In Mississauga, flat roofs are common on commercial buildings, garages and some homes. They are useful because it’s easy to get to the roof for maintenance and can be used for other things. Flat roofs have different features and lifespans than sloped roofs. Eventually every flat roof will need to be replaced, that’s the best option. We at Professional Roofers Toronto are experts at replacing flat roofs and know all the problems and things to consider that comes with these types of roofs. 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.
Knowing when to replace your flat roof instead of doing more repairs will save you money and prevent your house from getting seriously damaged. There are several obvious signs that replacement is the way to go. Age is a big factor because different flat roofing materials are expected to last between 15 to 30 years. When your roof is near or past that point, it’s usually better to replace it than to spend money on repairs for a system that’s almost at the end of its life. If a lot of the roof is damaged not just a few trouble spots, it means the whole system is failing. If leaks keep coming back even after repairs, it means there are problems that patching can’t fix. If you can see sagging, water that stays on the roof for more than 48 hours after it rains or soft spots when you walk on the roof, these are all signs of structural problems that needs to be fixed right away.
The first step in the replacement process is to carefully inspect and evaluate your current roof. We look at more than just the membrane surface that you can see. We also look at the insulation, vapour barriers and roof decking underneath it. Water damage goes deeper than what you can see from above. We need to find all the damaged materials so your new roof will work properly. We can give you accurate figures and realistic dates for your project because of this thorough assessment.
There are many materials that work well for flat roofs and each has its own benefits. Modified bitumen is made up of sheets of asphalt that can be applied with a torch, cold or self-adhesive. It’s strong and weatherproof and not too expensive. Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a single-ply membrane that is white or light-colored and is known for reflecting solar heat and not ripping or tearing easily. EPDM rubber roofing is a popular choice for many uses because it’s economical, lasts long and keeps water out. PVC roofing is the best choice for commercial buildings with rooftop equipment or chemicals because it lasts longer, is more chemical resistant and has very strong seam welds. We help property owners in Mississauga choose the right material for their needs, building codes and budget.
Proper drainage is a very important part of replacing a flat roof. Even though they are called “flat roofs”, they need to have little slopes to divert water to drains, scuppers or gutters. Water that sits on the roof breaks down roofing materials faster, adds too much weight to the building and greatly increases the chance of leaks. Where we repair something, we make sure there is enough drainage by changing slopes where necessary, installing new or better drainage systems and placing roof penetrations so they don’t create low spots where water can gather.
When replacing a flat roof, insulation should be given a lot of thought. Building energy codes are getting stricter all the time and getting a new roof is a great opportunity to improve your insulation to meet or exceed current standards. Better insulation reduces heating and cooling costs, makes the inside more comfortable and can even make the roof last longer by reducing temperature changes that puts stress on roofing materials. We can suggest insulation options that are up to code and will save you money on energy costs, which is a good ROI. 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.
The process of replacing the roof usually takes a few days but this depends on the size, complexity and weather. We start by removing the old roofing materials until we get to the structural deck. This allows you to inspect the decking and structural components and replace any that are damaged. Then we install new insulation if it’s part of your project. Next we install the roofing membrane using the right method for the material you choose. Finally we install or replace flashing around all roof edges, transitions and penetrations to make the roof completely waterproof.
Weather has a big impact on when flat roofs can be replaced. Most roofing materials need to be installed in dry weather since moisture trapped can cause big problems later. We monitor the weather forecast and may have to adjust our plans if it looks like rain is coming. When buildings are occupied we plan our work to cause minimal disruption to normal activities.
We know that replacing a flat roof is a big investment in your home at Professional Roofers Toronto. We give you written estimates that itemize all the costs. We use high quality materials from well-known companies and hire installers who are experienced and know how to do the job well for each type of roof. We offer warranty on both the materials and the work we do so you can be sure your investment is protected. If your flat roof in Mississauga needs to be replaced, call us for a professional assessment and a full quote.
