6 Signs You Should Replace Your Flat Roof

If you own or manage a building, you must invigilate your roof for any signs that will require you to replace your entire roof. Contact a professional roofing company if these six signs apply to your roof.

1. Damaged Flashing

Your flat roof might feature several non-roof components like chimneys, air inlets, and skylights which require flashing. Flashing seals potential gaps and spaces that might let water or air in through these parts.

If you notice extensive flashing damage, it might be time to replace your roof. Extensive damage might cause corrosion and rot when water sips through the damaged flashing.

2. Roof Sag

Water pools form when your roof sags significantly. A flat roof must remain level to prevent the accumulation of water, which can increase the roof weight and break support components. A roof replacement can ensure your roof remains level and does not accumulate moisture on any dents or sagged sections.

3. Extensive Organic Growth

Vegetation like algae, mold, and moss are the most common organic growths that can appear on your roof.

Algae

Algae appear as black streaks on your roof, which are usually difficult to eliminate. Black lines on your rooftop can make your building look dirty and unkempt. Additionally, algae growth can cause health hazards like allergies and irritation. If left unchecked, these streaks will eventually lead to premature deterioration of your roofing system.

A roof replacement can permanently remove algae growth from your roofing system if it has extensively taken over your flat roof.

Mold

Unregulated mold growth manifests as roof discoloration, wood rot, or foul odor. Mold can damage metallic and wooden components on roofs as they absorb and retain atmospheric humidity. This humidity can hasten the corrosion and rot of metallic and wooden parts, respectively.

Furthermore, there is a chance that mold growth has already started inside the structure if you notice mold on your flat roof or in your attic. Additionally, since some houses place their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on their flat roofs, it could pose serious health risks to everyone inside the house.

Mold spores can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and eye irritations. Additionally, mold growth near HVAC exhausts can hinder their performance while continuously circulating mold spores throughout the building. A new roof can eradicate mold growth on your flat roof and roof components.

Moss

Unmanaged moss growth creates thick green patches of vegetative matter on your roof. While moss is the least deadly organic growth in your home, it can cause structural damage to roof components like roofing sheets. Because of its thickness, it creates an unregulated blanket effect that traps more moisture during wet seasons. Additionally, it can encourage water damage on your roof, which can flake paint, crack tiles, or corrode metal roofs. A new roof will replace any damaged parts caused by the moss.

4. Bubbles and Blisters

Flat roofs are susceptible to blisters and bubbles because they do not have the same drainage capabilities as pitched roofs. When water seeps into the roofing materials, it can cause the materials to expand and form blisters or bubbles. These blisters and bubbles can tear holes and cracks in the roofing material.

5. Impact Damage

Damage from hails, snowballs, debris, and other materials thrown with significant force onto your roof might fracture, pierce, or scrape roofing materials. Such significant destruction will compromise your roof's integrity. A new roof can replace your damaged one with better and stronger materials.

6. Wear and Tear

Aged roofs will show significant wear and tear. Over time, the roof's materials start to sag, ripple, and break down, causing leaks and allowing water to seep in. Water stains on ceilings and walls, leaks, and light beams passing through roofing material indicate wear and tear on your flat roof. These signs can support your replacement decision if your roof has lasted more than two decades.

Damaged roofs have compromised structural integrity, provide reduced protection from weather and environmental elements, and can generate health and safety hazards. Contact us at Flat Roofing Experts LLC for a professional roof replacement today.