Roof leak? We respond the same day. Call 06 84 76 29 46
Roof leak? We respond the same day. Call 06 84 76 29 46
Bitumen and EPDM are made to last for years, but they are exposed to sun, rain and frost day and night. Dirt, leaves and standing water wear the material out faster. A quick check takes little time and prevents a lot of trouble.
These are the four things I check on a flat roof.
The roof covering itself. Blisters, cracks, loose seams and bare patches show that the layer is wearing. Also read about blisters in a bitumen roof.
Drains and water. Leaves and dirt hold the water back. Standing water is the enemy of every flat roof, see the fall of a flat roof.
Edges and junctions. Roof edges, penetrations and junctions with walls are the weakest spots, see roof edge finishing on a flat roof.
Growth and dirt. Moss, algae and seedlings hold moisture and can damage the layer.
“Standing water and blocked drains are the two biggest enemies of a flat roof.”
Keep the roof clear of leaves and dirt, and after a heavy shower check whether the water drains away properly. Only go up on the roof if it is safe to do so, and first read whether you can walk on a flat roof.
Have cracks, blisters and loose seams checked by a professional. A timely repair costs a fraction of a new roof covering. Also read about the lifespan of a flat roof.
I come round with my colleagues, we check the covering, the drains and the edges, and tell you honestly what needs doing and what can wait.
Standing water. It slowly soaks the layer.
A small crack becomes a leak. Water always finds its way in.
Moisture in the insulation. Wet insulation insulates poorly and costs energy.
A more expensive job. What could have been a repair becomes a new roof covering.
Have the roof checked once a year, preferably in the autumn before winter.
If the covering is at the end of its life, read bitumen or EPDM to help choose a new layer.
Remove leaves and dirt, and after rain check whether puddles are left standing. Also read about the causes of a leak on a flat roof.
Do not go up on a roof without knowing whether it is safe. Get advice first.
Once a year is a good guideline, and once more after a heavy storm.
Remove leaves and dirt and check whether the water drains away properly. Leave repairs to the covering to a professional.
By blisters, cracks, loose seams, puddles that stay put and damp patches on the inside.
It is not complicated, but it does need regular attention. A quick check once a year prevents most leaks.
