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As with any structural part of your building, regular maintenance is vital. It allows you to identify issues early on, action repairs before they escalate and elongate the lifespan of your building. Flat roofs are one of the most popular options due to their durability, cheaper price bracket and ease of safe, stable accessibility. Our blog will provide you with tips and advice on how to best maintain your flat roof throughout the year.
It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your roof all year round. But if you’re looking for the ideal time of year to inspect it, we recommend Summer. This off-peak season has less volatile wind conditions and less rainfall – both conditions that can cause roof repairs to be delayed or cancelled last-minute. It also pays to use this quieter time to identify any damage before it gets worse and you’re stuck with significant roof issues during the colder, wetter winter months.
To properly maintain your roof, we recommend following these steps.
Visually inspect your roof regularly. It’s worth having a general understanding of its normal structure and looks so it’s easier to notice when something is wrong. Answer the following questions:
Make sure to remove leaves, twigs and dirt to ensure they don’t impact the performance of your gutters. In the worst-case scenario, this can cause water pooling and significant structural damage. Pressure washers are an ideal tool for this job, allowing you to clean the surface in minutes and without the need for harmful chemicals.
In line with point 2, overhanging tree branches can cause a build-up of organic matter on your flat roof. If possible, trim these back and keep on top of them to prevent this – especially during Autumn time.
If you notice any tell-tale signs of leaks (discolouration on walls, mould, mildew or electrical shortages as examples), you’ll need to address the issue quickly. Flat roofs are less effective at ensuring water runs off into gutters than other sloped roofs. And, therefore, pooled water is more likely which can cause damage to the roof material and leaks as a result. When one section of the roof becomes damaged, it increases the risk of further and more exacerbated issues. Therefore, get leaks fixed quickly when you notice them.
And, in line with point 4, keeping your drainage system up to standard is a very important maintenance job for flat roofs. Clean out debris, check for leaks and replace broken sections promptly.
Flat roofs can last anywhere between 10 to 20 years and proper maintenance will help ensure they reach the top end of that. If you are concerned about a leak or would like further advice on maintaining your flat roof, get in contact with the team here today via 01912853848 or email us at info@industrialroofingservices.co.uk.
