How to Repair a Flat Roof

Repairing a flat roof is not as difficult as it may seem. It can be done by anyone who has the right tools and knowledge of how to do it. Fairview Folkestone Roofing have outlined below how to repair your flat roof.

The following steps will help you in repairing your own flat roof

Step 1: Remove the damaged shingle or tiles from the roof. You should remove all the damaged shingles before you start working on the roof. This will make sure that no water gets into the roof while you are doing the repairs. If there is any damage to the shingles, then they must also be removed.

Step 2: Clean the area where the damage occurred. Make sure that the area is clean so that when you put down new shingles, they don’t stick to anything. Use a garden hose if necessary.

Step 3: Layout the new shingles. These shingles have to match up with the old ones. You need to use the same size shingles for this purpose.

You can buy these shingles at most hardware stores. They come in different sizes. You can choose whatever size fits best.

After laying out the new shingling, cut them to fit perfectly. You can use an electric saw or a hand saw.

Step 4: Apply the adhesive. Now apply the adhesive over the entire surface of the roof. Once you are done applying the adhesive, wait for about 30 minutes. Then check whether the adhesive has dried completely.

If it hasn’t dried yet, then leave it for another hour. After that, check again. If the adhesive has dried completely, then you can proceed further.

Step 5: Attach the shingles. Now attach the shingles one by one. Start attaching the first row of shingles. Try to keep the joints tight.

Step 6: Seal the roof. Now seal the roof using tar paper. Cover the whole roof with tar paper. This will prevent moisture from getting inside the roof.

Step 7: Wait for a few days. After a few days, check the roof once more. If everything is fine, then you can call the roofer to fix the rest of the roof.

Flat roof leak repair is not something that can be done on your own all the time. Depending on the type of repair needed, you might require professional assistance. But if you know what needs to be repaired, then you can easily repair the roof yourself.

How to Tell You Need Flat Roof Repair

Flat roofs are a common type of roofing system. They’re easy to install, and they can be very durable. However, if you live in an area that experiences high winds or heavy rain, your flat roofing material may need some repairs sooner than expected. Here are some signs that it might be time for a flat roof repair:

1. Water Damage

If water is leaking through the seams of your roof, then you know that something needs to be done about it. If your home has experienced flooding, then you should call a professional roofer immediately. The damage caused by water can be extensive, so don’t try to fix it yourself.

2. Deteriorating Shingles

Shingles on your roof tend to last longer when installed correctly. Unfortunately, shingle installation errors can cause problems down the road. For example, if you have improperly installed shingles, they could crack over time. This will allow moisture to seep into the attic space below your roof. When this happens, you may notice mildew growing on your ceiling tiles. In addition, mould growth can develop as well.

3. Cracks in Your Attic Space

When you look up at your attic space, you may notice cracks in the ceiling. These cracks are often caused by improper ventilation. If you have a problem with air circulation, then you need to make sure that your attic space is properly ventilated.

4. Leaks in Your Basement

Leaks in your basement aren’t always a sign of structural issues. Sometimes, they’re just small holes that are easily fixed. However, if you suspect that there are larger leaks, then you should contact a professional roofer right away.

5. Poor Ventilation

If you notice that your house isn’t getting enough fresh air, then you should consider having a roof repair. A poorly vented roof can lead to serious health hazards. It can also lead to other problems such as condensation buildup.

6. Low-Quality Materials

You shouldn’t use low-quality materials when building your roof. In fact, you should only work with reputable companies that provide top-quality products.

7. Damaged Siding

If your siding looks like it’s been damaged, then you should get it repaired right away. Otherwise, you risk damaging your entire roof structure.

8. Aging Structures

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. As long as it lasts, you won’t have any major problems. However, if you notice that your roof is ageing, then you should schedule a roof inspection.

 FAQs

Planning Permission for Flat Roof Repairs: When is it Needed?

Planning permission is not required for repairing your flat roof. Changing your flat roof to a pitched roof, however, may require permission.

How to Prevent Flat Roof Leaks

To prevent leaks from occurring on your flat roof and to avoid expensive roof replacements, you should seal all openings around your chimney stack. You should also make sure that your roof vents are working properly. Finally, you should ensure that your gutters drain properly.

How to Temporarily Fix a Leaking Flat Roof

You can often buy yourself time by repairing the leak in your flat roof temporarily. A good short-term method to repair a flat roof leak is to seal the area with waterproofing paint. If your roof leaks from multiple places around a large area, you should not use waterproofing paint, since this is inefficient.

See our last post here: How to Get Rid of Seagulls on the Roof?