Re-roofing your flat roof - Experts Advice - Ottawa

There is a harsh reality we have to face about any roofing system (flat or otherwise): it will gradually decay until it eventually fails and be in need of replacing. No matter how much we try to maintain our flat roofs, failure is an inevitable fate. Not long after it fails will you start dealing with common roof problems, such as leaking, moisture, buckling, cracks and water pooling.

If you have a flat roof that needs replacing in Ottawa, you need to ensure that you get your money’s worth. We, at Wolfenburg Flat Roof Ottawa, have been re-roofing homes for decades and have the following expert advice to share:

Perform a Roof Inspection First

Before you hire a contractor to come and replace your roof, make sure you get it thoroughly inspected. If the inspection is being done by the roofer, ask them if they can get a third party to carry out the inspection for extra piece of mind. That way, the inspection can uncover any additional problems that can potentially render the new roof installation ineffective at doing its job – protecting your home.

Pick Materials Wisely

Not all roofing materials are made equal. The common roofing material you will run into includes thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polymerizing vinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and modified bitumen. Each has their own unique properties, costs, lifespans and warranties (usually between 10-20 years). This means you need to do your homework and find out which material suits your needs and budget.

Consider the Angle of the Roof

The angle of the roof can determine which roofing systems you can install. For example, certain roofing options, such as shingles, need water to run off them quickly otherwise they will gradually lose their effectiveness. If your flat roof doesn’t have a slope that is steep enough to produce this effect, you will start experiencing roof problems in a short amount of time.

Think About Water Problems

If pooling is the problem with your current roofing system, you must consider ways to make drainage more effective for your new roof. Not taking into account the drainage needs of your flat roof can drastically reduce its lifespan. For instance, if water pooling was a major problem with your previous roof, you might want to increase the slope of your new installation to allow adequate drainage. The recommended incline per foot is one-quarter to one-eighth of an inch per foot.

Hire a Local Flat Roofing Contractor

Not any contractor should re-roof your property. You need to hire one that specializes in flat roof installation if you want the job to be done right. Also, stick to local Ottawa-based contractors since they know the needs and requirements of installing and maintaining flat roofs in your location. Their recommendations definitely carry more weight.

If you have more questions about what you need to know before re-roofing your property in Ottawa, we are always delighted to give you answers. We have been re-roofing residential and commercials properties for many years and have plenty of knowledge to share so you can make sure your next flat roof replacement gives you more bang for your buck.

Call us on 613-800-90-58 or email us at info@wolfenburginc.com today.