"My flat roof leaks" and other flat roof problems

Find out the top 6 signs that your flat roof might have a problem, the top causes of problems with flat roofs, and what to do about them.

If your home has a flat roof, the chances are there could be hidden problems as well as some obvious signs that your flat roof needs attention. When ignored, these problems can worsen and cause further damage to your property.

So what are the top 6 signs that my flat roof might have a problem?

  1. Signs of damp on interior ceilings or walls
    Flat roof leaking damp ceiling
  2. Blistering of the membrane covering material
    flat roof problems blistering
  3. Water Pooling or blocked rainwater outlets
    Flat roof water pooling
  4. Visible signs of debris including leaves and vegetation growth
    flat roof problems visible signs of debris
  5. Cracking of seams/joints

  6. Damaged or deteriorated flashing causing water to go behind the felt
    flat roof problems flashing damage causing leaks

If your flat roof has any of these problems, it’s a signal that it’s showing early signs of deterioration and you should act now before things get much worse.

What are the top 4 causes of problems with Flat Roofs?

#1 Leaks

A leak can start small but the water ingress will cause problems and worsen over time. As the leak worsens, the damage becomes a problem affecting not just the roof but the adjoining seams and the building’s interior walls.

#2 Weather damage

Over time, our drastic weather conditions in the UK, particularly along the coastline, can seriously damage flat roofs and if left untreated become increasingly troublesome, such as water seeping through the roof causing damp and deterioration of interior ceilings and walls.

#3 Poor fitting

A flat roof should actually have a slight gradient to allow rainwater to run off and have a decking of marine or WBP plywood. If your flat roof hasn’t been fitted properly, it can lead to a variety of problems which occur over time such as water ingress, condensation, water pooling, cracking and thermal movement.

#4 Lifespan

A flat roof typically has a lifespan of 10-20 years depending on the material. Over time, the roof will deteriorate and will need completely replacing.

Acting now can save you money in the long term.

If left, a leaking or damaged flat roof will deteriorate quickly and become costly to repair or your flat roof could need completely replacing. Here’s what you can do about the problem right now:

  • Have your flat roof inspected by a Qualified Roofer with experience in flat roofing
  • Have a survey carried out of your flat roof
  • Find out why it leaked and arrange to have the problem repaired
  • Get recommendations about what can be done for prevention in the future.
  • Invest in a new modern flat roof, which will last for up to 25 years.

Selecting a Flat Roofing Expert

When looking for a flat roofer to inspect your flat roof, here’s some advice on what to look out for:

Experience

A good roofing contractor will have many years experience in flat roofing and be able to show you a good portfolio of their past work.

Accreditation

Choose a trusted roofing company who is accredited. Look for NRFC Membership (National Federation of Roofing Contractors Ltd) and TrustMark, a government endorsed standard.

Get a same-day free roof survey

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