While flat roofs have some advantages to a slanted roof, they usually require more maintenance. Flat roofs tend to hold moisture and debris instead of it washing off with rain. Sometimes you’ll even see quite a bit of vegetation growing on top of flat roofs that haven’t been cared for properly.
Check penetrations and flashing – It is always important that everything on the roof is sealed well, but this is even more so the case with a flat roof since the problems easily could be exasperated.
Clean off all vegetation – You might be able to remove all vegetation from your roof simply by using a broom if you get it done early enough. You should do it at least yearly but more often on roofs that have more surrounding vegetation. If you have a lot of vegetation growing, it might be necessary to hire some professional help to get it taken care of, and there might be leaks to fix as well.
Check for areas of damage – Even a small crack or hole in the wrong place can lead to serious water intrusion. To ensure additional roof protection, install a roof sealer or tar in conjunction with regular maintenance. Alternatively, hire a roofer to repair and upgrade your roof.
Puddles are unacceptable – If you notice that there are spots that hold water for a while after a rainstorm, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. Proper drainage on a flat roof is trickier, but it is also a lot more important. It doesn’t take long for standing water on your roof to do damage.
If your roof is maintained correctly, you could maximize its life span. However, when it reaches its typical lifespan, it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as possible.
