What issues should I look out for on my flat roof?
Common issues with flat roofs:
Drainage can be inadequate, causing water to pool and break down the roofing material
Leaves and debris can block drainage if they are not regularly cleaned from the roof
Roofing material can be installed incorrectly, leading to an increased chance of leaks
It’s hard to pinpoint leaks on a flat roof, as water can travel a long way underneath the roofing material.
Typical flat roofing material is not reflective or insulating, leading to higher cooling bills in the summer and higher heating bills in the winter
How will I know if my roof should be restored or replaced?
When roof replacement or restoration is overdue, it’s common to see aging or damaged roofing material. Depending on the material used for your flat roof, the following signs show your roof should be replaced right away.
TPO roofing
TPO roofing looks like a large white sheet of thick vinyl with seams every few feet. You can tell this type of roofing is getting old if seams are coming apart or you can see fibers or cracks in it. TPO roof are made with flat insulation board covered with a vinyl-like membrane. When that membrane wears down or is torn it is no longer waterproof.
You’ll also want to look out for:
Roof patches indicate that there may be complications from prior leaks in the roof.
Tears or holes in the material. Even small tears can let in enough water to cause issues.
Damaged flashing around pipes or vents leading into the roof.
Excess pooling water or obvious leaks. Your roof should be free of water 48 hours after a rainfall.
Humps or large bumps underneath the roof liner. These come from improperly secured insulation boards that pop up as the building expands and contracts from hot and cold weather.
EPDM roofing
This type of roof is made from black sheets of rubber that are glued together. When it gets old, it will dry out, crack and may look like “alligator skin”. You may also see seams that pull away from each other - they are held together with glue which can fail in as little as 5 years after the roof has been installed.
You’ll also want to look out for:
Roof patches. Patches are not very effective with this type of roofing and tend to fail relatively quickly due to issues with gluing rubber to rubber.
Damaged flashing around pipes or vents leading into the roof.
Excess pooling water or obvious leaks. Your roof should be free of water 48 hours after a rainfall.
Air bubbles. Rubber contracts and expands over time. Air bubbles show that the sheets are pulling away from the surface of the roof and indicate that nearby seams may be compromised.
GRAVEL (AKA. Built-up or Tar & Gravel) roofing
Gravel roofs are made of a black membrane covered in tar and gravel. Gravel will wash off over time and will expose the membrane underneath. Look for cracks in the membrane or patches with less gravel than the rest of the roof.
You’ll also want to look out for:
Roof patches. Patches will not repair a damaged membrane underneath and show that the roof may have leaked previously.
Gravel piles at the bottom of your downspout. This indicates that the membrane may be exposed on the roof.
Damaged flashing around pipes or vents leading into the roof.
If you’ve noticed any of these problems, its time to get a professional opinion.
What should I do next?
We want to help you with a thorough inspection of your roof so you can feel safe and comfortable knowing your roof is leak free. It’s a quick and easy way to know that you won’t have to worry about the safety of your home.
Schedule a consultation today - it's easy and free! Just click the button below.
We’ll complete a thorough inspection of your roof and will provide detailed and honest feedback on what we find.
We'll educate and guide you to make the smartest, most cost-effective decision for your personal situation.
We'll complete the job - with quality and efficiency, guaranteed. Our flat roofs come with a 10 to 15 year warranty and can be installed quickly and quietly in only a few days.
“My flat roof had previously leaked and caused damage inside. I needed to restore it badly and reached out to Rolling Hills Roofing and the guys out of Lewiston.
Both companies were responsive and gave me a quote. But Nethaniel, with Rolling Hills Roofing took the time to show me pictures from the roof, listen to my concerns, and explain exactly what my options were. I felt really good hiring Nethaniel even though his product was a little more expensive than the other guy. Jesse, Paul, and the rest of the crew worked very hard every day. They talked with me about the process and explained things to my grandson, Thomas. They took pictures and showed me.
I totally trusted all of their integrity and loved having them at my home so much that I miss them now that my roof is done!
Nethaniel answered his phone or called me back every time I called with a question. He came by to check on the final product and even had his guys come back to make sure it was up to his quality standard.
Don’t even consider other flat roofers on the Palouse. These guys are the best. Highest recommendation.”Colista Mclean,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PS. We’re glad that you care about your home and would consider working with us. If you’re not sure if your home really needs a new roof, please give us a call for a quick talk about your situation. If money is an issue, we offer financing and will work to make sure keeping your home safe won’t break the bank.
We never use high pressure sales tactics and aim to be the most honest and ethical roofing company out there. That means helping you make a smart decision for your situation - even if it means you won’t need a new roof.
Our phone number is (208) 301-6173. We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Rolling Hills Roofing
“We Make Roofing Easy”"