Buildings
Flat roofs are low slope roofs with flat and clean lines. They are less expensive and give a modern and chic touch to the property. In comparison to shingle or metal roofs, they are also easier to install. However, they also come with their own challenges and issues. Like they may require frequent repairs as compared to other roofs.
Moreover, if a flat roof isn’t repaired properly, then it can be extremely detrimental for the property. But with flat roofs, you don’t have to deal with complex interlocking shingles. It is a straight patch job.
If you are someone whose roof needs flat roof repairs, then this guide is for you.
When to do Flat Roof Repairs
You might have a compromised flat roof but unsure whether to get it repaired or not. If you are thinking when to repair a flat roof, then the answer lies here! If the flat roof has the following things, then it is time to get it repair:
- Mildew or mold smell in the home
- Watermarks
- Mold spots on the ceiling
- High energy bills
- Cracked, peaked, or creased roofing materials
- Multiple patches
Pro Tip: If your roof is older than 10-15 years, it is the time to have it replaced by hiring a professional roofing company like Ricks Main Roofing.
Steps to Repair a Flat Roof
Follow the following safety considerations and steps to repair a flat roof.
Safety Considerations
Fixing a flat roof is not everyones cup of tea. That’s why you have to follow these safety guidelines:
- Wear waterproof or latex gloves and safety glasses while working with rubberized wet patches.
- If you are accessing the flat roof with a ladder, then be careful.
- Be aware of loose wires, trip hazards, or sharp metal flashings.
Tools Needed
- Waterproof gloves
- Safety glasses
- Four-inch putty knife
- Utility knife
- Wire brush
- Extension ladder
Materials Needed
- Roof reinforcing repair fabric
- Rubberized roofing wet patch
- Mineral spirits
- Cotton rags
Follow these step to repair a flat roof:
- Identify the Damaged Area
First step is to locate and mark the damaged or compromised area that needs to be repaired.
- Remove Damaged Portion
After identifying the compromised area, cut out that portion with the utility knife. Make sure to cut approximately 1-2 inches beyond the damaged area of the roof. This will ensure that the whole damaged area will be repaired.
- Clean Damaged Area
Remove all the large pieces of debris like leaves, pebbles, twigs, damaged roofing material, etc. also brush away rust from flashing or fasteners.
Wear waterproof gloves and use mineral spirits and cotton rags to clean the patch portion. Now let the mineral spirit dry for a few minutes.
- Cut Reinforcing Tape to Size
After cleaning, measure the size of the area to be repaired. Now cut reinforcing tape to cover the area to be patched and two inches more than that. You can overlap multiple rows of reinforcing tape.
- Fill Depression With Wet Patch
Raise the depressions to the surrounding roof deck to avoid potential leaks and water pooling. Use the wet patch and putty knife to fill the depression. Now move quickly to the next step to avoid the patch from drying.
Immediately apply a wet patch in temperatures greater than 0° F and less than 120° F.
- Set Reinforcing Tape
Next step is to set reinforcing tape loosely on the wet patch material. For this step, wear safety glasses and waterproof gloves. Moreover, make sure that the tape should be flat. Otherwise, folds, creases, ridges, or buckles will allow water to enter the patched area.
- Embed Reinforcing Tape
Using the putty knife, press down on the patch tape. Hold one end of the patch tape down with a gloved hand to avoid dislodging. Now run the putty knife along the length of the patch tape by putting a light pressure. The tape should sink into the wet patch material.
- Apply Top Layer of Wet Patch
For the final step, using a putty knife, apply a top layer of wet patch. Make sure to extend the patch 2-4 inches beyond the lower patch.
In addition to this, apply the wet patch from ⅛ to ¼ inches thick. Avoid having ridges or creases along the edges that can peel with time.
- Clean Tools
Using mineral spirits, promptly clean all the tools before the wet patch dries up.
How Long Does a Flat Roof Last?
Generally, a flat roof lasts for about 20-25 years if the roof was built and installed properly along with regular maintenance.
If the roof has leakage or material break down, then it is a sign that your roof is aging. It usually doesn’t make any sense to repair it in this case. Therefore, you can contact the best roofing contractors like Ricks Main Roofing to get professional advice.
Get Help From Our Professional Roofers
In case, you don’t know whether you roof needs a repair or replacement and don’t know how to fix a flat roof , then contact with Ricks Main Roofing. Instead of jumping in what you don’t know about, it is always a better option to let the experts do their job. With us, you can stay assured that your roof is in safe hands. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t compromise your and your family’s safety; instead, contact our professional roofers right away!
