Flat roofs are good for business buildings, garages and homes in Mississauga because they are easier to get to and have usable rooftop space. But the way flat roofs are built makes them harder to work with which can cause problems that need to be fixed by an expert. We at Professional Roofers Toronto have a lot of experience finding and fixing all kinds of flat roof problems. We know how important it is to fix these problems right away before they get worse and cost more to fix.
One of the most common issues we see on flat roofs is water pooling. This happens when water stays on the roof for more than 48 hours after it stops raining. Flat roofs aren’t really level but they don’t slope as much as pitched roofs so proper drainage is crucial. When leaves and other debris block drains or when the roof settles unevenly over time, water can collect in low areas. Standing water breaks down roofing materials faster, adds weight to the building and makes it easier for leaks to form. To fix ponding we clear out blocked drainage systems. In some cases we add new drains to areas that are having trouble. In more serious cases we add tapered insulation layers to slope the roof and send water to the drains. A Roof Inspection helps identify wear, damage, and potential issues before they become costly problems. Regular Roof Inspection services ensure your roofing system stays safe and reliable.
Another problem we fix is membrane damage. Membrane materials like EPDM rubber, TPO, PVC or modified bitumen are used to make the waterproof barrier that protects your building on a flat roof. Foot traffic, sharp objects, falling trees or hail hitting these membranes can all cause holes to form. They can rip at seams or edges especially as the fabrics get older and less flexible. Roofing materials break down over time when exposed to UV rays for a long time. This is especially true for flat roofs which get direct sunlight all day. When we fix membrane damage we assess how bad the condition is. We can usually patch up small holes or tears. For bigger damaged areas we may need to cut out the damaged area and put in new membrane making sure to seal all edges tightly to keep water out.
Seam failures are a common cause of leaks on flat roofs. Most membrane systems are made up of big sheets that are connected at seams. These seams are where the system can be weak. Over time adhesives can lose their strength, seams that are heat-welded can come apart or mechanical fasteners can come loose. We check seams very carefully when we look at roofs since even small holes can let water in which can cause a lot of damage inside. To fix seams you need to clean the area well, use the right adhesives or re-weld the connection and usually put reinforcing strips over the repair to make it last longer and offer more protection.
Flashing issues often cause leaks on flat roofs. Flashing makes sure water can’t get through roof penetrations like vents, HVAC equipment, skylights and the margins where the roof meets vertical walls or parapets. Flashing can peel away from surfaces because of thermal movement, break because of age and weathering or just get worse with time. Flashing failures quickly generate leaks inside that harm ceilings, walls and things inside the building since water naturally flows towards these penetrations and edges. We fix or replace broken flashing with materials that work with your roof type and make sure it fits in with the membrane system for long lasting protection.
If your roof is blistering or splitting it could be because the materials are getting old or there is moisture underneath. When moisture or air gets trapped under the membrane and heats up in the sun it causes blisters that are elevated. These blisters can eventually break apart and let water in. As materials get older they become less flexible and expand and contract over and over again because of temperature changes. This causes cracks to form. We assess whether these problems can be fixed without costing too much or if they mean the roof is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced instead. Roof Maintenance extends the life of your roof by addressing minor concerns early and preventing major repairs. Consistent Roof Maintenance keeps your home protected year-round.
Fixing problems with flat roofs as soon as they start to happen is the best way to get the most value out of them. A small leak or minor damage can quickly get worse once water gets into the roof system. Moisture can damage insulation, destroy wood decking, encourage mold growth and even weaken the structure of your property over time. Regular expert inspections help find problems while they are still small and cheap to fix.
At Professional Roofers Toronto we recommend flat roofs in Mississauga be inspected by a professional once a year and after bad weather. Property owners should look for warning signs between professional visits. These include water stains on ceilings, visible damage to the roof, clogged drains or gutters and any changes in the roof’s appearance or function. When you call us to fix your flat roof we get back to you right away because roof problems only get worse with time. Before we start work we assess the damage, explain what needs to be fixed and why and give you a quote. We use high quality materials made for flat roofs and tried and true methods that give long lasting results not quick fixes.
