Flat roofs, like any other type of roof, do require maintenance to ensure you don’t need to have any repairs completed using scaffolding.

Traditionally easier to maintain than a regular roof, flat roofs are asphalt-based and other similar materials.

Depending on the quality of the original installation and the continued maintenance, flat roofs can last up to 50 years before they need replacing. Their lifespan is almost as long as tiled roofs, which last for up to 60 years.

We would generally recommend checking your roof every spring and autumn, plus after particularly harsh weather, such as storms, strong winds or heavy snowfall.

Fixing a flat roof

If you discover any splits, blistering or damages, the surface will need properly examining before hiring someone to fix your roof.

First, the area will need clearing of any damp or water, but if the surface has split or blistering has occurred it will need repairing.

Flat roof repairs for splitting

Splitting is quite a common problem for flat roofs, which occurs when the felt or asphalt material covering the roof suffer from cracks or tears. This does not just affect the outer appearance of the roof, plus it also allows water to get in through the gaps and into the interior of your property which results in leaks and damage from damp which can be difficult to fix.

Splits in roof material can be caused by a number of things, such as wear and tear from exposure to the elements, stresses on the material, water pooling, freeze-thawing or poor workmanship when it was initially installed.

If you have started to notice staining or the beginning signs of dampness on your ceiling or the tops of the walls inside your property underneath a flat roof, this can be a sign of splitting or other damage to the roof that is allowing water to seep in.

Ponding on flat roofs

Ponding can cause deep concave indents to occur around the roof, with stains and watermarks occurring on the inside of your property. These indents will continue to collect water, damaging material which over time allows water to begin to seep through into your home’s interior.

This is usually caused by insufficient drainage, which could be blocked drains and guttering which could be preventing the water from running away.

Regular maintenance will prevent ponding and will save you money on repairing the damage if it becomes a bigger problem.

Blistering on flat roofs

Because of the multiple layers of felt and felt substrate, air can become trapped between the layers. When this air becomes warmer, especially in the summer, flat roof maintenance is needed as air pockets begin to occur, which causes the material to bubble up.

Over time, air pockets will expand and contract with the changing temperatures that lead to the material bursting or rupturing, which tears a hole in the material. This allows water to get in between the material when it rains, causing potential dampness and water damage.

7 Ways to Maintain Your Roof

• Regularly check your roof
• Clean your roof
• Don’t stand on your flat roof
• Clear the drainage
• Prune surrounding foliage
• Check your roof after storms
• Keep a close eye on your ceiling

Talk to the scaffolding experts

If your roof does need repairing you will need scaffolding from Network Scaffold to help with the project.

Contact us now to find out more about all of our scaffolding products.