For property owners, be it commercial or residential, it is very important to closely monitor its condition. Flat roofs have a design that generally requires more work that any type of roofing. As much as it is simple to build, a flat roof needs regular maintenance and inspections to ensure everything is okay.
You need to understand how difficult it is to make decisions as to whether you need to replace flat roof or if a few minor repairs will be enough. In this blog post, we outline issues that will be warning signs telling you time has come to completely replace your flat roof.
How Long does a Flat Roof Typically Last?
Flat roofs, which mostly come with a 10 to 20 year warranty can last up to 20 years if properly installed. The traditional hot tar gravel roof is built from several plies of waterproof components alternated with tar and sealed by a layer of smooth river stone. The lifespan of a flat roof depends on;
- The materials covering it
- How it is maintained
- The type of flat roof materials its made up of
When do I Know if I Need to Replace my Flat Roof?
As mentioned earlier, it can be challenging to determine whether to repair flat roof or replace it. These are the signs that you should look out for. When the roof develops holes or you start experiencing leaks, you should replace it. You will notice that your roof is leaking when you see a discoloration in the ceiling.
It is often caused by the moisture that penetrated and built up below the layers. Additionally, you will have to replace flat roof when you notice that large roof panels are disintegrating. When in that state, roofs need a complete overhaul.
What are the characteristics of a good roof?
A good roof, like the ones we make, should have a long lasting beauty. It should have an appealing look that fits well with your home. A good roof maintains its beauty for a long time of over 20 years.
Go for roofs that include a special warranty that offers guarantee coverage throughout the warranty period. While some companies won’t give you special warranties, we give you a special one that covers your roof for a long time.
Is It Expensive to Get a Flat Roof Replacement?
No, flat roofs can be replaced at very affordable prices. In Canada ,the average cost of replacing a flat roof is $5-10 per sq foot. Therefore, installing a simple 1,600 square foot flat roof will cost around $8000. The cost of replacing a flat roof depends on;
- The material you choose
- The size of your roof
How Long does it take to Replace a Flat Roof?
The amount of time spent on replacing a flat roof mainly depends on the materials used. The average time spent on replacing a flat roof is between 3-10 days. Hire experts that are highly experienced and will ensure the entire process is done in the shortest time possible. We have highly skilled technicians that will deliver an excellent job.
How to Know whether a Flat Roof Needs a Repair or a Complete Replacement – FAQs
What is the Best Material for a Flat Roof?
There are several materials that work perfectly on flat roofs. Metal, for instance, is one of the common material for flat roofs. When properly maintained, it can last for over 35 years. One of its advantages is that it reflects sunlight, bringing down the cost of energy.
How do you stop a flat roof from leaking?
There are a number of ways you can stop a flat roof from leaking. Remove the debris and dry the area. Then identify the damaged area, cut it off and apply roofing cement.
Is it easy to install a flat roof yourself?
Following the right directions and guidelines, you can easily install a flat roof without experts. You will however need the help of your friend or neighbor, given the difficulty that comes with lifting and assembling the flat roof.
