The flat roof shown in this picture is an ideal candidate for repair. Faced with the cost of replacing the entire roof vs. repairing a crack that has developed on this roof, the financially smart decision is to repair the crack and get a few more years out of the roof.
At least this appears to be the most obvious decision. But first let’s deal with the repair issue itself and then we can review some of the other issues that may enter into the decision to repair the roof vs. replace the existing roof.
Flat Roof Repair Using Torch-On Methods
As the picture above shows, this technician is using a small hand torch to soften the existing rubber compound and a smoothing tool to mold the pliable rubber to seal the crack. If the existing crack is relatively small, this can be an excellent approach to resolving this issue. In cases were there is a larger crack in the roof membrane, a small patch may need to be applied to add extra material to work with. Care should be taken on several fronts.
Anytime heat is applied, there is always a danger of causing a fire. Only technicians with the experience of this kind of work should attempt these repairs. In the process of molding the existing rubber, it is important also to avoid thinning the rubber compound too much making it susceptible to future cracks in this same area. Adding extra compound or patching material can solve this problem if applied correctly.
Repairs of this type can be made relatively easily and inexpensively add years to your roof and avoid the much more expensive alternative of a roof replacement or re-coating. There are other issues to consider before you decide to take the flat roof repair approach.
Other Considerations of Flat Roof Repair
The primary motivation to repair a roof is to defer cash flow into future years. Repairs to your roof will do this providing other issues do not develop. For example if you have noticed this crack due to your monthly or semi-annual roof inspection and you are dealing with the issue in a prompt manner, then damage to the underlying roof support structure can be minimized.
On the other hand if this crack in the roof was found as a result of water leaking into your building, further assessment is needed. When roofs leak water travels along support beams etc and may not be noticeable for some time. The water observation may also not indicate the actual source of the leak as well so further investigation is needed. Roofs that have been leaking for some time unnoticed can cause collateral damage to insulation, to supporting beams and even to company goods stored under this area.
Mold can develop in the insulation, the insulation can lose it’s insulating value and the roof support structure can soften and lose strength. Once these things occur, you have a much more serious problems to deal with than just repairing a crack in the roof. Before you embark on a flat roof repair like the one in the picture, ask a local contractor such as the Dale Enterprises Group to properly evaluate the situation and make a recommendation.
There is no value in repairing a flat roof, only to find that you must deal with a mold problem or poor insulation due to it being wet. It is often better to do the right long term job up front to ensure that your business continuity is not jeopardized. Can you imagine if you had to shut down or move temporarily while mold and wet insulation is removed!
How To Minimize the Need for Flat Roof Repairs
Regular monitoring of your flat roof’s condition is a must. Checks once a month or every quarter is the best way to avoid the issues we mentioned above. Obviously your maintenance people should be checking for cracks or the beginning of a crack. Sometimes bubbles form in the roof membrane which are also indicators of problems about to occur. Dealing with these promptly will ensure that no damage to the underlying insulation etc. will occur.
If there is standing water on your roof, this is also a problem waiting to happen. Check for debris that might be blocking the water from draining and clear this debris away. Always check the gutters and clean them as required. In situations were the slope of the roof is insufficient to drain the water, other measures may need to be considered. Some customers have resorted to installing small pumps to remove water which are triggered by the presence of water on the roof.
Always avoid walking on the roof as much as possible. Obviously some human traffic is required to check the roof, however avoiding walking on any roof is always a smart thing to do.
The Dale Enterprises Group is a local contractor in the Calgary area. They have been in business for over 8 years and are rated highly by the BBB as a company that stands behind their products and their work. Give them a call today to discuss any repair work you may need on your flat roof. They will evaluate the situation and make the best recommendation give the condition of your roof.