Flat roofing systems are common in the southern and southwestern United States, as no slope is needed to help with the distribution of hefty snow or ice. While flat roofs are easy to install and are often a low cost option, they are prone to certain problems, such as an increased risk of roof leaks due to the presence of standing water. Homeowners with a flat or roll roofing system can coordinate with an experienced Houston roofing company to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
The first step in maintaining flat roofs is for the homeowner to climb up to the rooftop and walk around its surface, examining it for piles of leaves or accumulated debris. Homeowners can use a soft broom to sweep off leaves, dirt and other organic matter. The general condition of the roof can be assessed and any pitted areas or depressions can be addressed.
Next, property owners should ensure that the roll roofing is properly secured to its base. Roofing nails and construction cement can be used to fix any lifted seams. The roof's drip edging should also be checked to ensure it is properly overhanging the gutters.
If any low spots are discovered, they need to be filled to reduce the risk of pooling water. Depressions in the roof's surface should be filled with tar.
The roofers from Houston Restoration Services of Houston would be happy to answer any questions you have about residential roofing or storm damage.
Before touching the tar, the homeowner should don a pair of rubber work gloves and face goggles for protection. A thick layer of tar should be painted across the depression and then either a piece of roll roofing or some asphalt shingles can be put on top of it to fill the low spot and make it even with the rest of the roof.
Once the top of the flat roof is even and has no lingering low areas, the entire surface can be covered or patched with an extra layer of roofing tar. To avoid walking on the fresh tar, a wooden plank can be laid on the roof's surface. A long handled brush can be used to spread the tar. Once the tar is ready, roof paper can be placed on top of it, followed by a second layer of the paper. A trowel is the best tool to use for adhering the paper to the viscous tar. This process helps to cover any nail heads and other imperfections. The last step in flat roof leak prevention is spreading sand across all of the areas that have been tarred. The sand will stick to the tar and create a waterproof surface.
