Flat roofs are becoming more and more popular in the UK. They are commonly found on small buildings, home extensions and garages. Although flat roofs are fairly durable, like with all parts of a building, there will come a time when it is necessary to carry out repairs. This is especially true if you find that you are having trouble with leaks and draughts. These issues will only get worse if you do not attend to them. Whilst you could do a DIY job, repairing flat roofs presents a number of challenges and risks, so it is advised that you seek expert help.
Common problems with flat roofs
Although people often think flat roofs are more likely to leak than pitched roofs, this is not strictly true. Flat roofs are only more likely to develop leaks if they have not been installed properly or have been made from poor quality materials. If you find that your flat roof is leaking, patching repairs will need to be carried out.
Not all leaks are caused by poor installations or low quality installations, sometimes it is simply down to the fact that materials are coming to the end of their natural lifespan or that damage has been done to the roof. If this is the case it is more than likely that you will need to have your flat roof replaced, however it really does depend on how long you are planning on living in your house.
Sometimes air can get trapped between the layers of your felt roof, which can cause blistering and result in the separation of the waterproofing layers. Again, this problem could be due to poor installation, but it could also be the result of felt movement. When felt is exposed to direct sunlight, it softens, before going brittle. When felt is brittle it is more likely to crack, effecting the construction of your roof.
Why get the experts in?
If you are into DIY, you could have a go at fixing your flat roof yourself, but do you already have the right tools and equipment for the job? Tools and equipment can be expensive so rather than having to go out and buy them yourself, you could actually save money by having your flat roof repaired or replaced by experts.
Sometimes people can make their flat roofs even more problematic by trying to carry out DIY maintenance. Not all roofs are designed to walk on and if your roof has become soft and soggy from excess moisture, you could end up putting your foot through it and injuring yourself. There is also a risk of you falling.
Experts will be able to examine the condition of your roof and ensure they take the necessary precautions before attempting to stand on the roof. They will also have had years of experience fixing roofs and will have little trouble with heights or worries of falling.
A final reason to call in the experts to fix your flat roof is so you can gain valuable advice. A professional roofer is the only person that can tell you if your roof can be fixed or whether it needs replacing. Sometimes flat roofs can be repaired in the short term, but not the long term. You may decide the short term fix is the right solution if you only plan on staying in your home for a year or two more.
Conclusion
Although you have the option to have a go at fixing your flat roof yourself, it pays to have it done professionally. Not only will it prevent you from risking injury to yourself, but it will also give you the peace of mind that experts have repaired your roof to a high standard and can guarantee its safety.
Image credits: EPDM Rubber Flat Roofing & unknowndomain
