Flat Roof Replacement – How to Tell If Your Flat Roof Needs Replacing
Flat Roof replacement is often an essential element of improving a building or home and can offer excellent energy efficiency. However, like any roof, it requires a fair amount of regular care and maintenance to keep it functioning at its best. Flat Roof replacement nj repair will vary depending on location and the climate you live in.
One of the most obvious tell-tale signs that a flat roof needs replacing is consistent or large areas of leakage. This could be because the flat roof was not correctly fitted when initially installed, it may have sustained damage from large impact or it may simply be that the roofing system is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Leakages are a major sign that it is time for a flat roof replacement as they can quickly cause serious water damage to internal structures such as ceilings, walls, furniture and other items in your property. If you do discover that you have a leak, it is important to seek the advice of an expert as soon as possible.
A flat roof is often designed to shed water rather than pooling and sagging which can cause serious damage. If your roof starts to sag or show signs of rot, this is often due to poor quality materials or inadequate maintenance and it can be very costly to fix.
Other signs that your flat roof is nearing the end of its lifespan are puddles and pools of standing water which will quickly lead to further structural damage and mold or mildew growth within your property. Often this is because the flat roof has begun to warp due to age or damage which causes it to repel water instead of shedding it away.
If your roof is showing signs of this, it is essential to speak with a professional as early as possible to see what the costs will be for a new flat roof installation. Some of the biggest cost drivers include the type and material of your new roof, labor, and removing and disposing of the existing roof.
There are a number of different options for materials that can be used for a flat roof, including EPDM rubber, fiberglass and GRP (glass-reinforced plastic). These vary in price and functionality so it is important to discuss these with a qualified professional who can advise you on the best solution for your property.
Once the roofing materials have been decided on, the contractor will begin to install your new roof. This process includes removing the old roof and installing a layer of underlayment, putting down additional roofing layers, repairing or replacing flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights and other protrusions and sealing everything together with a torch-down asphalt layer. This is the final stage of the flat roof replacement process and propane torches are used to melt the asphalt layer into place, ensuring that every nook and cranny is weatherproof. It is also often necessary to add insulation to a new flat roof. Although this is an extra expense, it is well worth it in terms of improved efficiency and performance.