Maybe you’ve experienced a couple leaks, or you noticed a few things off about your flat roof, so you’re wondering, “can I just get it repaired, or is it time to replace the whole thing?” Don’t worry, the experts at Ferguson Roofing are here to help you. In this blog, we’ll be covering 7 ways to identify when it’s time for you to replace your flat roof and what to do next.
How Long Does a Flat Roof Last?
First thing’s first, most flat roofs, if properly installed with top-of-the-line materials, will last anywhere between 20-25 years. If you are starting to reach that threshold or are noticing some abnormalities, such as the ones mentioned in this blog, then it may be time to replace your roof.
High Energy Bills? Check Your Flat Roof
You may have noticed your energy bill’s cost has gone up, but you can’t exactly pinpoint why. It might just be your roof! High quality TPO, PVC, and EPDM flat roofing material can all go a long way in conserving energy. If that roof becomes too damaged or too old, it will begin failing to properly insulate the structure it’s connected to.
Flat Roof Leaks
If a leak goes unchecked for long periods of time, the roof will become water damaged and require replacement. Look for discoloration, mold, and mildew on the interior ceiling of your home or business, as these can be signs of an undetected leak.
Damaged Flashing on Flat Roofs
Don’t forget to check the metal flashing around the chimney, vents, and other fixtures to see if it is lifting, damaged, or missing. Your flat roof will undergo severe moisture damage over time if left undetected and may require replacement.
Blistering & Cracking on Flat Roofs
Make sure to look out for blistering, bubbling, and cracking of the roof membrane. If you notice the top layer of your flat roof looks like it’s been damaged by the sun and/or high temperatures, it’s time to replace the membrane.
Pooling Water on Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are flat… for the most part. They typically have at least a 15-degree slope to allow for water runoff, however, as your roof ages it will warp and stop repelling water as
effectively. This can cause water buildup and these pools and puddles will only lead to more water damage, so it’s best to replace your flat roof before this happens.
Impact Damage on Your Flat Roof
Severe weather may leave noticeable gouges or dents in the roof. If it is one or two patches of roof, you may be able to avoid an entire roof replacement. However, after a certain amount of damage is done to the roof, it’s best just to replace the entire thing or else you risk paying more in repairs than you would in a total replacement.
Flat Roof Panels Disintegrating
If the sealant on the seams around the roof panels and all your pipe collar is cracking, dry-rotting, or deteriorating, it’s time to replace your roof. This includes if the rotting and deteriorating extends to the entire roof panel.
What to Think About When Replacing a Flat Roof
It is imperative to begin by reviewing all of your flat roofing options. There are many different types of flat roofs, some of which include: modified bitumen, TPO, PVC, and EPDM. You’ll want to analyze each one by looking at what type of weather you typically experience in your area, the price point, and what part of the year you want your roof installed.
The next thing you should focus on is if you have a warranty or quality guarantee in place, just in case something goes wrong. Before the work is started on your house or business you must make sure with your contractor that both the materials used and the work completed are backed by a warranty.
Finally, you’ll want to check your insurance. Typically, the cost of a new roof lands on the owner, however, if the roof replacement is required prematurely, then you may be in luck.
Choose Ferguson Roofing for All Your Flat Roof Needs
Need a new flat roof? Don’t know where to start? Contact Ferguson for your free home inspection, analysis, and estimate here. All you have to do is provide us with some basic information and one of our professional representatives will help schedule an appointment to come to your home or business and provide a thorough proposal.