When is it Time to Change Your Flat Roof?

If you have a flat roof in Ottawa, you might want to know when it is time for a replacement. Neglecting a worn or damaged roof has a number of undesirable consequences, such as severe water damage, safety risks and decreased property value. Below, we have a list of signs to watch out for that will alert you when your roof is in a poor state – too poor to be fixed.

The Roof is Leaking

Flat roofs are by design meant to stop leakages. When you start experiencing leaks, this is one of the first signs that should tell you that your roof needs replacing. The most common cause of leakages is holes, and you should notice that the place where the leakages occur is discoloured due to moisture build up from water penetration in the top layers.

A Lot of Time Has Passed Since Installation

When thinking of replacing your flat roof, you should consider how much time has passed since you had it installed. When properly installed and maintained, you should get up to 25 years on your flat roof. But usually, these roofs last about 10 years before they start showing serious signs of needing replacement. Luckily, flat roof warranties usually last between 10-20 years.

Roof is Pooling

If you climb up your roof and notice there are pools of water, it might be time to replace it. To prevent flat roofs from pooling, a waterproof membrane is placed between the roofing membrane and the felt base. Then a sealant is used on the edges to prevent water from seeping in.

Since the water can’t go into the roof, it slides off and gets drained by the gutters. However, when the edges lose this sealant, the water drainage become less effective and you start seeing pools of water, which eventually leads to leakage.

Top Coating of the Roof Cannot Resist Strong Winds

If your flat roof is covered with rock and tar and you hear a fluttering sound on the roof when it is stormy or windy outside, it could mean one thing: your roof needs replacing. The sound you hear is a result of the tar-paper being blown off by strong winds, which exposes the roof’s inner layers.

Panels Have Disintegrated

If your flat roof is made of panels, they can sometimes start coming apart as they disintegrate. In some cases, you can be able to put them back together, but if you find that the disintegration is too extensive to do anything about it, it is time to call in your roofing contractor.

Does your flat roof need a replacement? Contact Wolfenburg Flat Roofing Ottawa now on 613-800-90-58 or at info@wolfenburginc.com to get a free, no-obligation quote. We are a reputable and experienced roofing contractor in Ottawa, and we have replaced hundreds of commercial and residential roofs. leaving nothing but satisfied customers after the job is done.