Flat roofs require a lot of regular maintenance to ensure they last a long time and avoid water infiltration. If it is repaired routinely by a professional roofing contractor, you can ensure a long, healthy and dry life for your roof. Flat roofing isn’t typically as glamorous as copper roofing for example but they still require the same levels of TLC to keep them in top shape.
How does a flat roof work?
A flat roof provides a waterproof sheet over a building consisting of multiple layers of hydrophobic materials, over a deck with a vapour barrier between. Flashing intersects the sheet to prevent water infiltration. The water is directed to drains or guttering through a slight pitch of the roof. Roll asphalt is the most durable and most expensive flat roof type available.
How long does it last?
Flat roofs that have copper elements may need them replacing due to holes that develop from acid rain and areas of metal may need to be re-soldered at times. Flat roofing made with asphalt will typically last around 10 years and is the most durable type of roofing. Because the seems are usually covered with a roofing compound such as ballast which is a mixture of coarse and fine aggregate, it makes it difficult to get to the seams for inspection and repairs.
