Flat roofs are seen on commercial and domestic properties across the country. They have become popular due to their quicker installation, lower costs and functional design.
However, the summer heat can pose many challenges for flat roofs, potentially leading to expensive repairs if not addressed by homeowners. Understanding these common problems and knowing how to prevent them can help maintain the integrity of your roof and extend its lifespan.
Read on as we look at some common flat roof problems and how to prevent them.
Common flat roof problems
During periods of hot weather, flat roofs can have several commonly occurring problems. Learning to recognise the signs before or as they occur is the first step in protecting your roof.
Some of these problems can occur during periods of hot weather, but not cause damage until heavy rainfall hits. That’s why you should consider them ahead of time to prevent any damage from occurring.
1. Thermal expansion/contraction
Flat roofs are especially susceptible to both thermal expansion and contraction. As temperatures rise, roofing materials are more likely to expand, before contracting when the temperatures drop.
While some amount of this effect is to be expected, excessive expansion/contraction can cause your roof to crack or split over time. In particularly hot weather, this process is further accelerated.
2. Water pooling
Flat roofs can also suffer water pooling. This occurs when there is insufficient water drainage, leading to water gathering on the surface of the roof. In hot weather, this water can evaporate, leaving behind debris that can clog drainage systems. This can then further harm your property by causing leaks and structural damage.
3. Sun damage
Excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm roofing materials. This causes them to become brittle and less effective at protecting the building. UV damage can lead to many issues, including cracking, blistering and the overall breakdown of the roof’s protective layers.
4. Shrinking membranes
Your roof’s membrane (a synthetic part of a roofing system) can shrink if exposed to long periods of heat. This shrinkage can cause the membrane system to pull away from its edges and seams. causing damage to your building’s waterproofing capabilities. This can then cause problems during periods of heavy rainfall – including leaks!
How to prevent these problems
Now that we’ve highlighted some of the most common problems that flat roofs can experience during periods of hot weather – it’s time to explore how we can address and prevent them from occurring. In many cases, a small amount of work will go a long way to safeguarding your flat roof during the summer months.
1. Inspect, inspect, inspect!
Conducting regular inspections and maintenance is your first line of defence when it comes to protecting your flat roof. By doing this, you can identify and address any potential issues before they snowball into major problems.
You should search for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, blistering or any cases of pooling water. It’s recommended that you schedule professional inspections at least twice a year, especially before and after the summer months.
Keep in mind that there are also many essential features that flat roofs should have:
- Waterproof covering
- Dry decking
- A slight fall
Double-checking that you have these features and that they’re working correctly is also a good way to safeguard yourself against any potential issues.
2. Reflective coatings
Reflecting coatings are a tried-and-tested way to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by roofing materials. Reflective coatings, sometimes called “cool roof” coatings, reflect more sunlight and both thermal expansion and UV damage.
These coatings also help to lower the temperatures indoors, reducing the need for you to spend money on air conditioning or cooling.
3. Drainage systems
You should strive to create a proper drainage system. Water pooling is a common issue with flat roofs, and you need to make sure you have the right system to prevent leaks and other issues.
This means regularly cleaning and maintaining your gutters and drainage systems to ensure they are free from debris. You can also add additional drainage solutions to enhance water removal from your roof’s surface.
4. High-quality roofing materials
This tip might only apply to those renewing their roof or building a new one – but high-quality materials are everything! Choosing heat-resistant roofing materials can help to mitigate the effect of hot weather on your flat roof.
You should search for materials designed to withstand UV exposure and thermal expansion, such as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) – also known as fibreglass roofing.
5. Ventilation
Another general tip is to improve the ventilation of your flat roof. Doing this will help to dissipate heat and reduce the stress caused by thermal expansion/contraction.
Creating a good ventilation system can also help to prevent any moisture build-up, reducing the risk of bubbling or blistering in your roof materials. Make sure that your roof has adequate ventilation systems in place, like vents or exhaust fans, to promote airflow.
6. Install a green roof
A green roof, sometimes called a living roof, is a roof design that covers the space with vegetation. The ingenious thing about this design is that this vegetation can provide natural insulation and protection against UV rays.
This can help to maintain a more consistent temperature and prevent many of the problems we outlined above. There are also additional benefits to installing a green roof, like reducing the runoff of rainwater, and improving the overall air quality in your area.
All that said, it does require more maintenance than other roof types and installation can be complicated.
Diagnose and prevent flat roof problems with DPR Pontefract
If you need help diagnosing or preventing your flat roof during the hot summer months – DPR Pontefract is here to help!
With over 35 years of experience, we can assist you with everything from identifying problems to installing reflective coatings or additional drainage systems. We provide a range of roofing services, operating throughout the Pontefract area.
From creating new roofs to roof renewals, our experienced team can help you. Contact us today on 01977 220016 to speak with our expert team.