Flat roofs are common on Florida’s commercial and residential buildings. A flat roof is usually less expensive than a pitched one. Flat roofing systems may allow you to build a deck for year-round sunshine in Florida. It’s also easy to install solar panels that are discreet to lower your energy bills.
Flat roofs have their advantages but they can also be vulnerable to damage. Flat roof damage can be caused by heavy downpours, tropical storms, or constant sunlight. Water can pool on the roof. Flat roof damage can eventually show up indoors as ceiling water spots or brown drip marks on the walls.
Flat roof damage can be detected indoors before it is too late. It is always best to schedule a regular roof inspection after hurricane season in Florida.
How do you know if your flat roof is damaged? What are the essential steps to repair flat roof damage? These are the questions we will be answering.
Five Signs That Flat Roof Damage
An annual inspection is a good idea in order to check for damage to your flat roofing. You can tell if your flat roof needs to be repaired by damaged flashing, puddles, blistering or cracking of the roof membrane, and other signs such as leaking flashing. Water seeping through the roof can also be detected by drips on ceilings.
These are five signs you should look out for on flat roofing.
1. Flashing damaged
Flashing is a metal border around a room that seals joints or other areas that are susceptible to water exposure. This protects your home from water damage and roof leaks. Broken seals or other damage can cause flashings to become damaged. However, water damage can also be caused by flashing that has a loose seam during extreme weather.
Damaged flashing may become more severe if it is not fixed quickly. This can lead to costly roof repairs or even a complete roof replacement.
2. Water pooling on the roof
Water puddles on a flat roof can indicate trouble after heavy rains or storms. Because a flat roof is installed on a slight slope, water tends to run off it. Water can pool due to sagging or blocked drainage systems.
Remember that roof puddles can cause leaks, and eventually damage seals. A flat roof should not have water pools. They are a sign of problems with a flat roofing structure.
An expert roof inspector will determine if the ponding water has to do with clogged drains or a weak roof structure.
3. Blistered, cracked, or bubbling surfaces
Florida flat roofs must withstand extreme climatic conditions. The roof membrane can be damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays, hurricanes, or excessive humidity. Even the smallest cracks can lead to serious water leakage on a flat roof.
Repairing small cracks in asphalt, PVC, or thermoplastic Polyolefin membranes on flat roofing is usually simple and affordable. It is a bad idea to delay repairing small signs of damage, as they can quickly turn into costly repairs.
4. Water seeping into the building
Water dripping from the ceiling can indicate damage to the flat roofing. Water leakage can be caused by cracks in the roof, damaged flashing, or blocked gutters. The leak could also be caused by a malfunctioning plumbing system or HVAC system.
It is often difficult to find the source of the leak so it is best to contact a professional roofing company for an inspection and repair.
5. Musty odor, mold
A flat roof might not have obvious water leaks if it sustains minor damage. The roof membrane can become saturated with moisture, which could lead to mold growth or musty odors. Although roof damage may not appear to be severe, it can cause more serious problems.
The CDC reports leaks around pipes and windows, as well as roofs, can lead to mold and dampness. These could manifest as brown, green or discolored patches on surfaces. Exposure to moldy environments can lead to serious health problems.
This article was written by a roofing and solar installation specialist at HD Roofing & Construction. At HD Roofing & Construction, we are one of the top rated roofing companies in Tampa. Our roofing team is the heart of the company, and we are proud to have a highly-trained, professional team. If you need a roof over your head, we’ve got you covered. We offer a variety of roofing and home improvement services, including roof replacement and repairs, emergency tarps, home restoration, and solar!