How Often Should A Flat Roof Be Replaced

Curled Shingles And Bald Spots

Shingles can curl in two ways cupping, when the edges turn upward, or clawing, when edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up. Both could indicate that:

• Moisture has built up underneath the shingles due to poor ventilation in the attic
• Shingles were improperly installed
• Old age and wear from direct sunlight and weathering

Bald spots on your shingles mean that the granules have started to fall off and expose the asphalt underneath. Tip: look in your gutter for shingles granules. If rain carries them into your gutters, its likely your roof needs replacement.

How To Know If You Need A Flat Roof Replacement

A sound and solid roof plays a vital role in protecting your home. A compromised roof wont protect your house from water damage, such as structural rot, mold issues, electrical problems and compromised insulation.

Its important to inspect your roof twice a year, ideally in the spring and the fall. When you clean your gutters is a perfect time to assess its condition.

First, check from inside the house and attic. Keep a look out for the following conditions:

• Sagging ceiling or roof deck
• Signs of leaks or water damage
• Dark spots and trails
• Daylight showing through the roof
• Confirm all bath, kitchen and dryer vents discharge entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space.

Next, check the ground around your home for shingles or shingle fragments that have blown off the roof. Excessive shingle loss suggests its time to replace the roof.

Now pull out that ladder and check your gutters. This is important: Take every safety precaution when climbing ladders or getting on the roof. If you cant do it safely, call a professional.

• Inspect the gutters for excessive shingle granules , a sign of advanced wear
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached
• Check that all drains are open and allow water to exit
• Confirm all gutters and downspouts are free of debris

Lastly, inspect the roof itself. Look for:

Benefits of Flat Roof Replacement

Signs That Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced

Inspecting your roof can be easily done with the help of a flashlight as you safely climb atop your roof. To determine whether your roof needs to be replaced, you should check for signs of:

• Sagging in the roof deck
• Leaking/water damage
• Missing shingles
• Mold, rot, or moisture

If youre seeing any of these signs, its likely that your roof does indeed need to be replaced. At times like these, it also helps to have a firm grasp of the expected lifespan of your roofing materials. Information on residential and commercial roofing material life expectancies can be found in the previous chapters. You can also consult your roofing contractor or manufacturer directly for further detail.

You May Like: How To Put A Metal Roof On A Deck

How To Choose A Flat Roof Replacement Contractor

The single most important factor in getting the most of your flat roof replacement is working with the right flat roof contractor. Hiring the right contractor can mean you get high-quality roofing materials rather than low-quality materials, a long-lasting roof rather than a roof that only lasts a few short years, and a stress-free roof replacement process rather than a stressful one.

If you have a flat roof, you need a flat roof contractor. Many roofing contractors specialize in sloped or pitched roofs but have little-to-no experience working with flat and low-sloped roofs.

Whether your roof needs repair or a full replacement, its important to find a flat roof contractor you can trust to help you make major decisions regarding your home. A good flat roofing contractor will be able to inspect your roof and let you know for sure whether its time for a flat roof replacement or not.

When you choose a flat roof contractor, dont choose solely based on the price. By investing in a high-quality flat roof replacement with professional and expert installation now, you can rest easy for years to come.

Flat Roof Repair From Splitting

Splitting is a rather common problem for flat roofs, occurring when the felt or asphalt material covering the roof suffers from cracks or tears. This doesnt just affect the outer appearance of the roof, but it can also allow water to get in through the gaps and into the interior of your property, resulting in leaks and damage from damp which can be difficult to fix in itself.

Splits in the roofing material can be caused by a number of things, including wear and tear from exposure to the elements, stresses on the material , water pooling, freeze-thawing or simply poor workmanship when the roof was first installed or recently repaired.

If you have noticed staining or the beginning signs of damp appearing on the ceiling or on the tops of the walls inside your property underneath the flat roof, this can also be a sign of splitting or other damage to the roof that is allowing in water.

Repairing a split can be a quick and simple fix, with the damaged area of material needing to be removed, the underneath cleaned and dried and a new section of material being laid over some new adhesive.

If you are confident with DIY you can realistically carry out this type of flat roof maintenance yourself, although it is recommended that you hire a professional to perform the repair as this means a high-quality repair that wont affect any insurance claims should your roof suffer from any major damage later on.

Also Check: Do It Yourself Metal Roofing Kits

Need A Flat Roof Repair Or Replacement

With all of the above information in mind, its always good to find a trusted roofing professional to do an inspection on the condition of your roof.

Many companies will offer a free inspection to figure out what stage the customers roof is in. After that, it will typically offer an annual maintenance program. These programs will cover basic upkeep like cleaning scuppers, inspection of base flashings, basic caulking issues, and a visual inspection of roof surfaces.

Wondering what stage your roof might be in? Contact our team today. Wed be happy to conduct an inspection of your roof or answer any questions you might have!

What Is A Flat Roof

A flat roof provides a level surface to your home. Many homeowners have concerns about the increased chance of standing water and damage. However, your flat roof will have a membrane at the top of your home or building. The membrane can consist of several types of waterproof materials. Most flat roofs will use roofing felt as a base to the structure. The membrane will be placed on a structural base, and it stays put between the deck and flat roof. This material is also used as a vapor barrier.

You will need the vapor barrier to prevent any moisture from developing between the layers of the flat roof. If you are worried about moisture, there are a few components that can seal the edges of your roof, such as metal flashing. With the flashing, the water is moved away from the roof and directed into the gutter. All the excess water proceeds off the roof as you stay protected in your house.

Recommended Reading: How Much Does It Cost To Insulate A Roof

Signs That You Should Replace Your Flat Roof

• Written by Tonie Batson on Apr 20, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by

• 1

You might have a flat roofand if so perhaps you are wondering when you are going to have to replace it? Unlike a peaked roof where you can see the shingles coming apart, you will have a little visual indication that your flat roof is worn out. With a flat roof, you have to watch out for leaks especially. The maintenance of your roof will have a lot to do with how long it lasts.

When To Replace A Natural Slate Roof

Natural roofing slates, like clay roof tiles, have very long lifespans with many roof slates from leading manufacturers such as SSQ, currently being offered with guarantees between 75 years and 100 years.

Older slates – particularly Welsh slates can often last in excess of 200 years, and are relatively unaffected by the weather – after all they have survived millions of years underground before being quarried and shaped into roofing slates!

However, when roof slates start to delaminate or crack – often as a result of frost damage – this should be seen as a clear sign to replace them.

Usually just replacing the cracked slates is just a temporary solution, as usually they all fail at a similar time, so cracking and delaminating should be seen as an indicator that the roof will need to be replaced.

Don’t Miss: A Cut Above Roofing Cookeville Tn

Contact Capitol Improvements For A Flat Roof Replacement Quote

If you live in the Washington, D.C. area and are looking for a flat roof installation or replacement, contact us at Capitol Improvements for a quote on your flat roof replacement.

We work with Enerbank to offer flexible financing for roof replacements that can help you pay for a high-quality flat roof as soon as you need it.

Best of all, we have experience working on flat roofs for over 30 years, and we offer a quality guarantee for our work and the materials we use.

How Long Will Replacement Take

Depending on the type of flat roof you have chosen, there will be a variation in the amount of time you should expect to spend replacing the system. Remember, you need to factor in time for both removal and installation. The table below, estimated by myjobquote, provides average estimates for replacement times based on the scale of the roof space.

Timeframe will also depend on the type of material you are using and the experience you have with using it. For example, EPDM can take up to 8-12 hours and then up to another full day to re-install. Whereas a simpler option such as self-adhesive felt may take less due to a simpler installation process.

It is recommended that you give yourself at least a weekend to complete and go back for extra checking. This will ensure that job is completed safely and not left unfinished.

You May Like: How To Temporarily Fix A Leaking Roof

Flat Roof Replacement Guide

Practical, reliable and contemporary in appearance, flat roofs can be spotted on a range of industrial, commercial and residential buildings across the UK. With faster, more affordable installation and straightforward maintenance and upkeep, flat roofing is the perfect choice for those who want a sleek, minimalist look minus the hassle.

But what happens when your flat roof is in need of a replacement? On average, flat roofing may need replacing or at least repairing around every 15 20 years. Thankfully, the replacement process is pretty straightforward and wont leave you too out of pocket. In this article, we will talk you through everything you need to know about replacing your flat roof. With materials, budget, timescale and tell-tale signs that a replacement is required, we will discuss all aspects of the replacement process so you can get the job done stress-free.

Flooding Pooling & Sagging

Once again, with a lot of cases of minor water pooling, you may be able to fix the issue with repairs to the existing roofing system. However, if the water pooling/flooding/sagging has been a long-term problem, this may have led to further damages such as rotting or leakages. At this point, it may be time to consider replacing the entire roof and starting again.

Also Check: How To Install Snow Rails On A Metal Roof

How Do You Extend The Life Of A Flat Roof

Maintaining and Extending the life of your existing flat roof

How Often Do Flat Roofs Need Replacing

If you have a flat roof, you want to know about the longevity of this style. These roofs are different from peaked roofs, and they have specific needs to help maintain them. For those homes with flat roofs, here are a few things that you need to know about the durability of your roof.

Read Also: How Much Does Rv Armor Roof Cost

Do I Need Flat Roof Repair Or Replacement

When looking to fix a problem with your commercial roof, there are a few options to consider:

• Repair
• Recover
• Replacement

Before you can decide, youll want to ask yourself the following questions first, as this will help guide you in the right direction.

Lastly Metal Roofs Last The Longest Without The Need For Any

. How often should you replace the roof of your home. Ad Dont Settle for Expensive and Improper Roofing Work. Roofing made from wood shakes can last up to 40 years before replacement is needed.

The most important thing to note in metal roofs is to know when to replace the metal roof. While the structure should last as long as your home poor weather can lead to the. Read on to know how often a metal roof needs to be replaced for your house.

Enter Zip for Free Quotes. If you have appropriately thatched roofs. Request Your Free Roofing Estimate from Top Rated Local Contractors in Your Area.

Ideally a flat felt roof should be regularly inspected for leaks at least annually and these should be repaired as soon as they are identified. Over time the roofing felt will. Galvalume or metal roofing materials have an estimated lifespan of 30 to 45 years and.

You can expect architectural asphalt shingles to last a bit longer at an average of 25 to 30 years. Book and Pay Online. Ad Your Local Trusted Roofing Company Serving Central NJ.

More to replace than basic-grade white vinyl. Contact Us Today To Schedule a No-Obligation Free Roofing Estimate. Three Revealing Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced.

Believe it or not thatched roofs can last from 40 to 50 years. Quality Service Workmanship. 15 to 30 years.

Roof Replacement Gary Average Cost To Replace 2000 Sq Ft Roof Using that figure as an example to have a 2000-square-foot home. 12 to 20 years. 15 to 30 years.

Also Check: How To Determine How Many Shingles Needed For Roof

When Do I Know If I Need To Replace My Flat Roof

As mentioned earlier, it can be challenging to determine whether to repair a flat roof or replace it. There are a few warning signs youll want to keep an eye out for, these will let you know that you may need to have your roof repaired or replaced. Once the roof develops holes or you start experiencing leaks, you should replace it. One major indication of a leaking roof is discoloration in the ceiling. It is often caused by the moisture penetrating and building up below the roofs layers. Additionally, you will have to replace the flat roof when you notice that the large roof panels are disintegrating. When in this state, the roof will require a complete overhaul.

Best Options For Flat Roof Replacement

Spray-applied coatings Seal and protect your flat roof design from water damage with a spray-applied coating. It will cover the seams in EPDM roofs for added longevity. Application is tedious, but when sprayed correctly, it increases your flat roofs life expectancy.

Modified bitumen Rolled on using a blowtorch that secures the roofing material, modified bitumen is cost effective, energy efficient, and easy and quick to install. Installation can be dangerous, however, requiring one of our many trained and certified professional crews at Rooftop Designs.

Built-up roof Made of tar and gravel, built-up flat roofs are one of the most popular flat roof design plans because theyre an efficient insulator, durable with many layers, and generally aesthetically pleasing. Those layers make the roof very heavy, however. If you dont already have a BUR, its important we discuss adding extra roof support due to the weight of this type of flat roofing. Homeowners are not recommended to be present during installation, as the process can be dangerous.

EPDM Ethylene propylene diene monomer is a type of synthetic rubber roofing made from a mixture of recycled materials that are durable, easy to install, and inexpensive. Thermoplastic polyolefin is another term for this type of roofing. Opt for spray-applied EPDM roofing to avoid the risk of seams pulling away from the roof during a seaming installation.

Recommended Reading: How Much Is A New Roof In California