recently noticed a substantial increase in your gas or electricity bills and can't attribute the increase to anything else, your roof may be to blame.When it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace a flat roof, there are several factors to consider. If the damage is minor, a repair may be sufficient. On the other hand, if the damage is extensive, it is better to replace the roof completely. You can be sure that other areas of the roof are likely to be about to fail.

When this is the case, there may be a damaged area of the roof that can be repaired or the entire roof may need to be replaced to improve its insulation capacity.If you notice a leak on your roof, it's important to act fast. Water entering through the roof means that moisture is entering through a damaged spot on the roof. If you act quickly in this situation, you may simply be able to repair the damaged and leaking place. However, if leaks are not controlled for an extended period, the roof can be seriously damaged by moisture and require a complete replacement.

As soon as you notice a leak on your roof, take steps to control it on your own and call a professional to fix the problem as soon as possible.One of the best ways to determine if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced is to check it. Fortunately, climbing to a flat roof is much easier than climbing to a sloped roof. The joint cover is an often overlooked, but extremely important part of a flat roof system. If the metal covering chimneys, vents, and other accessories is lifted, damaged, or even missing, the flat roof will suffer serious moisture damage over time.

If detected early, damaged joint covers can be repaired quickly and relatively easily. Replacing the gasket on your flat roof before more serious damage occurs will save you a great deal of money and stress in the long run. If the roof covering and materials are deformed due to age or damage, the roof will stop repelling water just as effectively, which can cause water to accumulate. These pools and puddles will quickly cause even more damage as moisture enters the roofing system.If you've just experienced severe weather conditions or a major storm, you might notice crevices or dents in your roof.

If you notice any impact damage that is isolated to a small area, such as a small tear or puncture in the membrane, repairing with a patch may be a viable option. You're understandably wondering if you can repair damaged areas of your roof instead of replacing the entire roof. In some cases, repairing a smaller damaged area may work. However, repairing part of a flat roof is only effective if moisture damage has not yet spread to the underlying roof covering or surrounding areas.

A process similar to roof cladding is roof cladding. With roof cladding, a roofing contractor applies a thin liquid membrane over the existing roof. This is a proactive measure you can take if your roof still isn't showing extensive signs of damage. A roof coating can provide the roof membrane with additional protection against heat and UV rays.

This alternative works best when there are no insulation problems or underlying structural problems.Roof replacement is an important home improvement process and one you'll want to get right the first time. But if something goes wrong, you'll want to make sure you have a guarantee and a quality guarantee. Before starting the roof replacement process, check with your roofing contractor that both the materials you use and your work are backed by a warranty. In most cases, roof replacement is the responsibility of the homeowner.

An exception to this rule is if it is necessary to replace the roof prematurely, before the roof has reached its intended lifespan, due to damage or to a lower quality. No matter when you decide to replace or repair your flat roof, it never hurts to check with your home insurance provider to see what's covered and what's not.When you choose a flat roof contractor, don't just choose based on price. By investing now in a high-quality flat roof replacement with a professional and expert installation, you can rest easy for years to come. The first thing is that most flat roofs, if properly installed using top-of-the-line materials, will last between 20 and 25 years.

If you're starting to reach that threshold or you're noticing some abnormalities, such as those mentioned in this blog post, then it may be time for roof replacement. In most cases, roof replacement is your responsibility; however an exception is if roof replacement is necessary prematurely due to damage or lower quality materials used in construction than expected lifespan of your roof. Every roof has an expected lifespan so it won't hurt checking with your insurance company what's covered and what's not when it comes time for replacing or repairing your flat roof.We work with Enerbank offering flexible roof replacement financing, which can help you pay for high-quality flat roof, as soon as you need it; Guardian knows that all roofs require regular inspection when your flat or low-sloped roof needs inspection, maintenance or replacement.