Flat Roof Leaking Problems

Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak.

Flat roof leaking problems.

Flat roof leaks are among the most common and the most undesirable. Flat roofs are known as being problematic with many suffering leaks. Some skylights are for pitched roofs and others for flat roofs only. Yet like all roofing styles flat roofs are subject to certain problems as time goes on.

Just like any roof a flat roof will develop leaks but since it s flat the water doesn t have anywhere to go but straight down. But even if you have to pay it s better than finding leaks after the damage is done. A small leak can go undetected for years causing huge damage before you notice anything. It s a good idea to inspect your roof regularly.

Leaks and moisture probably the most common problems with flat roofs leaks and lingering moisture are issues that can be dealt with effectively as long as you stay on top of them. Diagnosing the source of leaks on a flat or low slope roof. If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier such as at ceiling light fixtures. Some roof leaks are tough to locate.

Here are a few of the most common and easy to recognize signs of roof problems. But since it s a flat roof the water doesn t have anywhere to go but straight down. A leak in a flat roof can lead to eventual collapse and tons of property damage if you re not careful. Roof leveling can resolve minor drainage issues but more serious issues of ponding require changes to the underlying roof structure itself.

The problem with finding a leak in a flat roof that sets it apart from finding one in a sloped roof is that the water can run in any direction. Leaks and moisture another common problem with flat roofs is leaks. This article describes the location of the leak source on a flat or low slope roof and the repair of a leaky flat roof by application of a roofing sealant. If you own a commercial property that has a flat roof and would like to educate yourself about the threat of roof leaks then read on.

So all you need to do is simply follow it up to its source. So often they are the primary cause of a leak in a roof. First of all we should clear up a common misconception. Most of the time they do not leak from the beginning but it will take several years to become a problem.

Skylights have the function of bringing natural light into a dark area in a building. With a traditional sloped roof a leak can be found quite easily as water will flow in a downward motion. However in my own experience the problems with leaking flat roofs are usually as a result of either poor workmanship installing the roof membrane poor maintenance by the building owner or as a result of age. Flat roofs aren t actually flat.

But you can avoid the bulk of these problems with regular maintenance.