Autumn is here. As the temperatures fall, the number of outdoor home maintenance tasks seem to rise. Many of these tasks need finishing before the onset of winter. None being more important than ensuring your flat roof is ready for the cold and wet weather. That old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is a wise motto to live by.
After every change of season it is important to inspect your roof. Coming out of summer and into the autumn weather is especially critical. The hot sun may have caused blistering or cracking. Falling objects may have left indentations in the roof. These are all precursors to possible future leaks and need immediate attention where we can help you before they become big problems.
Fall has its own set of issues to contend with as the leaves we’ve admired on the trees start bombarding our roof. Leaves will build up on the roof and in the gutters or drains if not removed on a regular basis. The damage is twofold when it comes to leaves. If they stay on top of the roof they become wet and heavy. Their weight begins to cause low sagging spots. If they fill the gutters or drains, blockages occur. These gutters and drains now aren’t allowed to do their intended job – remove water from the roof. If this is the case contact us immediately, so we can prevent any further damage.
Water freezing, thawing and refreezing in your clogged gutters can be a costly issue. Changing temperatures cause them to contract and expand on a constant basis. This will lead to cracked or broken gutters that will need replacement in the future. Cleaning out and inspecting your gutters and drains on a regular basis is a great habit to get into, all year long. Even when leaves aren’t falling, birds and critters may build nests in your downspouts. Both of these gutter or drain problems have a tendency to then promote standing water on your flat roof.
Standing water on your flat or low sloped roof is the main issue of concern for a homeowner or business owner. This is the first sign that you have a low or sagging spot already on your roof. During a heavy rain it is normal to see a small amount of water pooling for short periods of time. The time to worry is if the water doesn’t drain completely away within 24-48 hours. At this point you will want to find a way to remove that water in a safe manner until you can repair the problem areas.
Keeping your flat roof clean and clear of any debris is the first obvious line of defense. Don’t let that pile of wet leaves mentioned above stay there, remove them. Make quick visual inspections on a regular basis. Follow up with full physical “on the roof” checkups at least four times a year. If you are in an area with heavy trees or high winds, more frequent reviews may be in order. Putting yourself on a schedule is a good idea, using the change of the seasons as a general guide.
Cleaning the roof is one of the top methods to ensure your flat roof is always in good condition. During the wet or more humid months it is common to find ugly patches on your roof. Often mold, lichen, moss and even dirt accumulate and attach themselves to your roof. They end up leaving dark, damp spots which are unpleasant to look at. If allowed to remain, they can also lead to other problems. It is usually wise to hire a professional to do a complete cleaning to ensure your roof is always at its best.
With regular maintenance and care by Sela Roofing & Remodeling, your roof should provide you with years of shelter. If you protect it, it will protect you.
