Many businesses, garages and even some homes in Etobicoke have flat roofs because they are useful in many ways, such as being easier to get to and giving you more space to use. But flat roofs have their own problems that might need professional repair. We at Professional Roofers Toronto have been finding and fixing all kinds of flat roof problems for years. We know how important it is to fix these problems quickly before they cause a lot of damage to your home. Roof Repair fixes leaks, damaged shingles, and other issues that can compromise your home. Timely Roof Repair helps prevent further deterioration and protects your property.
Ponding water is one of the most common problems with flat roofs. This happens when water stays on the roof for more than forty-eight hours after it rains. Flat roofs aren’t quite flat, but they don’t slope as much as pitched roofs do. This means drainage has to be carefully planned and maintained. Water can pool in low areas when drains get clogged with debris or when the roof structure settles unevenly. This standing water breaks down roofing materials faster, adds weight to the building and makes leaks more likely. We fix ponding by cleaning out drainage lines, sometimes adding more drains and in worst cases adding tapered insulation to make the slope towards the drains better.
Another common repair need is membrane damage. To make a flat roof waterproof, it usually uses membrane materials like EPDM rubber, TPO, PVC or modified bitumen. Foot traffic, fallen trees or hail can all cause these membranes to get holes in them. As the material gets older and less flexible they can tear at seams or edges. UV rays wear down roofing materials especially on flat roofs where the surface gets direct sunlight for long periods of time. When we fix membrane damage we assess how bad the condition is. You can usually patch up small holes or tears with the right materials and methods. If the damage is bigger you may need to cut out the damaged area and put in a new piece of membrane with good seal on all sides.
Many flat roof leaks are caused by seams that fail. Most membrane roofing systems are made up of big sheets that are attached together at seams. These seams are where the roof can fail. Over time adhesives can fail, seams that were welded together with heat can come apart or mechanical fasteners can come loose. We inspect seams during roof inspections because even small gaps can let water in. To fix seams you need to clean the area well, use the right adhesives or re-weld the seam and often place strips of material over the repair for extra protection.
Flashing failures can also cause leaks on flat roofs. Flashing makes sure that roof penetrations like vents, HVAC units, skylights and the edges where the roof meets walls or parapets are all watertight. Flashing can come off of surfaces, crack or get worse when exposed to the weather. Flashing failures quickly lead to leaks inside since water naturally flows towards these holes and edges. We use materials that work with your roof type to fix or replace broken flashing and make sure it works with the membrane system. Roof Replacement provides a fresh, durable roofing system when the existing one is beyond repair. Many homeowners choose Roof Replacement to improve energy efficiency and long-term performance.
As roofing materials get older they can blister and split. This can be a sign of moisture problems or material failure. When moisture or air gets trapped behind the membrane and heats up it expands and makes bubbles. These blisters can burst and let water in. As things get older they lose their flexibility and go through cycles of expanding and contracting. This causes cracks to form. We assess whether these problems can be fixed or if the roof is getting close to the end of its life and it would be cheaper to replace it.
The best way to get the most out of flat roof repairs is to fix problems as soon as they arise. If water gets into the roof system a small leak or minor damage can quickly turn into something much worse. Moisture can ruin insulation, destroy wood decking, encourage mould growth and even weaken the structure of your home over time. Regular inspections help find problems early on when fixing them is easier and cheaper.
We recommend that flat roofs in Etobicoke be inspected by a professional once a year and after bad weather. Property owners should look for signs of problems such as water stains on the ceiling inside, visible damage to the roof surface, clogged drains or gutters and any changes to the roof since the last inspection.
When you call us to fix your flat roof we get back to you right away because we know roof problems don’t wait for the right time. Before we start work we thoroughly inspect the damage, explain what repairs are needed and why and give you a transparent price. We use high quality materials for flat roofs and tried and true repair methods that last. We don’t just want to fix the leak now, we want to make sure your roof is strong and doesn’t have any further problems in the future. If your flat roof is damaged or you just want an expert opinion call us to schedule an inspection.
