Flat Roof Repairs

Important Flat Roof Repairs Tips

You should repair your flat roof the moment you notice a problem because this will prevent the exacerbation of the problem, which could lead to a much more expensive flat roof replacement. You will also avoid problems caused by a leaky roof, such as damage to walls and ceilings, mold growth, which can lead to upper respiratory tract problems, increased energy bills, and damage to clothes and other household items due to dampness. Below tips will help you during flat roof repair.

Check if workmanship warranty still applies

Most good roofing contractors in the GTA offer workman warranty. At BRENO Roofing, we offer a 15-year warranty on the workmanship. If the damage has not been caused by damage to the roofing material due to the elements or by damage due to unforeseeable problems like falling branches, you will probably still be covered.

Do proper flat roof leak location

If you do not locate the flat roof leak properly, you risk only doing repairs on some of the problematic parts, leaving others. Finding the leak in a flat roof is much easier than with on a steep-sloped, shingled roof, but it is still the most time-consuming. After all, finding the leak is much better than having to hire a flat roofing company. Care has to be taken since where water enters the interior space might not be where the leak is. This is because water penetrating a roofing membrane can travel in any direction for some distance before it finds a seam in the sheathing or sub-roof and seeps inside. If a visual inspection does not pinpoint the source of the leak, follow these steps:

Measure the distance from where you are seeing the leak (on the inside) to the two nearest walls.
Go to the rooftop and use these measurements to determine, albeit roughly, where the search should begin.
Sweep the roof to remove any dirt or debris that may make the leak invisible.
When trying to pinpoint the point of entry, determine the direction of the slope (most flat roofs are slightly sloped to allow for runoff) and check up the slope since you expect water to be running downhill.
Be on the lookout for popping screws, punctures, worn spots, rips, blisters, seam separations, and other imperfections in the roof’s membrane.
If you do not find damage to the membrane, look at nearby caulk around vents and other structures, vent pipe boots, and flashing for damage.

Call us in if you are unable to locate the source of the leak, which is quite common. We have been around for 18 years and our roofers have the skills, training, and experience necessary to do this.

Care should be taken when doing this inspection because of the height. At BRENO Roofing, we have ladders that are rated for different weights, meaning our roofers can work safely. In case of any mishap, we carry workman’s compensation insurance to indemnify you.

Check if manufacturer warranty still applies

If you require repairs due to the disintegration or malfunctioning of the roofing material, check the manufacture warranty since you may still be covered. These warranties usually cover you for 5 to 20 years, depending on the roofing material.

At BRENO Roofing, we are manufacturer-certified roofers for some of the top roofing manufacturers in Canada. This is important because if you were to attempt doing repairs yourself, you risk voiding the warranty.

At BRENO Roofing, we offer a 15-year warranty on the workmanship

Use material-specific repair methods

The most commonly used flat roof materials are EPDM (rubber), modified bitumen, BUR (built-up roofing) which is made up of tar and gravel, PVC, and TPO. The repair method you use should be material-specific. Below are examples of how common flat roof problems are repaired.

If you have small punctures or holes in your EPDM flat roof, apply rubber sealant on the area and tool with a knife. For a BUR roof, apply tar to the area using a caulk gun and smoothen it using a brush or a putty knife. For a PVC or TPO roof, you will need a heat air gun to mend the area.
For membrane blisters, use a utility knife to cut through the bubble, end to end. Dry the area under the blister using a small propane torch or a towel. Apply appropriate roof repair material such as tar, peel, roof cement, and stick patch. At BRENO Roofing, we use 6d roofing nails to secure the blister flaps in place and then cover the head of the nails with roof sealant, tar, or peel, depending on the roofing material, and then stick flashing patch.
In case of large tears and rips, the same type of repair as with membrane blisters is done, but of course at a larger scale. Rolls of membrane are available for sale with different dimensions.

Test after the repair

Testing is important after repairs to determine if the intervention has worked. If it has not, the repair will need to be redone. The most effective way of doing this is flooding the flat roof and then checking for leaks on the inside.

Consider the cost of flat roof repair versus replacement

Sometimes it makes more economic sense to do flat roof replacement compared to repairs, especially if a large area has been affected. A complete replacement is advantageous over repair because you will have a single, solid membrane as opposed to patches which are more susceptible to damage. If you are repairing the roof, in most cases damage will have spread and you only have months until you get another leak. Note that even if the leaks stop, water could still be sipping in, causing rot, mold, and other problems.

Always hire a pro

You should always hire a professional for flat roof repairs. A professional will have what is needed for the job, thereby saving you money. At BRENO Roofing, we have the tools, equipment, and even safety gear needed. Hiring us gives you unparalleled convenience since you don’t have to deal with such things as permits, it gives you peace of mind, and it helps you avoid possible problems with home insurers who often require that all repairs be done by Ontario College of Trades-certified roofers.