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How To Repair A Flat Roof

Sean Levine  |  January 18, 2023  |   |  No Comments

Dealing with a malfunctioning flat roof may be highly annoying, not to mention that if not done properly, a damaged roof can be extremely destructive to the entire integrity and value of your house. While all roof problems are difficult, a leak in a flat roof is especially difficult. Flat roof repair or business flat roof repair can range from quite basic to extremely difficult adjustments or rebuilding including extensive roof insurance claims, which is why you should hire a professional roofing company to assist with the repairs.

Ways to repair a leak are;

  • Determine the distance between the leak and the two nearest walls

Finding damaged areas on a flat roof can be difficult since water tends to flow for a long time before you notice it. Go inside your house to obtain an idea of where the leaks are coming from. Locate water-damaged areas that seem damp or discolored, then use a tape measure to estimate their relative position beneath the roof. You can also find leaks by smelling a damp, wet odor inside after a hard storm. To minimize further damage, leaks must be fixed as soon as possible.

  • Examine the slope of the roof above the area you measured

Climb onto your roof using a sturdy ladder. Be cautious, as being on the roof might be dangerous, especially in the winter. Go above the leaking location and look about, attempting to figure out how the water got down the roof and into the rooms below. The majority of flat roofs are not precisely flat. They frequently have a modest incline to direct water away from the sidewalls. This implies that water can enter into damaged areas higher on the roof and stream down to lower areas. Have a companion steady the ladder for you. Wear a harness and tie it to a chimney, temporary guardrail, or similar anchor point for further security.

  • Identify any roof punctures, rips, or fractures

These locations should be quite obvious. Water damage can occur in any location that appears worn out. The most severe areas of damage are major issues that must be addressed immediately, but little areas should not be overlooked. Take care of them straight away before they become major issues. Any opening that allows water in is an instant problem. If water gets through the roof, the timber framing beneath will decay and become unstable over time. Patching these areas will extend the life of your roof. Flat roofs can endure up to 25 years before they need to be replaced. If your roof is in poor condition, you may require repairs.

  • Examine the joints of the roof for cracks and holes

If the membrane on the roof appears to be secure, the sides may be leaking. Examine the roof's perimeter. Water can enter the structure through gaps between the roof and the walls, vents, chimneys, or metal flashing strips meant to repel water. These locations, like leaks in the membrane, can be fixed up. Any gaps or cracks will be filled with a suitable roofing caulk.

  • Sweep water and debris from the affected area

Always clean up any spots that need to be repaired. Any debris, gravel, or water left in the region may prevent the repair material from attaching to the roof. Furthermore, clearing the area allows you to see the damage more clearly. Use a stiff brush to clean the roof. Remove as much debris from the roof as possible.

  • Before attempting to treat any spots, make sure they are completely dry

Always dry out the roof before making repairs. Only remove moisture from any surfaces that will be treated with cement or sealer. Paper towels can be used to dab dry small surfaces. You can also use a propane torch, but be very careful not to set fire to your roof! Waiting for bright weather aids in the drying of the roof. If you need to treat a wide area or the entire roof, you should leave it a day or two to dry on its own.

  • With a utility knife, cut open blistering areas

Blisters like little bubbles on your roof. First, pop the blister by cutting into its core. You don't want to cut any deeper than the damaged section, so keep the cut shallow. Remove the damaged roofing material using a scraper. These spots form as a result of retained moisture and warming. Before attempting to fix the blister, ensure that the roofing beneath it is dry. If it seems moist, pat it dry with paper towels first.

  • Trim the damaged area until the membrane is flat

Most tiny punctures in your roof may be repaired simply by pressing sealant into them. That can be challenging at times. Make a shallow incision with a utility knife until you can remove material around the location without hurting the layers underneath it.

  • Make use of the damaged section as a guide

Cut until you're beneath the damage, then stop to avoid puncturing the rest of the material. A trowel can be used to raise broken areas. If the roofing material does not lay flat, cut tiny strips around the crack until it is level.

  • Using a trowel, apply a coating of roofing cement

An excellent roofing cement fills in and waterproofs gaps on various types of roofs. In the damaged area, apply a layer of cement 18 inches thick. Spread the cement 6 inches beyond the damage and smooth it out using a trowel. The fracture or hole should no longer be visible.

  • Mesh rolls are often available at home improvement stores

You may also shop at roofing supply stores or online. Fiberglass scrim is a lightweight tape that may be substituted for mesh. It is useful for sealing long, straight fissures. Cover the crack with scrim after filling it with caulk or cement.


Ultimately, hiring a roofer is the best approach to safeguard your roof. Please contact us at 68-38 Main Street #2 Flushing, NY 11367 (718) 489-4009 https://www.kingsqueensroofing.com

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