Problems With Flat Roof Extensions

Roof repairs are generally more expensive than traditional pitched roofs.

Problems with flat roof extensions.

What happens is the asphalt used to build your flat roof has aged and lost its elasticity causing it to. 6 most common flat roofing problems alligatoring. Unlike a steeply pitched roof these surfaces don t always have the power of gravity working with them to carry runoff down to the ground. Flat roof drainage is historically not as effective as traditional pitched roofs and standing water ponding can be an issue if falls are not adequate.

Leaks and moisture. Pitched all the way. Extension faces west so in heavy rain driving wind the water has found a way in and can drip from a specific place about 2ft in from the corner of the room. Typically the life span of a flat roof is not as long as a traditional pitched roof even less so if it is vulnerable to damage points 1 and 2.

If it s a modest extension a modest i e. A common area which needs to be designed and constructed properly is the joint between the flat roof and any parapet wall. Low pitch won t affect your neighbours too much. However the technology used in this type of roofing is now barely recognisable to that of the 60s and 70s and is arguably just as reliable as any other type of roofing system.

Just like any roof a flat roof will develop leaks but since it s flat the water doesn t have. Moreover the costs of a flat roof extension today are typically lower than for a pitched roof. Unless it is detailed to allow for movement any slight deflection of the roof could cause a break in the waterproofing membrane at the roof parapet wall junction. This is one of the primary causes of flat roof leakages.

My dad was a flat roofer who guaranteed work for 10years don t think he ever. A few builders have looked. One put leadmate under the flashing. With this in mind let s take a look at five of the most common flat roof problems and what they could mean for your property.

Successful sealing of flat roofs from water ingress can be problematic if not correctly executed. Flat roof defect 1 standing water. Buckle in membrane. Drainage systems on a flat roof can be overwhelmed quickly by falling debris and anytime there is standing water on a roof issues will abound.

In general a warm roof is preferable from a construction angle but it does lead to a higher roof profile which isn t always acceptable from a planning perspective. Water will start to damage your roof s material if it does not drain or evaporate within 72 hours and that means. In the 1960s and 1970s flat roof extensions gained a bad rep due to many developing leaks and as a general rule not doing their primary job of keeping the inside of the building dry. The water weighs your roof down which can cause it to collapse.