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Think you might need a new flat roof? Here are the signs you need to look for…

A flat roof can often be overlooked until it’s too late, and a quick repair can only do so much for so long.

We aim to explore some of the tale tell signs of when its time to get a new flat roof, and different types of flat roof you may consider.

Here are 5 key signs you may need a new flat roof:

Bubbling and blistering – Bubbling and blistering is a very common problem with flat roofs, often the result of trapped pockets of air and moisture within the roof’s membrane. When the roof’s felt is exposed to excessive heat, this then causes the pockets to expand under the felt, bursting though the felt and causing splits and cracks.

Tears, splits and cracks in the material and even exposed timbers – Visual damage such as tears, splits, cracks and exposed timber is a sure sign you are ready for a new roof. Leaving a flat roof in this state can cause serious damage to the structure of your roof, and risks causing the timbers to rot after over exposure to the elements.

Excessive ponding or pooling on the surface – What causes a pool of water to appear on a flat roof is a process called “ponding”. Ponding occurs when excess waters that is left on a rooftop after a downpour is unable to drain away and remains for 24-48 hours. Small puddles are often nothing to worry about, however large pools of water could cause damage if left untreated. Read our blog about the risks of pooling and when it can become a problem.

Moss and vegetation growth – Otherwise known as organic growth, moss and algae love to grow anywhere which is damp and shaded, making rooftops and gutters the perfect place to grow, particularly if there are overhanging trees nearby. This organic growth on the rooftop will often prevent correct drainage on the rooftop and retain water, causing excessive damage to the rooftop overtime as the water freezes and expands during the winter months. Read our blog about the risks of moss on your rooftop and what you can do to remove it.

Detachment from adjoining walls and upstands – The most important factor to consider when assessing the condition of your flat roof is ensuring the felt of the flat roof is properly chased into adjoining walls and sealed making it watertight. If gaps appear between the felt and the adjoining walls, you will need to consider a new roof rather than a simple repair.

How can my flat roof be replaced?

Traditional flat roof method

Glass fiber or polyester felts are a traditional method which can be laid with traditional pour and roll hot bitumen. This method is no longer used by many roofing contractors due to health and safety risks handling boiling hot bitumen.

Torch on felt is another traditional method, however, do not require pour and roll. Instead the bitumen is already manufactured onto the roll and heated prior to being rolled onto the decking making it much safer.

Newer flat roof methods

Newer methods of laying a flat roof include EPDM Rubber or single ply grp (fibre glass) roof systems.

New systems can cost more than traditional flat roof systems, however typically a contractor will give 5-10 years on a traditional felt roof, but over 20 years + on newer methods such as a EPDM rubber roof or a single ply grp as they are developed with new, more robust technology and materials.

It is always advisable to get a few quotes for different systems when considering replacing your flat roof.

Alternatively, you may consider converting your flat roof into a pitch roof, and speaking to your roof contractor to see if it is possible.

Send in the professionals!

If you need advice on your flat roof, and can’t decide on if you need a replacement or a repair, Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd  can help! We can offer a free, no obligation quotation for any upcoming repair or replacement you have.

Tel: 01562 748270
Email: office@kidderminsterroofing.com
Or drop us a message on Facebook!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Why is there a pool of water on my flat roof?

During our recent downpours, you may have noticed your flat roof collecting pools or puddles of water and understandably be concerned about what damage it may be causing.

Here at Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd, we have had lots calls from people who are worried about large puddles appearing on their flat roof asking for advice as it is a very common issue with a very simple answer.

Why does water puddle on a flat roof?

It is common for puddles to appear on a flat roof as unlike a pitched roof, a flat roof struggles to drain rain water as it doesn’t have the benefit of a pitched slope, which can often cause water to sit until it is eventually evaporated away when the weather dries up.

Small puddles are often nothing to worry about, however large pools of water could cause damage if left untreated.

What causes a pool of water to appear on a flat roof is a process called “ponding”. Ponding occurs when excess waters that is left on a rooftop after a downpour is unable to drain away and remains for 24-48 hours.

What can cause ponding?
  • Insufficient drainage – A flat roof can pond if there is insufficient drainage, such as a blocked outlet or downpipe.
  • Weight damage to the flat roof –  A flat roof is not designed to withstand a large amount of weight. If a heavy object is left on a flat roof, or if someone was to regularly walk on a flat roof (i.e. to use as a balcony) not designed for this purpose, the roof can begin to concave inward, trapping water and causing the roof to pond.
  • A roof fixture – New roof fixtures placed into a flat roof such as a lantern or skylight can create gaps causing water to get trapped on a flat roof.
  • Moss and waste – Moss and other waste such as dead leaves can hold water causing the rood to pond. It is always important to remove waste and any excess moss. Read our blog on removing moss from your rooftop.
  • A change in materials –  Originally when a flat roof was lay, a roofer would use a material called limestone grit which gave a gravel appearance on the top of the flat roof. As water would pool, the pool would lay invisible as the water would sit inside the gravel and remain undetected. Since then this material is no longer used and more modern materials such as EPDM rubber and GRP are becoming more popular. These modern coverings tend to be smooth faced meaning pooling water that would previously be hidden by grit becomes much more obvious.
  • Structural fatigue and settlement – Over time, roof joists and timber can settle and fatigue. As this happens, the substrate sinks, creating a concave in the roof covering for water to collect and pool. As time goes on, the pooling and settlement go hand in hand and becomes a never ending cycle which often results in full roof replacement.
What is the risk of puddles on my roof?

There is no actual risk of puddles on a roof top, these are very normal, however an extreme amount of water causing ponding on a roof top could be a risk.

Extreme ponding will only ever get worse until its too late. Ongoing ponding will eventually damage the structure of a flat roof, eventually causing it to leak, by which point any repair would be too late, and a complete re-roof is required.

When can puddles on my flat roof be beneficial?

Excess water on a flat roof can be risky, however it can be beneficial to have a little extra water as a form of protection against extreme heat in the summer months. This is because certain materials such as bitumen based felts used on a flat roof can crack when exposed to direct sunlight, damaging the roof. In these cases, it is actually better to have some excess water on the roof top to help keep the roof cool on hot days.

Send in the professionals!

If you are concerned about your flat roof pooling, its always best to have this assessed by a professional.

Here at Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for any roof maintenance such as flat roof maintenance, repair or replacement request. Contact us today to see how we can help with you!
Tel: 01562 748270
Email: office@kidderminsterroofing.com
Or drop us a message on Facebook!

Talk to us today about all things roofing Get in touch
Kidderminster Roofing Ltd.
Unit 207a-208, Foley Industrial Estate, Lisle Avenue, Kidderminster, DY11 7DH

Tel 01562 748270 Fax 01562 824187 Services services@kidderminsterroofing.com Supplies supplies@kidderminsterroofing.com