Friday, March 22, 2024
HomeFlatHow To Find A Leak In A Flat Roof

How To Find A Leak In A Flat Roof

Flat Roof Repair: A Guide On What To Do

How To Find A Leak On A Flat Roof

by BarrettM | Aug 25, 2020 | Blog |

Dealing with a flat leaky roof can be extremely frustrating, not to mention that if things are not done properly, the leaky roof can be extremely detrimental to your propertys overall integrity and value.

While all roof leaks are problematic, a leak in a flat roof is particularly complicated.

Flat roof repair or commercial flat roof repair can range from somewhat simple to incredibly complex fixes or even reconstruction that involves complicated roof insurance claims and experienced professional support.

  • Cost to Repair Flat Roof vs. Flat Roof Replacement
  • How To Prevent Water Infiltration

    Many preventive measures can help you avoid water ingress. First of all, roof maintenance is essential, and even more so if you have a flat roof. In fact, you must be on the lookout for any accumulation of water on your roof that could cause a leak, especially after a heavy rainfall. You must ensure that rainwater drainage is optimal on your roof and that it does not stagnate. If water accumulates frequently and remains there for a long time, it may be a problem with the roof slope, which you will have to adjust to promote better drainage.

    Next, check the condition of your gutters and clean them twice a year, in the fall and spring. Gutters that are clogged or obstructed by debris, such as leaves or branches, will not allow water to drain properly, which could cause infiltration. If you wish to limit the risk of debris build-up, you can install gutter guards, which will prevent leaves and other debris from getting inside the eavestroughs.

    Finally, regularly inspect the membrane of your flat roof to prevent water infiltration. Regular maintenance will not only prevent leaks and keep your roof healthy for years to come, it will also prevent you from having to replace your roof due to careless maintenance!

    Clinique de la toiture FCA in Montreal near Laval can help you with roof maintenance and repairs, as well as provide sound advice on how to maintain your roof contact us today! We also serve Montreal North, Montreal East and other boroughs.

    Epdm Rubber Roof Repair

    Tears and cuts are the banes of this roofing system, and they are the most common problem for a rubber-based roof. Cracks, holes and cuts are the results, and they wreak havoc with your roofing system. Using a lap sealant can fill the gaps, but you shouldnt use too much in case an extensive repair is required later. For an air of permanence for the repair you need, you can use an EPDM primer that you apply to the area. Once the primer is dry, apply self-adhesive rubber tape use your judgment when applying tape to make sure you have covered the circumference and then some. Use a roller to spread from the inside out to make sure the hole is filled and patch if tightly affixed to the area.

    Read Also: Hydro Stop Roof Coating Cost

    How To Find A Roof Leak: No Attic Flat & Infrared

    While you may see a wet spot on your ceiling or water dripping from the ceiling, finding the exact location of the leak can be quite a tricky task. In fact, a large part of fixing a leak entails correctly identifying the source of the leak.

    What makes it to find roof leaks is that water works in a very different way from other substances. In our experience, most leaks occur way higher than the area you observe them from. For example, a leak can occur at the top of the roof then water flows along the roofing and only appears on your ceiling at the point where the roofing beams meet.

    The strategy youâll need to identify the source of the roof leak will depend on the actual source of the leak. While some leaks can be identified from the house, others will need going into the attic. Still, others may require you to climb on the roof or even pour water on it to check how it behaves.

    Checking Ice Dam Leaks

    Flat Roof Leaks

    Ice dams form when melting snow from the upper sections of the roof is cooled to ice at the edge of the roof. As more water flows from the upper sections of the roof, the ice dam grows larger with time. Besides exerting unnecessary weight on the roof, the ice dam holds water on the shingles for long periods of time. The water can easily find its way into the roof leading to leaks and eventual rots.

    While you can climb into the attic to check the leak from an ice dam, there isnât anything you can do from that angle. The best way is to remove the ice and snow from the roof then check for the area affected by the ice dam and what led to the leak.

    In some cases, you might not even find the leak after the ice dam is removed. This is because the leak could be due to the pressure exerted on the roof and not necessarily a broken part of the roof. The weight of the ice may warp some areas or undo a seal letting water into the roof. When the ice is removed, the part may recover its original shape and level of sealing.

    In our view, the best way is to remove ice dams as soon as possible since they may lead to the formation of ice on the whole roof. This puts a lot of pressure on the roof with the likelihood that the whole roof could come down.

    You May Like: How Often Should A Roof Be Replaced

    How Do I Fix My Leaky Flat Roof

    How do I fix my leaky flat roof?

    Can a flat roof be repaired? The general rule of thumb. As a general rule, you can repair most flat roofs if: The leak is caused by an impact such as a slipped tile, tree branch or similar. the leak is caused by a single point hole, tear, or isolated localized problem and not indicative of a more widespread problem.

    What is the best product to repair a flat roof? Most flat roofs are made of asphalt, rubber, PVC, or another synthetic material. Rubber and synthetic membranes are often simple to fix with adhesive patches, while asphalt can be repaired with caulking or resealed with bitumen.

    Do roofers fix leaks? How is the roof leak repaired? If the leak is coming from the flashing around the chimney, a roofer will simply come in and flash the area around it. If its coming from the mortar joints, theyll need to apply a masonry water repellent to seal it.

    Flat Roof Repair Options

    If you own property with a flat roof, chances are that you have a roof warranty that may range from 5 for up to 20 years.

    Accordingly, even if you know you are capable of repairing your roof on your own, it would be wise to call the original company that installed it for repairs if possible.

    That way, youll have legal recourse to recoup your funds and any damages if the repair is not performed properly.

    Although, if your roof warranty is up, you can attempt simple repairs yourself, but as always, call in flat roof specialists if you have any doubts or hesitations about performing the work on your own.

    In fact, hiring a roofing repair specialist is generally the best way to protect your investment.

    Finding a flat roof repair specialist is easy, Google search flat roof repair near me and ask for a free roof inspection and their local reviews.

    Not sure how to hire a roofer?

    Start with our latest write-up on roofers in my area using our provided roofer hiring checklist.

    Recommended Reading: New Roof Cost California

    Can I Claim On House Insurance For A Leaking Flat Roof

    Claiming on your home insurance for a roof leak is a tricky matter. Often, if the leak was not caused by an unexpected event such as a heavy storm or a falling tree, this damage would fall under general wear and tear and youd have to pay for any repairs yourself. Your insurer will look for obvious signs of external damage that may have caused the roof leak, such as damage to your roofing membrane. If no such damage exists, you are likely out of luck.

    Applying The Roof Sealant Paint Or Coating

    Flat Roof Leaks

    Watch out: Inspect the roof surface very carefully everywhere, on hands and knees, to be double sure you have not left any un-sound roof coating or loose areas that need more scraping and cleaning.

    And do not start applying roof sealant coatings if you are not confident that your roof will have adequate drying time before any incoming rainy weather.

    Watch out: sweep again before you start pouring out roof coating. You may be surprised how much more dirt and debris you’ll collect.

    Watch out: plan your work sequence, starting at the area of the roof most distant from your ladder or exit point.

    Above you can see we’ve poured out a dollop of our roof coating material and have begun to spread the roof sealant.

    Take extra care to seal the juncture of roof surface with any parapets on a concrete roof. I’m using a disposable long-handled brush that makes the application of roof sealant faster and more comfortable. If you try this with a little paint brush you’ll be sorry.

    I’m pulling a thick roll of roof sealant in front of the brush edge .

    If I don’t see that I’ve got that leading roll of sealant on the front edge of my brush I know I need to pick up more from the poured out coating. As the sealant is applied I stop and brush sealant into the joint of roof top and parapet wall, and I inspect for any bubbles, cracks, or pits that are forming voids in the coating.

    If necessary I brush back and forth a few strokes to be sure these are completely closed and sealed.

    Don’t do that.

    Don’t Miss: Shed Eave Overhang

    Flat Roof Repairs Vs Flat Roof Replacement Options

    We might be generalizing, but most contractors want you to believe that repairing a flat roof is a waste of time and money.

    They will likely tell you that once you notice a leak, the damage to the roof is so significant that patching or repairing it will be a short-term fix at best and last less than one year.

    And whats worse, water might still be seeping in and causing mold, rot and other major problems.

    How to know when it would be smarter to put the money toward a new roof? Ask yourself these questions:

    • Is your roof generally in good condition?
    • Did hail cause a roof hail damage or was it caused by wind roof damage?
    • Is the damaged area small and can it be easily covered?

    If these conditions are met a roof repair is probably the best option.

    However, there is one major condition the repair flat roof must be done properly. If youre confident in your abilities, you can DIY it but if youre not, reach out to a well-reviewed and recommended roof contractor.

    Helpful Tips On Finding Leaks On A Flat Roof

    April 22, 2019 by Ryan Benine

    When you notice a leak on your flat roof, you need to take care of the problem as soon as possible to prevent more expensive repairs. But you first need to locate the source of the roof leaks. Our experts have a few tips on how to find leaks on your propertys flat roof.

    Know Where Water Can Go

    Unlike in other types of roofing systems, a flat roof has a very shallow pitch, meaning that water from a leak can travel a lot farther than on a sloped roof. A leak running down your walls could be coming from several meters away, so be prepared to do some tracking.

    Check the Insulation

    Flat roof leaks caused by punctures could flow straight down into the more vulnerable areas of the roof. Check your roof insulations for signs of moisture damage, and start your search from there. You may need to get help from our repair experts to properly track down the source of the leak.

    Remember Your Flat Roofs Weak Spots

    A flat roof has specific weak spots depending on the roofing material. For example, thermoplastic olefin roofing tends to develop leaks around the edges while rubber roofs typically have problems the fasteners. Modified bitumen roofing will usually have leaks near flashed areas and sealed seams between the rolls.

    Check for Other Potential Problem Spots

    A roof leak can be a sign that your flat roof may have more problems down the road. An inspection by a qualified roofer will identify problem areas so you can get them fixed before they fail.

    Read Also: Attic Trusses Cost

    How To Find A Roof Leak Without Attic Access

    It is becoming more common for builders to make homes with inaccessible attics. Other homes have only vaulted or cathedral ceilings, with no attic at all. In either case, you cannot go up to the attic to investigate. Instead, you have to call a roofer to get onto the roof and conduct an investigation. While you shouldnt do this yourself, you might be curious about what your roofer is looking for and which parts of your roof might be causing the leak. If so, heres a guide to what may have caused your roof leak.

    The Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks

    There are many potential causes of roof leaks. Improper installation of a roof component or feature may cause a roof leak. Damage to any part of the roof may also cause a leak. Here are some common causes of roof leaks that you may want to know more about:

    How To Locate A Flat

    Roofers help you with Flat Roof Leak Repair!

    The difficulty of locating a flat-roof leak depends on roofing materials. A built-up roof covered with gravel may make finding a leak more of a challenge. Singly-ply roofing membranes simplify the leak location process. Find out more about the measures professionals take to pinpoint the location of roof damage causing a leak. The condition of the roof and severity of damage determine whether the next step is a repair or commercial roof replacement.

    You May Like: Adding Eaves To Gable End

    Checking For Leaks From Roof Gutters

    Roof gutters have the simple task of collecting and directing water from the roof to a specific location. This role can be hampered by various aspects including disjointed parts, clogs or even holes in the gutter. Water escapes the gutter and goes to the roof leading to rots and other issues.

    To find this kind of leak, youâll have to inspect the whole gutter all around the house. Itâs a kind of leak thatâs very easy to find. If you canât find it with ground observation, youâll do much better with a ladder to inspect it from above. For gutters above the second floor where a ladder canât reach, youâll need an expert to get on the roof and inspect them.

    Can You Reseal A Flat Roof

    Unfortunately, finding a roof leak is often not as simple as looking directly above any damp patches. This is because water entering your roof space can run along in any number of directions before leaking through the frame and into the room below. Once this has been repaired, you can now seal your roof.

    Recommended Reading: Rv Roof Repair Cost

    Common Reasons For Leaks On Flat Roofs

    A common cause of leaks on flat roofs is often flashing. Thin pieces of material that have been installed to weatherproof the roof and stop water entering at angles or joint. This flashing is normally installed around pipes and at roof edges, but it isnt always that durable. Its these sort of areas youll want to check carefully, especially to see if any of the flashing has cracks or holes in it, or if its peeling.

    This flashing and other roofing materials can suffer from heat damage over the years and may bubble or develop cracks. These cracks can also be the location of a leak.

    Once youve found an area that you think is the source of a leak you need to make sure. Many holes or cracks on your roof might just be simple wear and tear rather than actual leaks. While these could develop into leaks over time, its important that you find out for sure where your leak is coming from before you try and repair.

    Fibreglass Flat Roof Repair

    FLAT ROOF and Shingle LEAK REPAIR- How to find and fix leaks on any roof DIY

    The biggest problem a fibreglass roof experiences is cracking around the flashings and at the walls where it is sealed to the building. Damage can also be sustained at the board joints, the trim or at the upstands. The quick fix for any of these problems starts with a soapy water wash and then the application of an acrylic sealant over the crack to seal the opening. For the permanent solution, take acetone and sandpaper and grind down the damaged area. Using a chopped strand mat, you can laminate it in place, then seal it with a resin coating. Make sure to iron out the area to prevent bubbles from forming that will cause openings later. Once you have completed the process, you need to cure the area, then apply a topcoat of fibreglass to complete the repair.

    Read Also: How To Extend A Metal Roof Overhang

    To Repair Leaks Caused By Metal Flashing Around Chimneys And Dormers Simply Reseal Joints Using A Caulk Gun Filled With Roofing Cement

    Hiring a professional is a reliable way to fix a prominent leak in any type of roof. Youll also want to look for changes or discolorations along walls, ceilings and floors. Youll need to get some tools to carry out a successful fix on your leaky roof. It might seem difficult at first however, its much simpler than it appears. The drip, drip, drip of a roof leak can be unsettling and a little scary if youve never faced the situation before. But if you have a warranty, taking the vehicle to an auto dealer would be recommended.

    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. Fixing a leaking car roof problem can seem quite costly, especially if the roof damage is very obvious. The.

    There are few things more annoying than a leaky roof, and unless you want to break out the drip bucket every time you get some rain, youre going to want to fix the leak. Find the cause of the leak, and then do the right thing to fix it. Projections or penetrations such as vents, dormers and chimneys are frequent.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular