Have you considered the damaging effects of summer and your flat roof?
You may assume that winter is when to worry about the condition about your roof. But have you considered the damaging effects of summer and your flat roof?
Winter – heavy rain, freezing temperatures, snow, ice – surely the time to worry about your flat roof, right? Well, yes, particularly if your flat roof isn’t in the best condition.
However, it is important to consider the impact of summer and your flat roof. The truth is that summer can be just as damaging to a vulnerable flat roof. In fact, as temperatures rise, increased stress is placed on a weakened flat roof – the sort of stresses that if left unchecked, will result in a roof failing when the heavy rains return.
We strongly believe that if you are at all worried about the state of your flat roof as temperatures rise, you shouldn’t wait to arrange for a professional to carry out an inspection. An isolated issue can be fixed before it does too much damage to your property; if your roof is failing, replacement is likely to be the most cost-effective solution. Waiting until autumn will only add to the risk of costly repairs to your home. It will also be a busier time for installers so you may struggle to replace your flat roof before the weather worsens.
When it comes to summer and your flat roof, there are five key issues to look out for:
- Blistering
- Thermal movement
- Flashing damage
- Standing water
- Poor installation
Summer and your flat roof – blistering
Felt flat roofs are prone to blistering. This occurs when water penetrates tiny holes or cracks in the membrane. On hot summer days, this water is heated, expanding and lifting the felt. This results in bubbles or blisters.
Please do not ignore blistering as they can rapidly lead to further problems with your flat roof. If caught quickly, affected sections can be replaced. However, if the blistering is extensive, the only solution is to replace the entire roof.
Summer and your flat roof – thermal movement
Hot days and cool nights – doesn’t that sound lovely? Not to your roof! This can actually lead to traditional felt roofs expanding and contracting as the temperature fluctuates, enabling water to penetrate into the roof.
Summer and your flat roof – flashing damage
Flashing damage occurs when built up moisture results in fungal growth. In the summer, the additional hours of sunlight can accelerate this growth. Flashing damage can compromise drainage – something that is essential when it comes to keeping your roof in optimal condition.
Summer and your flat roof – standing water
Sunny one minute, chucking it down the next – the British weather is never reliable! Most summers see flash flooding in certain parts of the country, which means that standing water (water that doesn’t drain or evaporate within 72 hours) can become a problem.
If a flat roof is too flat (yes this is possible as flat roofs actually should have a slight pitch), or has insufficient drainage, standing water can lead to leakages. Damage could take years or just a few weeks – this will depend on the condition of your flat roof.
The best way to avoid standing water becoming an issue is to have your roof regularly inspected. This way, any small issues can be quickly rectified.
Summer and your flat roof – poor installation
Are you 100% confident that your flat roof was installed by a professional, reputable firm? Are you sure that the workmanship was adequate?
If installation was poor or done using substandard structural materials, these inadequacies will only be magnified by damage that can be inflicted over the summer months. Over time your flat roof can sag, which will allow rainwater to pool and place undue pressure on the roof. If it was installed without a very slight pitch, water is unable to drain.
What should I do?
If you are concerned about the condition of your flat roof, now is the time to have it inspected. It is essential that you choose a recommended specialist that can give you honest, expert guidance on any steps you may need to take.
If it is time to replace your flat roof, make sure that the installer you opt for offers full warranties and guarantees on both the products and the workmanship.
Materials are also a key consideration. Traditionally, flat roofs were made of felt but modern technology far surpasses this in terms of quality, durability and overall performance.
Our carefully chosen single-ply PVC membrane roofing systems are engineered to provide the following benefits:
- 100% waterproof
- Breathable membrane – eradicates condensation, moss and algae
- Virtually maintenance free
- Unaffected by UV rays
- Lifetime guarantee
For further information about our range of products, please contact High-Tech Membrane Roofing and we will happily answer any questions you may have.
