How to Maximize the Benefits of Your Flat Roof House: A Guide to Proper Maintenance
“A flat roof house is a symbol of modern living, a perfect blend of form and function.” — Unknown
Are you a homeowner or property manager with a flat-roof house?
Or maybe you’re a homebuilder looking to embark on your first roofing project.
Many real estate projects now incorporate flat roofs thanks to their flexibility.
However, some builders are hesitant to install flat roofs on their buildings owing to the widespread belief that they leak often.
With roofs being one of the critical factors that protect the integrity of a house, this blog will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of flat roofs.
Key takeaways
- Regular inspection of a flat roof is crucial for identifying and fixing damages before they worsen.
- Keep the roof clean and free of debris to prevent clogs and drainage problems.
- Apply a protective coating to extend the lifespan of the roof and improve energy efficiency.
- Consider upgrading the insulation to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
- Proper maintenance can significantly prolong flat roof lifespan and save homeowners money in the long run.
Flat Roof House Advantages
Flat roofs may appear flat, but they actually have a gentle slope between ¼” and ½" per foot. This slope is enough to ensure proper drainage when the installation is done correctly.
That said, flat roofs are a popular choice for modern homes and buildings, thanks to several advantages.
Cost-effective
Considering that they require less material and labor to construct, as well as less time to install, flat roofs are more affordable than pitched roofs.
Energy efficient
Flat roofs are energy-efficient, so they can help keep power bills down. Insulating the roof prevents heat from escaping, maintaining warmth during the cold season.
Likewise, in the summer, you can keep the house cool with a flat roof designed for a reflective surface against direct sunlight.
Easy to access
Owing to their horizontal surface, flat roofs are easier to access and inspect for damage. This allows you to identify and repair any damage before it gets out of hand.
Extra living space
You can use a flat roof as additional living space, providing a terrace, rooftop deck, or garden. You can even install a rooftop swimming pool.
Flexible design
While pitched roofs are rigid, flat roofs are more flexible, allowing for a more contemporary façade. Plus flat roofs are ideal for solar installation and rainwater harvesting.
Flat Roof House Disadvantages
With great benefits come great responsibilities, and maintaining a flat roof is no exception. Without proper maintenance and repairs, a flat-roof house can soon become a liability.
Here are some of the disadvantages of a flat-roof house:
Ponding
Ponding refers to water collecting on the surface of a roof, which can occur when the roof’s drainage is poor. This can damage the roof membrane and result in leaks and other maintenance issues.
Leaking
Flat roofs are more prone to leaks due to their flat surface. This can lead to pools of water and membrane penetration, potentially causing roof damage. It is important to address leaks immediately to avoid costly repairs.
Weathering
Over time, the roof membrane may get damaged because of weathering. Exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and other environmental factors all play a part in weathering. This results in cracks and other types of roof damage.
Bubbles and Blisters
As moisture is trapped between the layers of roofing material, flat roofs are susceptible to developing blisters and bubbles. Eventually, these bubbles may rupture, exposing the roof’s inner layers.
Flat Roof House Maintenance
Flat roofs require more maintenance than pitched roofs thanks to their flat surface and higher risk of damage.
But with routine maintenance, you can minimize the problems whilst extending the roof’s lifespan.
Some maintenance tasks include:
Cleaning the roof
To avoid debris accumulation and ensure drainage, regular roof cleaning is important. The accumulation of leaves, branches, and other debris on the roof can clog the drainage system and result in stagnant water.
This will encourage algae and mildew, eventually leading to leaks. Use a broom or leaf blower to sweep away any debris before using a power washer to fully clean the roof.
Inspect for damage
Regular roof inspections are needed to identify damage early and prevent worsening. Inspect the roof at least twice a year — in the spring and fall, as well as after severe weather events.
During the inspection, look for evidence of blistering, tears, fractures, and punctures on the roof membrane.
Moreover, look for any damage to the gutters, flashing, and downspouts. Make repairs immediately after detecting any damage.
Repair cracks and leaks
To avoid water damage to the roof’s structure and the building’s interior, fix any cracks and leaks as soon as possible.
First, identify the leak source, then meticulously clean around it.
Depending on the type of roof, you can repair damage by applying a sealant, patch, or waterproof cement. Consult a roofing expert for larger cracks or leaks.
Tips for Preventing Damage to a Flat Roof
Proper drainage
To prevent leaks and damage to the roof membrane, flat roofs must have proper drainage. Ensure there are no obstructions in the drainage system and that the downspouts direct water away from the building’s foundation.
Heavy foot traffic
Unless it’s made of a concrete slab, refrain from walking on the roof to prevent leaks and damage to the roof membrane. If access to the roof is necessary, spread your weight evenly, or use wood planks as a walkway.
Overhanging trees
Debris from overhanging trees can fall on the roof, damaging the roof membrane. To avoid debris accumulating on the roof, trim overhanging branches regularly.
Flat Roof Houses for Sale in Kenya
Two factors — reduced land sizes and the high cost of timber — have contributed to the popularity of flat-roof apartments in urban areas in Kenya.
Many of these buildings sit on an eighth of an acre, and after laying the brick and mortar, residents are left with little to no space for other activities.
Homebuilders can make the most of vertical space with a flat-roof design that can accommodate different activities and functions.
Besides climate change, the rising cost of timber, and roofing materials are more reasons to adopt a flat roof design.
Whereas drainage is the obvious drawback, intense rainfall, and humidity in certain areas of the country are other factors to consider when designing a flat roof.
How to Waterproof a Flat Roof
It’s important to know the available roofing options before building your house or replacing an old roof.
The following are 5 effective ways to waterproof a flat roof building:
1. Modified bitumen
Also called “roll roofing,” this roofing method involves applying a bitumen coating. Bitumen consists of asphalt modified to increase durability and weather resistance.
Bitumen is applied in two or three layers, heated, and bound together. Modified bitumen can be granulated or smooth on the surface, and it lasts for over 10 years.
2. PVC membrane
Commercial projects often employ PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing, a single-ply roofing membrane. PVC membrane is a synthetic polymer that withstands water, UV rays, and other environmental elements.
Thanks to its remarkable strength and durability, PVC roofing offers a 20+ year lifespan without breaking or deteriorating.
3. Liquid applied membrane
A relatively new technology, this roofing option involves applying a liquid membrane directly to the roof surface.
After drying, the liquid hardens into a smooth, impervious covering that fits the roof’s contours. This option is ideal for easy application and waterproofing irregularly shaped roofs.
Furthermore, you can use liquid-applied membranes on both flat and pitched roofs.
It’s also suitable for use on a variety of surfaces including:
· Metal
· Concrete
· PVC
· TPO
· EPDM
· Modified bitumen
· Built-up roof (BUR)
· Spray polyurethane foam
4. Concrete roofing
Concrete roofing involves pouring a concrete slab over the roof surface and topping it with a waterproof coating.
Concrete roofing examples include the Beam and Block system, a slab system made of precast T-beams, and lightweight infill solid or hollow blocks.
Beam and block flat roofs offer a tidy, streamlined, and compact appearance that makes them suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.
With that in mind, the ideal concrete roofing incorporates three-tier waterproofing:
i. Waterproofing cement
ii. Waterproofing sealants
iii. Terrazzo or ceramic tile finish
5. Built-Up Roof (BUR)
Traditionally made of hot tar and gravel, a built-up roof, or BUR, is a time-tested roofing system in use for more than a century. Of course, today’s materials are more modern.
Ply sheets, layers of bitumen or asphalt, and a covering material such as stone or gravel are the main components of built-up roofs. A BUR roofing system can last for over 15 years without wear and tear.
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