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Flat roofs, the lesser known cousins of sloped roofs, aren’t always favored by homeowners and builders simply because they require more maintenance. But if you do have a flat roof over your house, regular maintenance can indeed add years to your roof and keep nasty surprises at bay. Here are some useful tips to maintain and care for your roof and keep it going good for years to come. How to Care for your Flat Roof 1) The most common problem flat roofs face is ponding. It occurs when water from rain and melting snow pools on the roof, and if left undetected, can cause major leaks. One way of taking care of this problem is to install tapered rigid insulation. This installation reduces the problem of drainage caused by ponding by creating a slope and allowing water to flow freely. 2) Just like with any other roof, keep hanging branches away from roofs. Fallen leaves, dried branches, and debris can accumulate on the rooftop and pesky squirrels might call the roof their home, which can be hazardous to the health of your roof. 3) Flat roofs are susceptible to blistering, when water manages to pool itself between the roofing layers. The roof can become clogged with stagnant water if these blisters are large enough and not fixed on time. The best way to care of this issue is to cut and replace the blistered part of the roof. Blistered areas usually feel mushy and spongy to touch. 4) Look for cracks and punctures which can be a result of incorrect installation or may have formed when a penetration such as a heating outlet or skylight was added to the roof. Flat roofs constructed of felt are more prone to these problems because they aren’t flexible and can crack easily when an additional structure is added to them. 5) In places with heavy snowfall, flat roofs should be rid of piled snow if it’s more than a foot high. Use a rake or if it isn’t too dangerous, get up on the roof to remove the snow. Remember that this can be dangerous, so it’s advisable to hire the services of professionals who’re skilled at rooftop snow removal. 6) Make sure the flashing is in good shape. Flashing keeps the roof dry by creating a seal around the roof and preventing water from accumulating between the roofing materials. With the passage of time and inclement weather, you may find that pieces of flashing have come off, split or corroded, especially if it’s metal flashing.Depending upon how bad the flashing is, you may have to caulk it or replace it. 7) Use aluminum roof coating to extend the life of your flat roof. The thick roof coating has a shiny, reflective surface that bounces off the sun’s rays and keeps the roof cooler. It also seals cracks and gaps and prevents water leakage problems. It only makes sense to inspect a flat roof at regular intervals, given the fact that they are more vulnerable to problems associated with accumulation of water. Neglecting any problem will only lead to maintenance issues which can cost a bomb and leave you with no choice but to get the roof replaced instead of fixed. If you have to get your roof replaced, make sure you choose reliable contractors, such as Champion Window, who’ll do the job right so you don’t have to worry later. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your roof and provide greater security for your family! Author Bio:
Leah Hall has spent 7 years in the home improvement business. Leah loves to write and share information from her experience in roofing, replacement windows and doors, siding, constructing patio rooms and sun rooms. She has written some of the champion window for readers and writes for Champion Sunroom Reviews and other related topics of interest.
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